An Analysis Of Margaret Atwood's Essay 'Anne Of Green Gables'

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Margaret Atwood’s Anne of Green Gables essay presents a possible alternate protagonist. She suggests that despite Anne being the most popular protagonist, Marilla is the central character. Atwood compares the superficial changes in Anne to the purposeful ones in Marilla. There are examples of this throughout the text as well as Atwood’s essay. Atwood discusses Anne's popularity in modern times. She dubs this cult following the “Annery,” and gives a list of the resulting products. The list includes things such as Anne cookbooks, notepaper, and aprons. This creates images of factories and mass production, adding to the idea of a superficial Anne. The public idolizes the untamed girl Anne was, and shows little demand for anything else. A close …show more content…

They first describe her from an outsider’s view noting her narrow, rigid exterior and then move to a more critical feature, Marilla’s mouth. It is described as “saving,” showing that there is the possibility of redemption for Marilla. This biased perspective is meant to convince the reader that Marilla will be liberated from her hard personality. The narrator attempts to engage the audience to make them sympathize and connect. A connection between the audience and character means that the character is important and requires an in-depth viewing. Montgomery also uses irony in this passage, saying that Marilla’s mouth “might” mean she has a sense of humour. It is obvious that Marilla has a sense of humour, but the irony is used to show that this humour is underdeveloped. Marilla makes the odd witty or sarcastic remark in the novel that usually provides comedic relief or is used in defense of her own new feelings of love. Her obvious, saving humour is what will redeem Marilla and help guide her through her emotional …show more content…

Throughout the book, she has several small realizations that she love’s Anne. This can be seen when Anne holds her hand for the first time or kisses her cheek. These are small moments that set off sparks of love in Marilla. This scene shows a monumental change in Marilla’s demeanor. She is known as poised and stiff, but the woman in this passage behaves in a contrast. Marilla abandons her control and flees to her daughter. This lapse in control shows how passionate Marilla’s revelation was. It took a split-second for Marilla’s entire world to change. She no longer wishes for Anne to only be useful, but is a frantic, concerned mother. Considering Montgomery’s religious background, the word revelation holds heavy meaning. A revelation suggests that one has found a new meaning in life. It is something that changes a person to their core. For Marilla, this altered her perception of love. Realizing how important Anne is to her is what pushes Marilla to believe that she is capable of love, and of being loved

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