An Analysis of
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Vanity and Vexation of Spirit
An Analysis of Chapter 27
Tone
Reflective, Vexed, Grimly Humorous, Despairing, And Ultimately Redemptive.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exciting - (3) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Hostile - (4) | A decent amount - (3) | Quick - (4) |
Basically...
Anne dyes her hair green in an attempt to rid herself of her red hair, leading to regret and embarrassment. Marilla and Matthew deal with her mistake and the chapter ends with Anne resolving to focus on being good rather than beautiful.
In more detail...
In this chapter, Marilla walks home in the springtime, reflecting fondly on her surroundings but anticipating returning home to a cozy fire and tea prepared by Anne. However, she arrives to find the fire out and Anne missing, which angers her given Anne's instructions to stay home. When Anne is eventually found with her hair tragically dyed green, she's in a state of despair. Marilla's stern but ultimately caring approach leads them to try washing the dye out, but to no avail. It is decided that Anne's hair must be cut short, resulting in a severe change of appearance for Anne. Despite her mortification and a snide comment from classmate Josie Pye, Anne shows growth by forgiving Josie and deciding to concentrate on being a good person rather than focusing on her looks. Marilla, softened by Anne's trials, appreciates Anne's chatter despite her headache, a clear sign of their growing bond.
Characters
- Marilla Cuthbert
- About - Marilla experiences mixed emotions upon returning home to find responsibilities unattended by Anne, and later displays exasperation and care as she helps Anne deal with her hair disaster.
- Personality Traits - Practical, stern, and responsible with an underlying warmth and concern for Anne's well-being.
- Physical Characteristics - Middle-aged with a sober appearance reflecting her practical nature.
- Character Connections
- Anne Shirley - Guardian and caretaker of Anne; disciplinarian and maternal figure to her.
- Matthew Cuthbert - Brother and often the foil to her more pragmatic demeanor.
- Anne Shirley
- About - Anne experiences intense remorse after a misguided attempt to dye her red hair black, which results in an embarrassing shade of green, leading her to a deeper realization and resolution to focus on inner virtues.
- Personality Traits - Dramatic, vain regarding her appearance, imaginative, and deep-feeling.
- Physical Characteristics - Young with red hair (now dyed green), bright eyes, and thin build.
- Character Connections
- Marilla Cuthbert - Her guardian who reprimands her for the dye incident but also supports her through the ordeal.
- Matthew Cuthbert - Her guardian who exhibits patience and understanding towards her actions.
- Matthew Cuthbert
- About - Matthew listens to Marilla's frustrations about Anne's disappearance and her subsequent green hair with patience and suggests Anne might have a reasonable explanation, showing his sympathetic nature toward Anne.
- Personality Traits - Patient, wise, and understanding, often serving as a calming influence.
- Physical Characteristics - An older man, quiet, with a gentle demeanor.
- Character Connections
- Marilla Cuthbert - His sister, with whom he shares the task of raising Anne, and whose temperament he often balances with his calmness.
- Anne Shirley - His ward, for whom he shows a gentle, fatherly concern.
- Josie Pye
- About - Josie Pye makes a mocking comment to Anne about her short hair, which Anne endures with a sense of penance and maturity.
- Personality Traits - Mocking and insensitive as showcased in her comment to Anne.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Anne Shirley - Classmate and often behaves as a rival or tormentor.