A Feminist Approach to "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Canadian Problem

Anne in the Eyes of the Feminist

Chapter I: Anne Shirley vs. Tropes

1.1 “The Lovable Alpha Bitch That Dies”

1.2 “The Apron Matron That Gossips”

1.3 “The Capable Damsel in Distress”

1.4 “The Proper Lady”

1.5 “The Manic Pixie Dream Girl”

Chapter II: Tropes vs. Anne Blythe

2.1 “The Proper Lady”

2.2 "The Gossipy Hen"

2.3 “The Housewife”

2.4 “The Dying Swan”

Chapter III: Relationships

Conclusion

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis examines the transformation of Anne Shirley into the married Anne Blythe to determine whether the character and the series can be considered feminist. The research questions whether Anne’s feminist traits are lost upon her transition into domestic life, analyzing how stereotypical tropes affect her portrayal and the overall series narrative.

• Feminist criticism of literary character representation
• Impact of marriage and domesticity on female autonomy
• Analysis of gendered tropes in the Anne of Green Gables series
• Comparison between maternal feminism and Third Wave Feminist perspectives
• The decline of female agency in the later novels of the series

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter Summaries

Chapter I: Anne Shirley vs. Tropes: This chapter analyzes how the young Anne Shirley defies common literary stereotypes and gendered expectations through her tomboyish nature and academic success.

Chapter II: Tropes vs. Anne Blythe: This section examines the transition of the protagonist into the married Anne Blythe, arguing that she adopts restrictive social roles and conforms to conventional stereotypes.

Chapter III: Relationships: This chapter explores the shifts in social dynamics within the series, contrasting the empowered female networks of the early books with the traditional, marriage-centered relationships in the later ones.

Keywords

Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Feminism, Literary Tropes, Anne Shirley, Anne Blythe, Gender roles, Maternal feminism, Domesticity, Victorian literature, Female agency, Patriarchy, Canadian literature, Character development, Stereotypes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis investigates whether the character of Anne Shirley remains a feminist figure throughout the entire Anne of Green Gables series or if she loses these traits after marrying and becoming Anne Blythe.

What are the primary thematic fields covered?

The work covers feminist literary criticism, the evolution of gender roles in early 20th-century Canada, and the analysis of common stock characters in children's literature.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to prove that while Anne Shirley serves as a feminist role model, the series undergoes a negative shift toward anti-feminist conventions as it progresses into the later volumes.

Which scientific method is employed?

The author employs a feminist literary approach, utilizing character analysis and comparing the protagonist’s actions against established gendered tropes.

What is analyzed in the main body of the work?

The main body compares Anne’s behavior and choices in the early novels against the later ones, focusing on chapters dealing with specific tropes, relationship dynamics, and the impact of the "matron" role.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include Anne of Green Gables, feminism, gender roles, domesticity, and the transition from "Anne Shirley" to "Anne Blythe."

How does the author define the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" in relation to Anne?

The author suggests Anne possesses some traits of this trope but notes that she serves to empower other women rather than just male protagonists, a quality she loses upon marriage.

What is the significance of the "Damsel in Distress" analysis?

The author highlights that even when Anne is placed in dangerous situations, she typically remains an active agent who saves herself, contrasting her with traditional, passive literary damsels.

Why does the author consider the later books "painful" to read?

The author argues that the later books abandon the freshness and independence of the early novels, transforming Anne into a one-dimensional, submissive matron whose only concerns are local gossip and matchmaking.