Keeping in mind the ever changing opinions readers continue to have about Anne of Green Gables, the consensus is still that it is an enjoyable coming of age story. That said, if I were to pick a specific aspect of the novel that resonates most strongly with today's readers, I would have to note the language in with Montgomery chooses to portray Anne's relationship with Matthew and Marilla.

It really is two separate relationships- Matthew's and Anne's, and Marilla's and Anne's. Through observing each others ways, though, both Matthew and Marilla come to value Anne's presence in very similar ways. Both possess such unconditional love for Anne that they cannot imagine their years without her. This is after Anne's strict upbringing by Marilla at Green Gables but also after her spoiling by Matthew.

Keeping Anne's relationships with her caretakers in mind, I think the novel portrays the girl (and later) young woman very favorably. Although I'm sure feminists would take issue with some of the actions Marilla and her peers took to raise Anne, women cannot deny that Anne's character grows and matures into a much less dated female character. Earning a scholarship to attend a four-year college after having lived in others' homes to care for their children- at 11 years old no less- is quite an achievement. Most importantly, however, is that Anne may not have grabbed at and received such opportunities if she hadn't learned from both Marilla and Matthew.

I would've enjoyed this novel as a young girl, I'm sure, however reading it over the past few days I've gained a much sharper understanding of not only Anne's relationships with Matthew and Marilla, but her many others with friends like Mrs. Allan and Diana.

It’s not entirely unthinkable that in this mouse-clicking, high-speed traveling, globally conscious modern society L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables still resonates strongly with readers. It’s a feel-good pastoral, complete with a set of moral lessons and a cast of “common folk,” living uncomplicated, green-pastured lives. Anne’s charm and staying power comes almost directly from that which seems to bar its entrance into academia: a sense of nostalgia for “the simple life.”

This nostalgic simplicity reminded me of the tradition of the “romans-de-la-terre” that we discussed in class. Anne of Green Gables seems as though it would fit right in to that category, particularly with the inclusion of Marilla, who represents most directly the traditions and values of the rural lifestyle encouraged by the Church. Marilla’s character is also representative of the Church’s suspicion of fiction, resulting in a literature and a reading audience obsessed with true stories. However, Anne’s character stands in direct defiance of those values and traditions, and is a living, breathing incarnation of all that is fictional and imagined, resulting in a tension within the community. It seems to me as though Anne’s tension with the community, as well as with Marilla, is representative of the tension that writers of fiction experienced with the church and their reading audience. Marilla Cuthbert and the majority of Avonlea citizens, like the Church, advocate hard work and do not hold in high regard anything that is not real. They advocate censorship and holding one’s tongue. Anne is totally uncensored, and half of what comes out of her mouth is made up.

I think the book takes on an even greater depth when viewed through a feminist lens. It occurred to me, as I was reading, that the story is almost entirely monosocial; the vast majority of the characters are female. The few important male characters are Matthew Cuthbert, who is afraid of women and eventually dies, and Gilbert Blythe, who is Anne’s biggest rival. Though at the end we suspect Gilbert’s romantic interest in Anne throughout the novel, Anne resists him until the very end, where she only concedes to friendship. It seems as though Anne’s first love, for whom she feels the most passionately, is her best friend, Diana Barry, and the biggest influences on her character are women (Marilla, the minister’s wife, the schoolteacher.) This all congeals into a sort of matriarchal society, in which the most important relationships are between females, the most influential characters female, and the males all nearly irrelevant bystanders and onlookers.

I believe that Anne's sense of independence and free spirit resonate most strongly with contemporary young readers today. Anne manages to assert herself as a fiercely independent girl in direct contrast with the overly scrupulous and basic education of the day. The Protestant moral education impedes the progress of any individual, but particularly females hoping to break free of the mold. Anne hopes to do more than serve a "life sentence" as a house wife occupying the rest of her days with domestic chores. While she may begin the novel lacking certain discretion in her perspective, she develops into a ambitious and well-rounded young woman with her sights set firmly on the future. She leads her class at university in Charlottetown and is a pleasure to have around Green Gables.

