CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Literature refers to imaginative works that are written. It ranges from ancient myths and

epic poems to modern novels. Literature reflects the human experience and emotions in society,

and it captures the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of human thoughts and expressions.

Moreover, it satiates the human craving to record their story. Even about 4000 years ago, humans

sought to record their life. The result is the oldest known work of literature: The Epic of

Gilgamesh. Apart from serving as a record, literature serves to incite change in society. For

example, books like Uncle Tom’s Cabin and 1984 shaped political movements and changed the

course of history. Another fascinating aspect of literature is that it is a great connector. It

connects people across time and culture. This power of connection is evident in national

literatures whereby one nation can learn about another through literary works.

Canadian literature showcases the country’s cultural landscape, vast geography, and rich

history. It has works written in English and French, as well as native oral works that predate

European colonization. As Canada developed its national identity, its literature evolved.

Contemporary works explore themes of nature, survival, multiculturalism, and the nuances of

Canadian society.

Nature and survival in harsh environments are predominant in Canadian literature.

Writers like Susanna Moodie document the hardships faced by early settlers. Later authors like

Margaret Atwood explore identity and feminism in the modern world. Further, Canada has

indigenous authors like Thomas King and Eden Robinson who play a crucial role in keeping the
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ethnic narrative alive with their indigenous perspectives and folklore despite the upheaval caused

by colonialism.

Canadian literature has also produced globally recognized authors. Lucy Maud

Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables (1908) is one of Canada’s most beloved novels. It’s been

translated into multiple languages and adapted into films and television series. Canadian writers

like Alice Munro and Saul Bellow won the Nobel Prize in literature. Michael Ondaatje’s The

English Patient and Yann Martel’s Life of Pi are other Canadian novels that are internationally

beloved.

The Canadian author, Stephen Leacock (1869 – 1944) was a famous humorist and a

satirical writer. Leacock’s comedic writing style is often compared to Mark Twain’s. Apart from

his humor, he offers sharp observations of human nature and society. His works shift from

lighthearted to bitingly critical, making his work widely popular across Canada, the United

States, and Britain. His most well-known work, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town (1912),

portrays life in a fictional Canadian small town.

Sara Jeannette Duncan (1861–1922) was a Canadian journalist and novelist who worked

with the themes of politics, identity, and colonialism in her fiction. She’s one of the first

Canadian authors to critique the imperial structure. She combined sharp satire with an

understanding of Canadian and British social structures. Her works featured strong female

protagonists navigating the social and political landscape of her time. One of her most notable

works, The Imperialist (1904), is a political novel that looks into Canada’s place in the British

Empire and the struggles of Canadian national identity.

Charles William Gordon who wrote under the pen name Ralph Connor was one of

Canada’s best-selling authors in the early 20th century. His stories often painted the lives of

rough pioneers and clergymen; he dealt with their moral dilemmas. In essence, Connor’s work

reflects his own background as a Presbyterian minister. His works were immensely popular

among readers who appreciated a combination of adventure with Christian values. It must be

noted that his fiction was not just about entertainment. Connor was also promoting morality and

religious ideals. Black Rock (1898) and The Man from Glengarry (1901) are his seminal works.

Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874–1942) was one of Canada’s most cherished authors. She

was born on Prince Edward Island and was raised by her grandparents after her mother’s early

death. In spite of several drawbacks, she made a career as an author and gained acclaim through

her very first novel. Montgomery’s love for literature and the natural world influenced her

writing significantly for they often depicted exquisite landscapes and imaginative heroines. She

enjoyed exploring themes of identity, resilience, belonging, and the power of imagination. She

infused her characters with a love of beauty and an appreciation for nature—traits she personally

cherished. Despite her bouts of depression and difficult marriage, throughout her life, she wrote

prolifically. About a century after her lifetime, she is still one of Canada’s widely read authors,

particularly in Japan, where Anne of Green Gables has gained a devoted following. She’s written

about 20 books, of which the Anne of Green Gables, Emily of New Moon, The Story Girl, and

The Alpine Path are well known.

