Anne Of Windy Poplars

L. M. Montgomery

1936

Anne of Windy Poplars-published as Anne of Windy Willows in the UK, Australia, and Japan-is an epistolary novel by Canadian author L. M. Montgomery. First published in 1936 by McClelland and Stewart, it details Anne Shirley's experiences over three years teaching at a high school in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. The novel features a series of letters Anne sends to her intended, Gilbert Blythe, who is completing medical school. Chronologically, the book is fourth in the series, but it was the seventh book written. Anne of Windy Poplars takes place over the three years between Anne's graduation from Redmond College and her marriage to Gilbert Blythe. While Gilbert is in medical school, Anne takes a job as the principal of Summerside High School, where she also teaches. She lives in a large house called Windy Poplars with two elderly widows, Aunt Kate and Aunt Chatty, along with their housekeeper, Rebecca Dew, and their cat, Dusty Miller.During her time in Summerside, Anne must learn to manage many of Summerside's inhabitants, including the clannish and resentful Pringle family, her bitter colleague Katherine Brooke, and others of Summerside's more eccentric residents. Additionally, Anne befriends the young and lonely Elizabeth Grayson, a motherless member of the Pringle family who lives next door to Windy Poplars. She frequently visits Marilla at Green Gables.At the end of the novel, Anne departs Summerside, returning to Green Gables and Avonlea for her wedding to Gilbert. Upon her departure many of the town's residents express that they will greatly miss her as they have grown very fond of her or have been helped by her, including Katherine Brooke and Elizabeth Grayson.Anne Shirley - The book's main protagonist. After becoming engaged to Gilbert Blythe, Anne accepts the job of Summerside High principal until Gilbert finishes medical school.Rebecca Dew - Aunt Chatty and Aunt Kate's housekeeper. Summerside believes that she rules the "widows" with her outspoken ways and her demands. However, her employers have long learned to manage her through reverse psychology. She is genuinely fond of Anne and very kind.Elizabeth Grayson - A lonely and unhappy child that lives next door to Anne. She is being raised by her Great-Grandmother and her Great Grandmother's elderly housekeeper, whom Elizabeth calls "The Woman". Her father left her to work overseas when Elizabeth's mother died. Elizabeth changes her name, calling herself Lizzie or Bess, based on her mood. She worships Anne and Anne, in turn, loves and cares for Elizabeth. Anne tries to find ways to bring joy to Elizabeth's life.Aunt Chatty/Charlotte MacLeanAunt Kate/Kate McComberKatherine Brooke - The Vice Principal of Summerside High. She resents Anne because she believes that she should have been offered the job as Principal. Katherine is sarcastic and bitter, but a good teacher.