Kindred Gables Classic

Kindred Spirits What comes to mind whenever someone says the word “classic?” Perhaps you think of the “classic” 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, or maybe a “classic” 1967 Ford Mustang, but what makes them a classic? A classic is defined by its judgement over a period of time, as well as a work of art that is recognized and has an established value. Books can also be classics, they are works of art just like what da Vinci painted, but rather they are words printed across a page instead of colors painted across a canvas. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery is an example of a classic book based on its ability to stand the test of time by continuing to be a bestseller, even though it was published over 100 years ago because it is a reminder of

After it was published in 1908, it was such a success that it was sent for printing ten times in the first year (“All About Anne”). Because of its success, Montgomery wrote nine more books featuring Anne that follows her through life, through school, and eventually until Anne is married with her own children (“All About Anne”). Although, most authors write their books in chronological order; the Anne series was not (“All About L. M. Montgomery”). Over 50 million copies of Anne have been sold worldwide, translated into 36 different languages, as well as being a huge success overseas as well as in Canada (“All About Anne”). For instance, it has been added to Japan teaching curriculum to be taught in elementary and middle schools (“All About L. M. Montgomery). Today it continues to be one of Canada’s most beloved and bestselling novels, as well as influences much of Canada’s tourists to go to Prince Edward Island just to see where Montgomery’s ideas originated (“All About L. M. Montgomery”). In fact, Prince Edward Island jointly owns the term “Anne of Green Gables,” along with Montgomery’s family (“All About Anne”). Even after Montgomery’s death in 1942, she was chosen by Maclean’s magazine as one of twenty-five Canadians who have inspired the world in 2000 (“Her

It has not only been translated into 36 different languages, but it has also been turned into a television series and several movies, with many spin-off versions as well. In an article published by PoemHunter.com, it states that Montgomery’s “life’s work does not only live on in print, but in movies, television shows and cartoons that have become enduring favorites to fans who have never even read a word she has written” (“Lucy Maud Montgomery”). A classic is also reread, and rereading Anne is like reading it for the first time all over again every time you pick it up. Montgomery did not consider her writing to be the same as the more contemporary authors of the early 1900’s (“Lucy Maud Montgomery”). However, because they were not as modern, it reminds us how people used to live--baking, cooking, farm work, studying--all the things that seem to have evolved so much in 100 years. This way of life has made us who we are today, and it should never be forgotten, and the best part, you get to relate to the main character and see the world through the imaginative, animated young girl, while also getting a taste of the society she lived