Anne of Green Gables is a classic coming-of-age novel written by L.M. Montgomery, first published in 1908. The story follows Anne Shirley, an orphaned girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm, Green Gables, on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Despite initially being seen as a misfit and causing chaos wherever she goes, Anne eventually wins the hearts of her adoptive family and the community with her wit, intelligence, and strong will.
One of the main conflicts in the novel is the internal struggle that Anne faces as she tries to find her place in the world and overcome the challenges of her past. Anne has a tumultuous childhood, being orphaned at a young age and spending most of her life in various foster homes and institutions. She has a strong desire for love and acceptance, but also fears rejection and abandonment.
This internal conflict is first introduced when Anne arrives at Green Gables and is met with resistance from Marilla, who initially only wanted to adopt a boy to help with the farm work. Marilla is strict and unyielding, and Anne finds it difficult to win her approval. Despite this, Anne persists and eventually wins Marilla over with her charm and determination.
Another conflict that Anne faces is her desire to fit in with her peers and be accepted by her community. Anne is different from the other children in the village, with her wild red hair and vivid imagination. She is often teased and bullied because of her differences, and this causes her to feel isolated and misunderstood. However, Anne eventually learns to embrace her unique qualities and finds her place in the world through her friendships with other outsiders, like Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe.
A final conflict in the novel is the societal expectations and pressures that Anne faces as a young woman in the late 19th century. Anne is intelligent and ambitious, but is often limited by the expectations placed on her as a woman. She is encouraged to focus on becoming a good wife and mother, rather than pursuing her own interests and goals. Anne struggles with these expectations, but ultimately learns to stand up for herself and follow her own path.
In conclusion, Anne of Green Gables is a novel that deals with themes of identity, acceptance, and overcoming adversity. Through her struggles and conflicts, Anne grows and matures, learning to embrace her unique qualities and find her place in the world.