The gap between Anne's choice to become a teacher and Diana Barry's choice(or maybe her parent's choice) to stay in Avonlea and help around the house shows that Anne wants to shatter the stereotype of the day. While teaching was the most common occupation for a woman of the day, the level at which Anne controls her schoolhouse and later university studies is certainly not common. Even after Matthew dies, Anne still plans to keep up with her elected studies while in Avonlea teaching school. She truly has an insatiable passion for knowledge and aims to continue to learn to the fullest extent.

Looking at this book through a feminist lens, Anne serves as the counterexample to the standard Protestant view of women. Under the teachings of the religion, women fail to completely develop their intellectual potential by being taught that many intellectual activities prove superfluous and obstruct the purest path to salvation and God. Adherers to the religion would not elect to clutter their heads with such seemingly "trifling" matters. The imagination is looked upon in a detrimental light and progress overall remains impeded. Anne chooses a path that runs counter to any of these beliefs, eventually securing a place in a four year university program in Halifax. Feminists would view Anne as an example to the progress that women have made over time and may cite Anne as a model to follow.

The simplistic nature of AofGG sent me in search of a magnifying glass without which the extrapolation of a feminist literary criticism would have been a difficult task.

A remote Canadian village in the early 1900's, prior to the woman's vote, is the setting. That an orphan boy child to work on the farm was requested was not fantasy-just a fact of life. However, "the mistake"-a girl not a boy, was the author's manipulation which set the tone for her tale.

The era, as viewed from the feminist literary perspective was a time when feminist concern was primarily with authorship and the condition of women in literature. Green Gables gets high marks. Montgomery, as a woman writing created a community reflecting a real-life variety of females. Each was carefully depicted in her role and none were less than feminist acceptable.

Ann/Anne, whose story it is, is unique. Montgomery captured the essence of the precocious "orphan girl." A child/adult capable of wonderment & love of life. Raised to 'shoulder' responsibility & be accountable, Ann/Anne encapsulated all that was good, projecting it in a saucy and direct manner-never bold, unkind or nasty, simply Annish!

Perhaps Ann/Anne's search for 'a friend, a kindred spirit' is the innocent plea which has resonated beyond the Canadian, Prince Edward Island shores. Perhaps the extension of feminism as a feminist theory into the disciplines of sociology or psychoanalysis may unveil the explanation of this world-wide interest and pleasure derived from Green Gables.

I read somewhere that Ann/Anne's character, enveloping common sense, innocense, spirit & her joy in life is "an icon for attaining our dreams & the essence of hope."

My personal experience with AofGG was the pleasure of reading a delightful story, embracing kindness and personal growth, displaying 'practical based' prejudice (boy orphan for farm work), natural feminism without rancour, and show-casing a feisty protagonist, a girl and written by female.

For being such a time specific novel, the novel transcends time and place very well. I found myself reading the novel as a young girl and after re-reading it the semester the feelings that were aroused were quite the same. If I am to investigate my own feelings about the story line I think the first feature that I might claim as resonating and I believe resonates with other readers, are the characters. Anne is lovable because she is different and unique, but mainly because we can all identify with her. I don’t necessarily believe this is a different feature that readers love about the story. While Anne lived in a very different world then we might see today, her imagination and energy are still relevant. I would say that Anne’s spirit is one of the most prominent features that young women love the story for. Marilla and Matthew are characters that may not be found in most of our lives, but they are characters that might be symbolically represented in many of our lives. Marilla represents the hard loving strict, but caring guardian. While Matthew represents the soft spoken, but genuine authority figure that has your back when the stricter one gets over bearing. I love this book as many do, because its like many other fiction novels that create characters that are enjoyable and where we want to be a part of them.

Story line aside, I think that the novel does exemplify gender roles in a negative way. It seems that all female characters are expected to be uneducated ladies where their most important trait is to run a successful household. While I don’t agree with these roles I do have a strong understanding that these roles came from another time, a time where these roles were very much ingrained as reality. I think that this portrayal should be taken with a grain of salt.

In regards to the gender issue, I think it is important to take into account the time period in which the novel was written. The second waves of the feminist movements which took place in the 1960's and 70's and 90's brought about new ideas regarding female rights, femininity, and the portrayal and role of the female as a gender group. Although early feminist movements existed during the time the novel was written, they were considerably less radical. Having that said I think a feminist interpretation of the novel varies depending on the time period in which it was read. In contemporary times, I can certainly see how feminists would be offended by the portrayal of women in the book (expected roles, etc..) However, considering the time period in which the book was written, it's my guess that the novel would of received much less of a feminist critique following its release than in contemporary times. Gender roles and expectations in the early 20th are considerably different than those in contemporary times and therefore should be interpreted with carefully.