The Alpine Path (1917) is Montgomery’s autobiography that gives an account of her

journey as she pursued her writing career. Originally it was published as a series of articles and

then it was compiled into a book. It offers a peek at the struggles and perseverance that shaped
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her career. In the book, Montgomery details her childhood on Prince Edward Island, her love for

storytelling, and the many rejections she faced before she published her first novel. Through this

memoir, Montgomery provides a scoop into her creative writing and the inspirations behind her

stories. Unlike her fiction, The Alpine Path presents a raw and personal perspective; the author

has even included some of her journal entries.

The Story Girl is Montgomery’s favorite among her other books. It follows a group of

children living in rural Prince Edward Island. The leading character is Sara Stanley who is a

gifted storyteller. However, it is told from the perspective of a young boy. The novel is a

nostalgic reflection on childhood. It is a comical narration filled with innocent adventures. The

novel was well-received for its beautiful portrayal of young imagination and rural life. The book

later had a sequel, The Golden Road (1913).

Emily of New Moon (1923) is about Emily Starr, a young orphan who is sent to live with

her relatives after her father’s death. Emily is introspective and serious. She’s determined to

become a writer. Many readers consider Emily’s journey to be an autobiography of

Montgomery’s literary aspirations. And the novel follows the themes of artistic ambition,

resilience, and the struggles of growing up in a restrictive environment. Emily’s growth

continues in two sequels, Emily Climbs (1925) and Emily’s Quest (1927).

Anne of Green Gables is Montgomery’s best-known work and her largest series. It has

eight books in total. Following Anne of Green Gables (1908), Montgomery expanded Anne

Shirley’s story over eight more books: Anne of Avonlea (1909), Anne of the Island (1915), Anne

of Windy Poplars (1936), Anne’s House of Dreams (1917), Anne of Ingleside (1939). All of the
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above explores Anne’s life from childhood to motherhood. After this, Montgomery shifts her

focus to Anne’s children in Rainbow Valley (1919) and Rilla of Ingleside (1921).

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, an

imaginative, energetic orphan. By mistake, she’s sent to the Cuthbert siblings, Marilla and

Matthew when they wanted a boy to help them with the farm work. They wish to send her back

initially, but soon, Anne wins them over. In Avonlea, Anne experiences friendship and belonging

for the first time. She’s given education. She’s given safety. Anne thrives in her newfound life

and transforms her own life and the lives of those around her for the better.

In a way, Anne continues to change the lives of her readers. Regarding, Anne of Green

Gables, Montgomery says that she did not think that Anne would be such a huge success. She

had a “very moderate success” in mind. She did not think that “it would appeal to young and

old.” The book was originally intended for teenage girls. But grown men and women who have

grandchildren of their own have written to tell Montgomery about their love for Anne. Even

college boys have praised the book to Montgomery. Hundred years after its publication, the

novel is still inspiring a fanbase (Alpine Path 52).

Samuel Johnson said that for a work to be considered a classic, it must withstand the test

of time. It must be admired for at least a century. Anne of Green Gables, first published in 1908,

has more than met this standard. Anne of Green Gables remains widely read. It is still adapted

into films and television series. It is cherished by a worldwide audience. Therefore the book is a

true classic that still resonates with the readers. The paper focuses on understanding the appeal of

Anne of Green Gables to the 21st-century audience.

Donald Maass’s Writing 21st Century Fiction is a guide for authors to write fiction that

engages modern readers. This paper examines how Anne of Green Gables, a 20th-century novel

by L.M. Montgomery, aligns with two significant theories of Maass, thereby appealing to the

masses. The first chapter of this paper focuses on Anne’s transformation from a traumatized

orphan to a significant member of Avonlea society. This transformation appeals to the readers

because it is satisfying to read about the change in status of a character from deep ditches to high

peaks. The second chapter examines how Montgomery has layered her own emotions, desires,

passions, and hurts in the novel. By sharing her personal struggles with the readers, Montgomery

is forming an emotional connection. And it is deeply satisfying to read emotionally resonant text.