Anne of Green Gables and White Girlhood
The article examines how L.M. Montgomery’s 1908 novel *Anne of Green Gables* reflects and shapes ideas of white femininity and girlhood in 1980s America, exploring the novel’s enduring popularity, its symbolic moments, and its role in cultural narratives.
Anne of Green Gables is a staple of Anglo-American girlhood literature, and its 1980s revival highlighted how the story continues to influence ideas about white femininity.
Anne’s Iconic Slate Moment
The scene in which Anne Shirley slams a wooden slate over Gilbert Blythe’s head is one of the most memorable moments in the novel and its many adaptations. In the original 1908 text, the event occurs in a one-room country schoolhouse where Anne, wearing a gingham dress, confronts the teasing bully. The teacher punishes her, but Anne remains unrepentant, her anger justified by the insult of being called “carrots.” The episode has become a cultural touchstone, representing the fierce spirit of a girl who refuses to be silenced.
White Femininity in 1980s America
During the 1980s, Anne experienced a surge in popularity that mirrored a broader American fascination with the past. The novel’s red-haired heroine became a symbol of a nostalgic, idealized version of girlhood that resonated with readers who sought a connection to a perceived golden era. The author, Sarah Mesle, argues that this nostalgia is rooted in the myths of American freedom and liberty, and that white girls, like Anne, are portrayed as both delicate and strong. Mesle notes that these stories often smooth over the harsher realities of history, presenting a version of the past that is “lovable” and “ideal.”
The cultural project of the time positioned Anne as part of a larger narrative that linked American girls to a national story of progress. The novel’s publication in Boston, despite its Canadian setting, reinforced this connection. Mesle points out that the book was not published by a Canadian press until the 1980s, and that its marketing history is deeply American. The global reach of the novel, including translations distributed by the U.S. State Department in Japan after World War II, further embedded it within a cultural re-education effort.
The Cultural Reach of Anne
Anne’s story extends beyond the borders of the United States. The novel’s setting in Prince Edward Island, its publication history, and its adaptations in film and television have made it a touchstone for discussions about white girlhood across the English-speaking world. Mesle highlights that the novel’s focus on the subtle dynamics of acceptance and judgment mirrors the everyday experiences of many girls, making the narrative relatable and enduring.
The novel’s lack of a traditional villain or dramatic conflict allows readers to focus on the everyday challenges of adapting to a new home. Anne’s arrival at Green Gables is described as a mistake, and the Cuthbert family’s initial reluctance to adopt her reflects broader societal expectations about beauty and gender. Anne’s red hair becomes a symbol of her individuality, and her refusal to conform to the Cuthberts’ ideal of a “boy” underscores the tension between personal identity and societal norms.
In the end, Anne of Green Gables remains a powerful lens through which to view the construction of white femininity and the cultural narratives that shape girlhood. The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the complexities of growing up while offering a nostalgic, idealized vision of the past that continues to resonate with readers today. The story’s final scenes, set in the quiet fields of Green Gables, leave readers with a sense of continuity and the enduring image of a girl who, despite her challenges, remains true to herself.