I would have to say the imagination and pureness of Anne is what really has influenced the readers, especially woman readers young and old. For the younger readers, especially young girls, they can relate to the struggle to behave, to struggle to be adult, but still yearn to be imaginative, and see the world as others may not. As we saw with Anne, she wanted to badly to appear proper and ladylike in the eyes of Marilla, but also, to see the romantic side of life, and to escape the world through her imagination. I feel like this struggle can relate to a young girl’s struggle to want to grow up, but yearn to keep the innocence she possesses.

For me, a young adult reader of this novel, it reminded me of my own innocence, and brought me back to a time when my imagination seemed to be the only thing I had. It reminded me of how easy it was to view the world with such optimism. What resonates with me is how Anne of Green Gables almost made me feel somewhat nostalgic. I might not have named trees or lakes when I was a young girl, but I could see goodness in almost anything and anyone, and creativity would sore from my imagination into the world around me.

For a young reader, I hope this book influences them to not fully lose their youth, and the innocence that goes along with it. And for readers such as myself, I hope optimism will come more easily when you view the world around you.

From a feminist standpoint I would say that the women are portrayed in such a way as to show strength and independence. They are not weak and needy. They are self-sufficient. For example, Marilla, who has never been married, it a proper, strong woman character in the book, who tries to instill the same notions into Anne. Anne, as seen with her relationship with Gilbert, and specifically the scene where she hits him over the head with her writing tablet, does not allow a man to belittle her, and does not let the idea of a “proper young lady” stand in her way of fighting back. Also, with Mrs. Rachael, there is very little talk of her husband in the novel. She does not need her husband’s presence to define who she is.
However, I would also say from a feminist standpoint, that Anne has too much concern over her red hair and fashion, that is, “puffy sleeves”. If I was a feminist, I would want Anne to accept what she is given, what she was born with. I would want to her to not pester over such materialistic things, and celebrate her strength, creativity and independence above all.

I would say L.M. Montgomery's novel resonates with young women readers in particular for a couple of reasons. To begin with the main protagonist, Anne Shirley, is a bright, precocious young thing and seems to be bucking the societal conventions of her time. She is painted as an intelligent extrovert who is not ashamed or afraid of her smarts, but rather proud and eager to excercise them. Furthermore, the vast majority of the main character's of "Anne of Green Gables" are women. They are not all perfect and not all ideal models for young women to look up to, but the very fact that they stand out on the page so much more than any of the male characters emphasizes the idea that perhaps women are as important, if not more important than men.

I am not that familiar with 'feminist criticism', but if I was to hazard a guess I would say that looking at the actual novel through the lens of a feminist critique would not be academically fruitful in the sense that looking at one of, say, Sylvia Plath's novel would be. I say this because I cannot help but viewing "Anne of Green Gables" as a sweet, breezy novel of youth and good things. It is well written and interesting, but for me lacks the thematic spine that would yield results to an academic-type critique. On the other hand, if one was to look through the lens of feminist criticism at the context in which the book was written and published I think there is loads of interesting stuff that could be found.

I think the most intriguing element of Anne of Green Gables, that attracts readers of all ages, is Anne's ability to turn anything into a mystical day dream. I can remember as a little girl, that i would always look out the car window on long trips and pretend that i lived in what ever field or farm house we were passing and think about what i would do there and how my life would be. Most people, i believe can relate to this idea of turning the world around you, no matter how boring or colorless it is, into something magical like Anne does. Reading this story brings us back to that age where you didn't need tv or a board game to entertain yourself, all you needed was a bosom friend who was just as weird as you were to run around your backyard pretending you were princesses or squirrels or something equally as fun. Another thing that i would think readers would love is the struggle that Anne goes through to try and fit into the community and become a "nice little girl". When you are given a character like Anne, with all her little quarks and fantastic rants, the last thing you want to see is her change who she is. This story holds true to the idea that you must remain true to yourself to find happiness. It is the best feeling ever when a character you've connected with on what ever level, especially an odd character such as Anne finds her niche and is truly happy and L.M. Montgomery delivers just that.

