Going to Green Gables

     

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One of my favorite books since I can remember has always been Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Anne's curiosity and pension for mischief was something that everyone could relate to as a child, and her adventures seemed never-ending. Orphan Anne Shirley comes into the lives of Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert instead of the boy that they wanted to help out on the farm, she charms her way into their hearts and becomes a permanent part of the family. Her adventures continue in the series, but undoubtedly the most well-known title in the series is the first, simply: Anne of Green Gables. The story has even become an essential part of Prince Edward Island in Canada, where the books take place. The fandom ) has taken over Cavendish, the town that inspired Avonlea, the setting of the books. 

   

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Why are so many people drawn to this work? Well, Anne is a loveable character, both outspoken and charming. She is so full of life and mischief that one can't help but to be pulled into her world and follow her on her many exploits. Perhaps that's why she has so much merch and fan art out there! Anne has a very large Japanese-based fandom. After WWII, officials were looking for some positive Western books to be a part of their schools' curriculums. After a Japanese translation was uncovered, Anne was integrated into schools. Ever since, Japanese culture has shared the world's love of this red-haired protagonist. Japan even boasts an Anne Academy and a "Green Gables School of Nursing," which is a sister school of the University of Prince Edwards Island's School of Nursing. 

   

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Prince Edward Island has certainly benefitted from Anne's popularity. Thousands of people go each year to Cavendish to see the house that inspired the title house of Green Gables. Green Gables Heritage Place is a part of Prince Edward Island National Park, and the rooms are decorated just as they were described in the books. Cavendish has recreated Avonlea, complete with a 19th century school house, costumed actors, and plenty of activities that would have been popular at the time. 

   

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Anne lives on in many ways outside of her original novels. She is the subject of two different musicals, which are often performed in Cavendish: the first being Anne of Green Gables- The Musical, and the second called Anne and Gilbert, which tells the story of Anne falling in love with a childhood friend. Anne also boasts a min-series from 1958, and a 1987 sequel. And let's not forget about the series Anne with an "E" on Netflix. Even after all this time, Anne Shirley still finds ways to re-emerge in pop-culture, showing just how much of a relatable and loveable character she is and will continue to be for years to come.

WORKS CITED

    "Anne Quick Facts." Tourism Prince Edward Island, 24 Jan. 2019, https://www.tourismpei.com/all-things-anne.

    Ontheluce. "On the Trail of Anne of Green Gables in Prince Edward Island." On the Luce Travel Blog, 17 Mar. 2019, https://www.ontheluce.com/anne-of-green-gables-canada/. 

    Rutherford-Morrison, Lara. "6 Things Every Devoted 'Anne of Green Gables' Fan Absolutely Must Do." Bustle, Bustle, 8 Apr. 2015, https://www.bustle.com/articles/74713-6-things-every-devoted-anne-of-green-gables-fan-absolutely-must-do.

     Tousignant, Marylou. "'Anne of Green Gables' Is Very Much Alive in Canada." The Washington Post, WP Company, 2 Sept. 2018, https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/anne-of-green-gables-comes-to-life-in-canada/2018/08/27/9d2eff42-a0a3-11e8-8e87-c869fe70a721_story.html.