Kindred Spirits Analysis

“Kindred Spirits”: Examining the nuances and themes of Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

A comparative analysis of the abridged and unabridged versions of the novel

“God’s in heaven, all’s right with the world.”, Anne’s last words as the novel ends and she looks to a bright future. Standing in stark contrast to how the story of Anne began, this sentence aptly captures in words the emotion one feels after reading this novel. For this essay, we will consider the story of Anne by comparing two versions of the same novel, the first being the unabridged original version published in 1908 by Canadian writer, Lucy Maud Montgomery. The latter is an abridged version that was adapted by Archie Oliver almost a hundred years later in 2007. In understanding

We see that she leans towards being satirical, lightly mocking small town life while also being sentimental about it. Her approach to nature is romantic as seen in Anne. A running undertone of affection and sympathy towards Anne. Having been an abandoned child of sorts after her mother passed away and her father remarried, Montgomery brings alive in Anne deep rooted fears, insecurities and sorrows related to orphanhood. However, she also does not allow Anne to wallow in her misery. Anne is lively, romantic and bursting with vivid imagination. Though not as extensive as Montgomery in portraying the world of Anne of Green Gables, the abridged version by John Oliver also captures the broad tone and mood of the novel. However, since Oliver abridged the book to include it in a children’s Illustrated Classics series, it is quite apparent that his version is much simplified in every

Montgomery has remained a perennial favourite because of its spunky heroine and late 19th century small town charm. Though not measuring up to the original, it’s abridged version by Archie Oliver is also worth noting as a well-written shortened and simplified text. While the reader initially falls in love with Anne, it is also quite clear that she grows to become a thoughtful woman. Loved by many, this character went on to inspire multiple sequels to the book, though none as compelling as the first. However, little Anne’s spirit is carried on and loved for she did not change but only grew up. In her very own words,

“"Marilla!" Anne sat down on Marilla 's gingham lap, took Marilla 's lined face between her hands, and looked gravely and tenderly into Marilla 's eyes. "I 'm not a bit changed—not really. I 'm only just pruned down and branched out. The real me—back here—is just the same. It won 't make a bit of difference where I go or how much I change outwardly; at heart I shall always be your little Anne, who will love you and Matthew and dear Green Gables more and better every day of her