Looking at this novel from the eyes of a feminist, i can see where the roles woman are not depicted in the brightest light. Marilla really pushes Anne to conform to the acts that a good girl would perform. Making her quilt, cook, serve tea just right and boil towels instead of letting her daydream or play outside or talk to Matthew. However during the time the novel was written i feel that stereotypical roles of woman we not seen as degrading as they would be now. My mom never makes me cook, in fact i had to call her tonight and ask her to figure out what i should cook with the 10 items i had to my name in our kitchen. This novel also places gender roles on men as well so i tend to lean towards the idea that these roles at the time were much more accepted and followed without care. And Anne does seem in some sense to enjoy entertaining and keeping a good home as seen in the scene where Diana gets drunk. Anne was not the best host, serving alcohol with out knowing but no the less she had been very happy to get to through a nice dinner.

After reading Anne of Green Gables, there a few different aspects of the novel that have stuck with me. As we discussed in class, I think the most profound aspect for me personally, was LLM’s use of the land and imagery in shaping her characters. Anne’s vivid descriptions of settings, and her explanation of the places she visits (both imaginary and real) seem to bring the reader closer to the setting in which the story takes place. Furthermore, I also think it’s impossible not to recognize the different relationships throughout the story. Particularly Marilla and Matthew’s. While Marilla and Matthew seem somewhat reserved at the start of the story, both characters are transformed and changed. These changes are largely due to Anne’s actions (mistakes, social events, schooling) which in turn really makes this book all about Anne. In fact, that is another aspect of the story that sticks out for me. While the book contains so many different characters, Anne seems to the the most powerful, intriguing, and fascinating character throughout the play. Although her physical appearance seems to change throughout the play, her personality stays the same throughout the entire play. Her imagination, willingness to work, and outlook on life is only strengthened as the book progresses. In the end, we see Anne making the ultimate sacrifice. In sacrificing her schooling, Anne is the “glue” that holds Marilla together. The relationship between these two women seems to display the power of women as well.
I hadn’t really thought to look at the book from a feminist standpoint. After reading the book, and discussing in class, it becomes clear that feminism plays a huge role in the books development (characters, setting, relationships). For example. we discussed how Matthew is the only prominent male figure throughout the book. And while he is a central character throughout the book, he seems to be somewhat reserved. At times, it seems as if Marilla possesses all the power, while Matthew is simply there to support Anne in a way that has less of an impact on Anne’s character. To me, it seems as if Matthew’s character is transformed by Anne, but Anne’s character is not changed so much by Matthew. The women characters in general, seem to be strong individuals, all changing Anne’s life in some way on another. Also, the end of the book concludes with Anne and Marilla making it together, with the absence of Matthew, not surprisingly a male character. It seems as if Matthew had to die in order for this feminist reading of the book to remain intact.

There are many aspects of Anne of Green Gables that resonate with readers today. The very first thing that jumped out to me was the romantic notions of nature and their natural surroundings. More and more we're becoming a globalized, mechanized world and there are few writers that can truly write about their surroundings as Montgomery did. Her outstanding ability to write what she saw on PEI through the narrative and through Anne's childish eye, conveys the love that she had for that land. Another aspect, which is impossible to overlook, is the powerful imagination that Anne has - especially in contrast to her social obligations and expectations. Not only was Montgomery able to capture life from Anne's perspective, she portrayed Anne's struggle to be a 'lady' in Marilla's standards. This aspect resonates so profoundly because as readers we are able to witness the growth and optimism present with Anne's never-ending imagination. Having imaginary friends helped her grow into a confident woman. Having imaginary names for people and places help expand her mind and vocabulary (oh the vocabulary she had!) to prepare her for her studies to come. Although we see the initial fire of her imagination dwindle by the end of the book, we watch her passion for education and teaching ignite, inspiring to all.

Feminist critiques can go lots of different ways on a subject such as AoGG. Yet it is hard to surpass the obvious emphasis on women in this book. It could be argued that Anne is demeaned by being expected to behave according to gendered social norms. Though I think it important to point out (as we touched on in class) the significance of the many relationships we witnessed between women. These were strong relationships, empowering to read as a woman. As we talked about in class, I think many of the men that critiqued it might have missed something; Women critiquing women literature pulls out much more emotion and a better ability to relate to the book and it’s characters.

