Anne of Green Gables — Chapter 6

About This Passage

This is the novel's moral turning point rendered in a single compound sentence. Montgomery moves from visual perception ('looked at Anne') through emotional response ('softened') to moral conviction ('would haunt her to her dying day'). The metaphor of the trap — Anne as a creature re-caught — transforms a social situation into something primal. The dash introduces the extended metaphor almost as an afterthought, as if Marilla's own consciousness is discovering the comparison in real time.

Narration Prompt

In your own words, tell the story of this chapter. What were the most important moments? What made them important — and how do you know?

Discussion Questions

1. Marilla decides to keep Anne not because she WANTS to, but because she cannot bear the guilt of sending her to Mrs. Blewett. Is a decision made to avoid guilt the same as a decision made from love? What in the story helps you decide?
2. Mrs. Blewett evaluates Anne as 'wiry' and expects her to 'earn her keep.' Compare this to how Matthew described Anne in Chapter 4: 'such an interesting little thing.' What is the difference between seeing a child as useful and seeing a child as interesting — and why does it matter?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide