Lucy Maud Montgomery`s Anne of Green Gables

Introduction

Lucy Maud Montgomery was born in Prince Edward Island, Canada, in 1874. Her mother passed away before little Maud was two years old, and she was sent to be raised by her maternal grandparents, whom she later characterized as stern and reserved. When she was six, her father left the Island to begin a new life in western Canada. Maud lived with his second family in Saskatchewan for a year during her mid-teens but returned to PEI after realizing that her stepmother valued her primarily as unpaid domestic labor.

Education and Early Career

Montgomery trained as an educator and taught in various Island communities until 1898, when she returned to Cavendish after the loss of her grandfather, to ensure that her grandmother could remain in the family home. These experiences clearly influenced the story of Anne of Green Gables, published by the firm of L.C. Page in Boston in 1908. The book quickly became an international bestseller. In 1911, after the death of her grandmother, she married the Presbyterian minister Ewan Macdonald and moved with him to Leaskdale, Ontario. The Macdonalds had two sons—Chester and Stuart. Despite the multiple demands on her time, Montgomery consistently wrote, producing not only twenty novels but also numerous short stories and poems.

Impact on Children's Literature

When we talk about literature, Montgomery's name is invariably attached to children's literature. Children's literature plays a significant role in the development of literature itself. It is something that captivates not only children but also adults. One of the literary works considered as a pioneer in children's literature is Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

The Story of Anne

Anne of Green Gables tells the story of a red-haired, spirited girl who is adopted by two siblings to help them manage their farm. Anne is a clever girl who loves to imagine and dream. The book also explores how Anne Shirley faces numerous challenges that are completely different from what she experienced while staying in the orphanage. This book is rich with moral values that are important for us to remember as we navigate our lives. Montgomery's portrayal of Anne's journey provides a lens through which readers can examine themes of belonging, resilience, and the power of imagination.

Themes and Analysis

In this novel, we witness Anne's loneliness, which made her imagination the center of her power. When she was first adopted, she was treated more like a servant or housemaid than an adopted child. The siblings initially wanted Anne to work for them without pay, assisting in raising the children and managing household chores. Anne's resilience and imagination eventually transform her life and the lives of those around her. Her story serves as a reminder of the strength and creativity that can emerge from solitude and adversity.

Conclusion

Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables remains a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire readers of all ages. Through Anne's adventures and challenges, Montgomery invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the values they hold dear.

References

Montgomery, L. M. (1908). Anne of Green Gables. L.C. Page & Company.

Epperly, E. E. (1992). The Fragrance of Sweet-Grass: L.M. Montgomery’s Heroines and the Pursuit of Romance. University of Toronto Press.