Anne of Green Gables is an incredibly imaginative and captivating novel for readers of all ages. One of the main reasons this work still resonates with readers today is because it is able to communicate the need for improved feminine social status in a simple, eloquent and imaginative way that can be applied to situations facing young women in any era. Anne’s inquisitive nature and limitless imagination effectively compels the reader to understand the happiness and enlightenment that can be achieved when the freedom to express is gained. This novel is also timeless because of the relationship that develops between Anne, Marilia and Mathew. The growth that we see in all of these characters and in their relationship together highlights the importance of family and loving comfort. Without Anne’s presence and relatively unbound imagination the family would be far less cohesive and much more mundane. From the feminist perspective this novel is very progressive. Through Anne’s character L.M. Montgomery is able to make powerful points on the unimportance of beauty and the incredible importance of imagination, creativity and higher cognitive ability. Also, Anne’s character allows young women to understand that breaking through stereotypes is not easy, but when they are overcome certain ideas can be exposed that were once sheltered by oppression. Overall readers of all generations can come to understand the importance of equality and the miraculous progress that is achieved when women and men play on the same level field.

I think that no matter how much young girls change from generation to generation there are some aspects of a girl’s life growing up that will always be the same. Montgomery’s book has had such a lasting influence because of its ability to capture some of these. I think the aspect Montgomery most successfully captures is a child’s appreciation of her imagination. Anne is able to grow and mature through her difficult life with the help of her imagination. Whether it is in nature, books, or even computer games and virtual reality of today, young people have always found an outlet and a haven in their imaginations. When a young girl reads about Anne’s adventures, friendships, and dreams that all occur solely due to her imaginative ability, it resonates the same type of fun and solace she finds in her own imagination.

I think that Montgomery goes beyond just speaking about young girls lives, however, in her novel. The lives of the adult women in the story demonstrate a great deal about the gender roles of the time. The social structure of the town appears to be based entirely on the values and opinions of women. They are the domestic, social, religious, and moral authority of the town. Although there are a few male characters, their roles seem to be played secondary to their female equivalents. Mrs. Rachel and Mrs. Barry’s husbands are barely present. Even Matthew, whose role in the novel is undeniably important, usually heeds to Marilla’s will and decisions.

I mentioned this in class, but I think the main reason that Anne of Green Gables continues to be enjoyed in society is the twist it contains on the traditional Bildungsroman. Instead of conforming to the strict foreign society’s rules and traditions, Anne in AoGG changes the society around her and teaches them to cherish the whimsical desires of a young girl – something that would be very appealing for other young female readers. This was my initial impression of my book (this was my first time reading it), and it made perfect sense to me when we saw the Japanese culture’s enjoyment of AoGG. In a less liberal and more uniform society, similar to the initial condition of Marilla’s tightly run Green Gables, the fulfillment of the fantasy to have society change around you is enticing.

Considering that most of the characters in the book are female, viewing this book through a feminist lens doesn’t greatly alter the perspective. The structure of this society is built through female characters, forming a matriarchal rule of the Bildungsroman culture. Anne’s departure from this is marked by her red hair – and her being the only main character with red hair. I think the feminist lens would also favorably approve of the growth and individuality of the female personality against the rules set up against her.

I wasn't able to read all the previous comments, so if I end up parroting everyone before me then I’m very sorry. I think the reason that Anne of Green Gables resonates strongly with me personally is because Anne is able to make something of herself despite all the issues she faces. I could see this story being called cliché, but the fact that Anne is a girl makes it much more influential and appealing for women of the time.

Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908, which, if you think about it, isn’t long after Dickens’ lifetime. I don’t really know a lot about literature of that time, but I do know that all of Dickens’ novels are written about men, most of which are coming-of-age stories very similar to Anne’s. For Anne of Green Gables to feature a smart woman who grows up to become successful on her own (without the help of a man) probably encouraged female readers to strive for the same. At the time the “Angel in the House” idea of the perfect woman was encouraged by society, but Anne told readers that women CAN be smart, women CAN survive without men, and that women can even do BETTER than men. Perhaps it was this revolutionary spirit that made it a classic. I know I certainly enjoyed it.

I think the most strongly resonating theme for current day readers of the novel is the idea of confidence in ones beliefs and personality. Anne is incredibly confident in herself at a very young age, to the point which she is able to have a great influence on her surroundings. I think this undying confidence is particularly exciting to young women readers. Anne doesn’t try to be anything but herself, but at the same time is thrilled to learn and become a more rounded person.

