An Analysis of
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An Unfortunate Lily Maid
An Analysis of Chapter 28
Tone
Dramatic, Humorous, Tense, And Ultimately Introspective
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling - (4) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Hostile - (4) | A decent amount - (3) | Quick - (4) |
Basically...
Anne Shirley and her friends reenact the poem 'Elaine' by Tennyson, resulting in Anne's near-drowning when their flat begins to sink. Gilbert Blythe rescues Anne, but she coldly refuses his offer of friendship.
In more detail...
Anne and her friends, including Diana, Ruby, and Jane, decide to dramatize the poem 'Elaine' on a pond near Green Gables. Anne reluctantly agrees to play Elaine, the lily maid of Astolat, who dies of unrequited love for Sir Lancelot. Things go awry when the flat they are using begins to sink. Anne's quick thinking saves her from drowning, but leaves her stranded clinging to a bridge pile until Gilbert Blythe happens by in a boat and rescues her. Following her ordeal, Anne reflects on her string of dramatic mishaps and resolves to be less romantic. However, when Gilbert seeks to repair their animosity by asking for friendship, Anne's pride and past hurt lead her to rebuff him, a decision she later questions.
Characters
- Anne Shirley
- About - Anne is the protagonist of the chapter who plays Elaine in the reenactment, almost drowns, and then coldly refuses Gilbert's offer of friendship.
- Personality Traits - Imaginative, sensitive, dramatic, stubborn, resilient, and prone to romantic fantasies.
- Physical Characteristics - Red hair which she wishes were auburn, fair complexion, and usually imaginative sparkling eyes now displaying a mix of fear and disdain.
- Character Connections
- Diana Barry - Anne's bosom friend and confidante.
- Gilbert Blythe - Her classmate who rescues her but with whom she refuses to be friends due to a past grudge.
- Ruby Gillis - One of Anne's friends involved in the play.
- Jane Andrews - Another of Anne's friends who contributes to the reenactment.
- Marilla Cuthbert - Anne's guardian who is exasperated by her behavior.
- Matthew Cuthbert - Anne's guardian who shows a quiet understanding of Anne's romantic nature.
- Gilbert Blythe
- About - Gilbert is Anne's classmate who rescues her from a near-drowning and unsuccessfully attempts to mend their relationship.
- Personality Traits - Resourceful, brave, persistent, and willing to apologize.
- Physical Characteristics - Hazel eyes and an athletic build, showing deftness in handling the boat.
- Character Connections
- Anne Shirley - He has a complex, tension-filled relationship with Anne, marked by a past insult and current rescue.
- Diana Barry
- About - Diana is present during the reenactment and is part of the group that seeks help once Anne's flat begins to sink.
- Personality Traits - Supportive, loyal, and a participant in Anne's imaginative play but less dominant or imaginative than Anne.
- Physical Characteristics - Fair complexion, described as a suitable look for playing Elaine due to her fair and lovely appearance.
- Character Connections
- Anne Shirley - Her best friend and ally in various adventures.
- Ruby Gillis
- About - Ruby is involved in the reenactment as well and is the first to express nervousness about the plan.
- Personality Traits - Nervous, easily scared, and reluctant to participate fully in the dramatics.
- Physical Characteristics - Fair and with long golden hair, considered visually ideal for the role of Elaine by Anne.
- Character Connections
- Anne Shirley - One of Anne's friends who joins in her imaginative games.
- Jane Andrews
- About - Jane takes part in the reenactment and helps prepare Anne for her role as Elaine.
- Personality Traits - Practical, less romantic than Anne, and acts as a support during the play.
- Physical Characteristics - Fewer details given in this chapter, usually practical in appearance.
- Character Connections
- Anne Shirley - Friend of Anne who helps with the setup of the reenactment.
- Marilla Cuthbert
- About - Marilla is frustrated by Anne's actions but shows concern for her safety.
- Personality Traits - Strict, practical, caring in her own way, and often exasperated by Anne's escapades.
- Physical Characteristics - Stern and practical appearance with little tolerance for nonsense.
- Character Connections
- Anne Shirley - Her adopted daughter with whom she has a complex, caring relationship.
- Matthew Cuthbert
- About - Matthew supports Anne's romantic inclinations and provides quiet comfort after her ordeal.
- Personality Traits - Understanding, kind-hearted, and more indulgent of Anne's romantic nature than Marilla.
- Physical Characteristics - Shy, with a gentle demeanor that reflects his quiet nature.
- Character Connections
- Anne Shirley - His adopted daughter, whom he supports and understands.