Chapter 1 Anne of Green Gables Audiobook for Alitheia Audio

Summary

In this excerpt from *Anne of Green Gables*, Mrs. Rachel Lynde observes the unusual behavior of Matthew Cuthbert, who is seen dressed in his best clothes and leaving Avonlea unexpectedly. Her curiosity leads her to visit Green Gables, where Marilla reveals they are adopting a boy from an orphan asylum in Nova Scotia. Mrs. Rachel expresses concerns about the decision, citing risks associated with adopting a child without knowing his background. Despite her doubts, Marilla and Matthew are determined to welcome the boy, convinced it is the best choice for their home.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mrs. Rachel Lynde is highly observant and takes pride in knowing everything happening around her in Avonlea.
• 😀 She notices Matthew Cuthbert's unusual behavior when he dresses up and leaves Avonlea unexpectedly, which arouses her curiosity.
• 😀 Matthew Cuthbert, a shy man, rarely leaves home, making his decision to leave particularly suspicious to Mrs. Rachel.
• 😀 Mrs. Rachel is puzzled by Matthew’s trip and decides to visit Green Gables after tea to investigate.
• 😀 Mrs. Rachel disapproves of the Cuthberts' isolated lifestyle and believes it's no wonder they are 'a little odd.'
• 😀 The Cuthberts’ home, Green Gables, is described as neat, precise, and quiet, which adds to the mystery surrounding Matthew’s behavior.
• 😀 Marilla Cuthbert reveals that Matthew is going to Bright River to meet a boy from an orphan asylum in Nova Scotia, which shocks Mrs. Rachel.
• 😀 Marilla and Matthew had been considering adopting a child for some time, largely due to Matthew’s age and health issues.
• 😀 Mrs. Rachel expresses her concerns about adopting a boy from an orphan asylum, citing potential risks and negative examples she’s heard about.
• 😀 Marilla defends the decision, acknowledging the risks but justifying it based on Matthew's desire and the challenges of hiring help in Avonlea.

Q & A

What is the significance of Mrs. Rachel Lynde's position in the community?

Mrs. Rachel Lynde is a prominent figure in Avonlea, known for her sharp observation and active involvement in community affairs. She is a capable housewife, runs local social groups, and maintains a strong presence in both domestic and civic duties. Her role in the community makes her deeply aware of everyone’s business, which contributes to her reputation as a busybody.

Why is Matthew Cuthbert's behavior unusual in this excerpt?

Matthew Cuthbert’s behavior is unusual because he rarely leaves home, and when he does, it is typically not dressed in formal attire. In this instance, he is seen wearing a white collar and driving a buggy, which suggests that he is going somewhere important and out of the ordinary for him.

What is Mrs. Rachel Lynde's reaction to Matthew's departure?

Mrs. Rachel Lynde is immediately suspicious of Matthew's departure. She notices his unusual attire and the fact that he is leaving Avonlea, which prompts her to investigate the situation further. Her curiosity drives her to visit Green Gables to find out where Matthew has gone and why.

What does the description of Green Gables reveal about Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert?

Green Gables is described as a very neat, quiet, and isolated place, reflecting the personalities of Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Both are depicted as introverted, with Matthew being particularly shy and reclusive. The house’s cleanliness and seclusion emphasize their somewhat rigid and solitary lifestyle.

What surprising news does Marilla share with Mrs. Rachel Lynde?

Marilla reveals that Matthew and she are adopting a boy from an orphan asylum in Nova Scotia. This news shocks Mrs. Rachel, as it is an unexpected and unconventional decision for the Cuthberts, particularly given their quiet and isolated life.

What is Mrs. Rachel Lynde's opinion about the adoption?

Mrs. Rachel Lynde strongly disapproves of the adoption, seeing it as a risky and foolish decision. She is concerned that they do not know anything about the child’s background, character, or parents, and she worries about potential negative outcomes, citing past cases of adopted children causing trouble.

How does Marilla justify the decision to adopt?

Marilla justifies the adoption by explaining that Matthew is getting older and struggles with health issues, and that it has become increasingly difficult to find reliable hired help. They believe a boy of around ten or eleven would be of practical use on the farm, and they plan to provide him with a good home and schooling.

What concerns does Marilla have about the adoption, despite her decision to go through with it?

Marilla admits to having some qualms about the adoption, particularly the potential risks involved, but she explains that Matthew was very set on the idea, and she felt it was her duty to support him. Despite her reservations, she rationalizes that there are risks in nearly everything, and they have chosen a local boy, which makes the decision feel safer.

What is the purpose of Mrs. Rachel Lynde's visit to Green Gables?

Mrs. Rachel Lynde visits Green Gables to find out why Matthew has left Avonlea, and ultimately to learn about the adoption of the boy. Her curiosity is piqued by Matthew’s unusual behavior and attire, leading her to seek answers directly from Marilla.

How does the script use Mrs. Rachel Lynde's character to contribute to the narrative?

Mrs. Rachel Lynde serves as a character who drives the narrative's tension and intrigue. Her sharp eye for detail and tendency to pry into other people’s affairs creates an atmosphere of suspense and curiosity. Her reactions to the events, particularly her astonishment at the adoption, also provide humor and insight into the social norms and expectations of the community.