The story is outdated and thus subject to harsh criticisms from a modern feminist’s perspective. Although her unfaltering endurance as she quests towards her career is notably exuberant, the fact that she faces any gender based obstacles at all subjects her journey to criticisms. It’s hard to decipher whether or not Montgomery scribed these struggles with a “you-go-girl” motive or if the story was more innocently written as a tale of a go-getter. Ignoring the career and educational success aspect of the story, other criticisms would apply. Immediately in the story she was seen as a less useful person because her gender alone would restrict her from growing up to care for the farm as this was not a career for a girl.

With Anne being deprived of a "normal" upbringing, it is apparent that she also lacks many notions of what it means to be lady-like. It's interesting that when she moves to Green Gables most of her new rules and expectations revolve around her acting proper and even submissive, which is what was expected of women. Part of the reason that Anne is so fascinating to me is that her values lie in her expansive imagination and need for friendship and consideration. She is not submissive in the least, where her motivation for academics lies mostly in her desire to defeat her male peer.
Her dramatic nature is simply to add more character to any possible situation, rather than for selfish, superficial reasons that so many girls her age seem to get caught in. And at the same time, her unusual characteristics equal empowerment, where she lives an exciting, passionate life that seems contagious to anyone she may encounter. Whether knowing it or not, she inspires the women around her to break from their humble, compliant lifestyles. I would say from a feminine perspective, Anne serves as a great role model to the advancement of women in our society.

For me, Anne's character brings back memories from my childhood, of having crazy ideas and feeling that the world is perfect. I'm not sure if this is how/why the book continues to be popular and resonate with its readers, but part of it may hold true with the LM Montgomery’s audience. Another reason that this book may resonate with me is because I had never read the series as a child. It’s easy to get caught up in the length paragraphs of Anne's thoughts. Her spirit is captivating, and the story will continue to connect with people.

Having some training in social justice issues, I immediately started tracking the relationship between the women in this book, both with their own gender and that of the male characters. Marilla keeps close tabs on and high expectations of Anne’s behavior even though in many cases Marilla thinks Anne is right. It’s interesting that in these situations (an example would be when Anne talks back to Mrs. Rachel) that although Marilla agrees with Anne, she upholds the expectations her society has placed on her to reprimand Anne’s behavior. On the other side of that coin, Matthew hold true to the expected role of men as well, keeping his feelings/thoughts to himself and being less communicative than Marilla in their relationship. It is interesting that although this book was written during a time when women, LM Montgomery included, were being paid significantly less than men in the workforce, that Montgomery seems to be challenging those gender roles through Anne in an underlying way. Anne’s responses make you question why the behavior Marilla enforces is the “right” way to act.

Anne of Green Gables is a timeless character because she carries the essence of youth in her every action. The book is set in a place easily imagined, and somewhat perfect for childhood adventures. The story still resonates strongly with readers today because if people cannot find some way to relate to Anne, they can wish and pretend that they do. The setting is almost magical with the woods and carriages and school house, while the dialogue is intriguing and fast paced. Anne's ideas bounce from one idea to the next as she evolves as a character. Adults can see the conflict played outin the more complex plots such as Matthews heart attack, while children delight in the incidents Anne gets herself into.

Personally, I found reading it brought me back to my own memories of playing in streams and ruining cakes. Also being able to picture what childhood was like in a different time period without the same troubles children face today was extremely refreshing.

