Displays of Affection in Anne of Green Gables
Love and expression of love is a central theme in L. M. Montgomerys novel Anne of Green Gables. Anne Shirley is introduced as an emotionally damaged, sensitive girl who is desperate for love of any sort. When the Cuthberts actually decide to keep Anne despite her not being a boy, she is elated. Anne Shirley is wanted and accepted for who she is at last! However, throughout the novel readers note that Marilla Cuthbert treats Anne quite differently than her brother Matthew does. Some may argue that Matthew and Anne have a special connection that Marilla just does not share, but that is not necessarily accurate. Marilla loves Anne every bit as much as Matthew; she is simply uncomfortable with expressing it.
Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert may be siblings, but they possess two completely different personalities. While Marilla is at times harsh and critical, Matthew is quiet and gentle which makes it easier for he and Anne to become close companions. Anne has always felt unwanted and as though she inconveniences whomever she comes in contact with, but with Matthew that is not the case. In the beginning of the novel, Anne says, He didnt mind how much I talkedhe seemed to like it. I felt he was a kindred spirit as soon as ever I saw him. (33). Matthew quite enjoys Anne, for she is so different than anything he is used to. Matthew has lived with his quiet, sarcastic sister his whole life, and then this vibrant, chatty young girl enters his life. Immediately he is quite taken with Anne. Anne, who is definitely not used to people enjoying her chatter, sees Matthew as an almost heroic figure. He is the man that takes her away from her deprived life and into his own home. He is also most likely the first person to accept her and actually enjoy her for who she is. Marilla, being her critical self, treats Anne quite differently than Matthew even though she shares very similar views on the girl as her brother.
Another reason Marilla hardens herself towards Anne is because it is both difficult and frightening for her to express and voice her emotions. Marilla loves [Anne] as dear as [she] was [her] own flesh and blood (296), but she just cannot seem to break down that emotional wall she has built up around herself over the decades. There are many different examples within the text that display Marillas hesitation and fear of telling Anne her true thoughts: I was so proud of Anne tonight, although Im not going to tell her so. (204). Marilla is also scared of spoiling Anne. Since she never had any children herself, Marilla is anxious to provide Anne with a good upbringing and a spirit of humility (199); especially under the eye of her nosy, critical, and opinionated friend, Rachel Lynde.
Marilla loves Anne as well as Matthew [does] (296), so why do the two characters express themselves so differently? Why is Marilla scared to reveal her inner feelings? Matthew has been a bachelor his entire life, and has never loved and lost, therefore is not afraid of the hurt that follows failed love. This makes him feel free to submerge himself in his relationship with Anne wholeheartedly. Marilla on the other hand, has loved and lost: John Blythe was ... my beau ... We had a quarrel. I wouldnt forgive him when he asked me to ... He never came back. (299). Marilla knows the risk of making oneself vulnerable to another. She ended up getting hurt by her failed relationship and holds onto those regrets for so many years. Perhaps Marilla is scared to truly attach herself to anyone for fear of losing them.
Matthews love for Anne may be clear to readers right from the start of the novel, but Marillas is not displayed all that much later. Marilla develops a fondness for Anne the moment the girl verbalizes the very same opinions Marilla has kept bottled up inside. Marilla seems to see much of herself in Anne, which draws the two characters closer together. Almost every time Anne speaks her mind about another character, Marilla criticizes her, but her inner dialogue completely contrasts each criticism. For example, on page 47 Anne calls Mrs. Blewett a gimlet and right before scolding her, Marilla smothered a smile. Matthew and Anne may have a unique connection being kindred spirits (141), but Marilla has a bond of her own with the girl. She just feels more secure keeping it to herself.
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Works Cited
Montgomery, L.M. Anne of Green Gables. London: Seal Books, 1996. Print.
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