Anne of Green Gables

In a time when people are estranged from their families, friends, and society, we see a child navigating what it means to belong in a home and a community. We see her discover and name people as kindred spirits. Towards the end of the novel, Anne tells Marilla, “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” The “bend in the road” is an image Montgomery explored in her novels and photography. This image represents hope to me. At the end of the novel, Anne says, “When I left Queen’s, my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes-what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows-what new landscapes-what new beauties-what curves and hill and valleys further on.” This hope illuminates from children’s souls into the world. The qualities Anne lives are those that I also value and embody imagination, creativity, hope, and friendship.