A little late...maybe?
What I found to be most interesting in Anne's character was her ability to capture the personalities of those around her. Whomever she encountered through her adventures were somewhat entranced by this girl's aura of divine youth, innocence, and intriguing attitude towards her environment, which caused them (being the other characters) to be infected by her flamboyant tendencies...one way or another. These characteristics, along with Montgomery's endearing writing style, allows for Anne to jump off the page and into the soul (if I may use such a strong connotation) of the readers, making even the reader become infected and engaged in Anne’s joyous personality. However bold a statement, I found myself rooting for Anne from beginning to end…regardless of my dislike for Montgomery’s style (not to be contradictory to my previous comment, but it is safe to say that most would find her work ‘endearing’).
Ah yes…feminist criticism. While noting on, what could be, a touchy subject, I feel as though Montgomery portrayed gender roles in a respectable way, meaning that she showed both sides of the spectrum through many of the characters. The novel presents us with a brother and sister (or sister and brother for those of you who might prefer that order) living on a farm; brother (man) takes care of the land, while sister (woman) takes care of the household. How much more generic and straightforward could these roles be? Interestingly enough, Montgomery doesn’t let the criticist off that easy…we (the readers) find the brother to be quiet and somewhat timid, and the sister to be (shall we say) somewhat of a ‘ball-buster’-but in a good way-towards the newcomer of the household.
But then there’s Anne…what couldn’t be said about this strong-minded little orphan girl? She is the catalyst in the novel for breaking away from gender roles, mainly due to the fact that she was not raised in what one would call a ‘proper family’ before she encounters the Gables. Lucky for her, since she didn’t have those gender role influences at a young age, it allowed for her to keep her mind free from defining sexual difference (as we are all so good at doing in this society), and living life to the fullest…if I had to come up with such a description.
Out of time…

I think that Anne of Green Gables resonates so strongly with young readers because it is the ultimate story of growing up. It is also the story of the ‘simple life’ which resonates with many readers today because we are so far from the life that Anne leads. The high speed technology world that we live in prevents us from living that life and I think one of the main reasons why we find it so appealing is because of that disconnection.

Looking at this novel with a feminist lens we could say that in terms of feminism the society that Anne lives in fails miserably. Gender roles in this time period are completely different then they are today. Woman are not expected to do anything but mind the house and the children at this point in time and Anne’s constant battle with this submission of women is interesting to read and talk about. Anne constantly tries to out do the male students in her class and always attempts to make trouble and get into everyone’s faces about what was going on in society at that time. She does not seem afraid to speak her mind and it is because of this that she can be seen as so different then other women portrayed in the novel.

I think that Anne's powerful imagination and free spirit are what really resonates most with the fans of this novel. Anne is such a lovable character and her uniqueness is something that is to be admired. I can see how many women may not be too thrilled with the roles of women that are portrayed in this novel but it can not be forgotten that this story was written in a time period in which these things were the norm. In regard to these social norms of the time, another thing that I believe has infulenced so many women readers today is Anne's resistance to conform to what society expects of her. Although she does change throughout the novel and is not quite as wild as in the start, she still finds a way to be herself and have a lot of self confidence. I would argue that Anne is a character that portrays women to be much stronger and independent than they were thought to be during early part of the century. Perhaps this is why the novel has remained such a popular read into the present time.

One of the most influential aspects of Anne of Green Gables is Anne’s behavior and attitude. As opposed to much classic (and modern) writing, Anne is a character full of optimism and passion. Throughout the novel Anne repeatedly looks for the good in everything. Most situations aren’t worth her concern, unless she feels personally victimized, like in the case of Gilbert Blythe. This situation shows that she is proud and full of self-respect, as she does not allow others to bring her down. Her own repeated admittance of a desire to see the romantic side of everything, along with her competitive desires prove that she does not give up. Her constant optimism and strong focus are inspiring to readers, and it would make sense that young women desire to reflect Anne’s determined character.

From the viewpoint of a feminist, Anne of Green Gables highlights several stereotypical roles associated with women. Miss Rachel represents a conservative, traditional approach to womanhood. While she doesn’t outwardly reject women’s rights, she does not desire them. She makes it clear that she does not believe in further education for a woman, or women’s individual opinions. Diana’s Aunt Josephine is the exact opposite—she recognizes Anne’s uniqueness as an asset, and supports her imagination and desire throughout the entire book, while maintaining a mature respect for social convention. Marilla represents an in-between perspective, and a more dynamic character. While she does believe in certain behavioral customs for women, she also recognizes Anne’s individuality and the “changing of the times.” Marilla often tries to agree with Miss Rachel, but she neither strongly supports Miss Rachel’s ideas nor condemns them. Marilla represents a more reserved type of woman. Anne, however, has the most unique perspective on the roles of women in society. As a child (especially as an orphan), she does not understand the social convention of (what used to be) a patriarchal society. Montgomery creatively criticizes this custom through Anne. Her imagination and curious outlook proves that women do have valuable ideas to offer, and it’s not fair that men overshadow them. From a feminist perspective, it would be most intriguing to compare these various female roles with the stock, dominant, patriarchal role of men in the novel.

