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Copywork
About This Passage
Marilla's plain, halting acceptance reveals the woman beneath the brusqueness: she takes Anne not from sentiment but from duty, owning her own inexperience, 'I'll make a terrible mess of it,' yet resolving to 'do my best.' Copying it lets students study how short, blunt sentences can carry quiet moral courage.
I’ve been thinking over the idea until I’ve got kind of used to it. It seems a sort of duty. I’ve never brought up a child, especially a girl, and I dare say I’ll make a terrible mess of it. But I’ll ...
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Reconstruct the chapter's movement: the arrival at Mrs. Spencer's, the explanation of the mix-up, Mrs. Blewett's offer, Marilla's decision, and the talk with Matthew.
Discussion Questions
- When Anne arrives at Mrs. Spencer's, the usually voluble child sits 'smilelessly' under 'a blight.' What does this uncharacteristic silence reveal about what Anne fears, and why might dread overcome her here? Use details from the chapter.
- Montgomery renders hope's return as 'a sunrise' on Anne's face, her eyes 'bright as morning stars.' Why might the author choose dawn imagery for this turn, and what does that choice make the reader feel? Use details from the chapter.
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Vocabulary Builder
Item 1
In a way that accepts something reluctantly.
Item 2
More than is needed; excess.
Item 3
Carelessness; failure to pay attention.
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Critical Thinking
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