I have read Anne of Green Gables more times than I can remember. It was one of my favorite books when I was much younger (I have a tiny, 3"x4" pink copy of it! hah) and I must say that reading it at an older age the idea of a "coming of age" novel is much more present, for the obvious reasons. When I was younger this was simply a book that I could relate to on a young girl level, it was as simple as me being the age of Anne. Now reading it I, like many other students, see the finer details of Anne's relationship with Marilla and Mathew.
I think that to view this book from a purely feminist stand is rather comical, looking to Mathew, he is portrayed as such a pushover, he can't refuse Anne when he goes to get her, he spoils her every chance he gets. It is funny because he is kind of the fool here. Although there is much merit in his character in the long run.
Marilla on the other hand reflects a strong female image, she takes the lead and takes control over how Anne lives her life. In the end Anne becomes a strong female character herself. She goes to college, attains a scholarship etc.
This can easily be viewed in a feminist way, but I think that it is important to understand that this novel is geared towards young girls, and yes it might motivate and say "you can do this too" but I feel sort of foolish attempting to rip the book apart with interpretation. Perhaps I am biased because I loved this book as a kid, but hey who knows.... Im at a four year college too!

The true question is what makes books last and what makes them dissapear? One could argue that a lasting book should be eloquently written and an immensely deep plot, however this is not always the case. Not to say that Montgomery is not an eloquent author, but she illustrated a picture that involves everyday life with little conflict.

This piece of text has undeniably withstood the test of time, but why? To me, Anne of Green Gables encompasses that beloved story of a young girl who develops these strong relationships and friendships with characters that initially seemed so unwelcoming. I truly enjoyed following Anne as she reinvented and rediscovered her true 'identity.' This part of the text drew in the younger crowd. However, it is the biblical references, the concept of 'mono-social,' and women as dominant forces that make this story so easily studied at the collegiate level.

Montgomery creates a matriarchal society and creates an environment where questions equal knowledge. It's as if Montgomery uses Anne to ask questions about women in society. Overall, a very warm story that served as an excellent opener to Canadian Lit!

Although written over a 100 years ago, Anne of Green Gables by L.M Montgomery still resonates with young women today by effectively portraying the plight of a young imaginative dreamer who is at odds with the social expectations of her time and place. Like most young girls, Anne is bursting with imagination and dreams. As a result she has difficulty understanding why her society’s expectations demand that she sacrifice this imaginative spirit in order to be a proper young lady. She believes that she can do both; Dream the impossible dream into reality while maintaining an expected feminine demeanor. As Anne grows up in Avonlea she does just that; She does not lose her imaginative romantic nature, but only softens it and gives it a more realistic direction by attending college and becoming a teacher. She tells Marilla herself “I’m not a bit changed-not really. I’m only just pruned down and branched out. The real me- back here- is just the same.” Anne resonates with readers today because she a young woman who stays true to herself despite the numerous obstacles life throws at her. As a young adult she applies her imagination and romanticism to being optimistic and hopeful for the future which is a mature adpation of these qualities which as a child sometimes got her into trouble (cake baking incident, as well as almost drowning in the river). She sees the future and thinks “although I don’t know what lies around the bend, I’m going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend.”

This book really took me back to my childhood of reading Little House on the Praire and Little Women. Although not something I would pick up now without a class requirement I still found it enjoyable in a nostalgic sort of way

I think that the book depicts this particular period of time very accurately. Women may not be out in the streets protesting or working in high level jobs but to have such a portrayal in this book would be inaccurate to the time period and those that represent it. On that note, I have to say I really agree with Caylin’s post. When looking at the characters and their relation to each other, this book is all about women. I especially agree with her assessment of Anne as a feminist character in her relation to other females. I feel that this book for adolescent girls does something that a lot of books currently published for that age group don’t do. It focuses on a woman who doesn’t need a man to be happy or succeed. The books that young girls read today are things such as gossip girl, twilight, and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. All of which establish young woman as only fulfilled and happy when they are with men. They portray women as single-minded airheads who only care about having about having a boyfriend. I think feminists should be thrilled if young girls choose to read Anne of Green Gables instead of the massive garbage that is printed today and has such detrimental effects on the psyches of young women.