CANADA HISTORY - Places-Landmarks

Anne of Green Gables

The story of Anne of Green Gables, written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is one of the most beloved and iconic pieces of Canadian literature. Set against the rural backdrop of Prince Edward Island (PEI), the tale of Anne Shirley—a spirited orphan mistakenly sent to live with an older brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert—captures the essence of Canadian life, culture, and values in the early 20th century. The international success of Anne of Green Gables has not only made the book a classic but also transformed the location of its setting, Cavendish, PEI, into a major destination for literary pilgrims from around the world. This essay will explore the origins of this literary landmark, its cultural impact, the political and social backdrop of Montgomery’s work, the major events that led to the creation of the Cavendish site, and the unique international significance of Anne Shirley's story—especially in Japan.

Origins of Anne of Green Gables and Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Inspiration

Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908, but its origins trace back to Montgomery’s own experiences growing up in PEI. Born in Clifton (now New London), PEI, in 1874, Montgomery was raised by her grandparents after her mother died and her father moved to Saskatchewan. The rural landscapes and close-knit communities of PEI deeply influenced her writing, providing the inspiration for her fictional town of Avonlea, where Anne’s story unfolds.

The character of Anne Shirley herself was drawn from Montgomery’s imaginative world, perhaps inspired by the author’s own sense of isolation and yearning for connection during her childhood. The spark for the story came from a newspaper article Montgomery had read about a couple who had mistakenly been sent a girl instead of a boy from an orphanage. From this simple idea, Montgomery crafted the complex, imaginative, and enduring character of Anne.

The rural setting of Green Gables, based on Montgomery’s relatives’ farm in Cavendish, provided the perfect environment for Anne’s adventures and growth. Through her vivid descriptions of PEI’s red soil, rolling hills, and seaside views, Montgomery created a portrait of Canada’s natural beauty and a reflection of the Canadian experience of the time.

Cultural and Political Context of Anne of Green Gables

When Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908, Canada was experiencing rapid social and economic changes. The country had only recently celebrated its 40th anniversary of Confederation in 1907, and national identity was still being formed. Canada was transitioning from an agricultural society to one influenced by urbanization, industrialization, and increased immigration. Despite these changes, rural life remained a central part of Canada’s identity, and this is the world that Montgomery captures in her novel.

The Cuthberts’ farm in Anne of Green Gables represents a simpler, agrarian lifestyle, a cornerstone of Canadian society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The values of hard work, community, and close ties to nature are woven throughout the story, illustrating an idealized version of life in rural Canada. Through Anne’s perspective, Montgomery paints a vivid picture of Canadian virtues—resilience, optimism, and the value of individuality—making the book not just a story about a young girl, but a reflection of Canada’s developing cultural identity.

The book’s immediate success resonated with readers around the world, and Montgomery’s portrayal of rural Canadian life introduced an international audience to the landscapes and values of Prince Edward Island.

The Creation of the Anne of Green Gables Landmark in Cavendish

The success of Anne of Green Gables transformed Cavendish, PEI, into a significant literary destination. Although Montgomery fictionalized the town of Avonlea, many of the places described in the novel were based on real locations in and around Cavendish. Montgomery’s relatives’ home, now famously known as Green Gables, became the centerpiece of the tourist attraction that celebrates the world of Anne Shirley.

Green Gables was officially recognized as a National Historic Site in 1985, cementing its status as one of Canada’s most cherished cultural landmarks. The house, which Montgomery often visited during her childhood, was restored and furnished to reflect the period described in the book, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the world that inspired Montgomery’s writing. Along with the house, the site includes the famous "Haunted Wood" and "Lover’s Lane," which appear in the story, further connecting readers to the magical world Montgomery created.

The preservation of Green Gables and the surrounding site in Cavendish was driven by a recognition of the novel’s deep cultural impact, both domestically and internationally. Tourism to Cavendish soared as readers from around the world, particularly from Japan, made pilgrimages to the site, hoping to experience the world of Anne Shirley firsthand.

International Significance and the Japanese Connection

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Anne of Green Gables is its international appeal, particularly in Japan. Since 1952, Anne of Green Gables has been part of the Japanese school curriculum, making it one of the most beloved and well-known foreign literary works in the country. Anne’s optimistic, independent, and imaginative character resonated with post-war Japanese readers, who found comfort and inspiration in her story. The themes of resilience, hope, and overcoming hardship spoke to a generation rebuilding after World War II.

The fascination with Anne’s story has persisted in Japan for decades, with many Japanese readers traveling to Cavendish to visit the real-world location of Anne’s adventures. For Japanese visitors, Green Gables has become more than just a literary site; it is a place that embodies the values of perseverance and individuality, which they associate with Anne’s character. The cultural connection between Japan and Anne of Green Gables is so strong that many Japanese couples choose to have their weddings at the Green Gables farmhouse, making the site not only a tourist attraction but a place of personal significance for visitors from across the world.

This unique bond between Canada and Japan, built through the shared love of Anne of Green Gables, has further cemented the importance of the Cavendish site as an international landmark.

The story of Anne of Green Gables and the landmark site in Cavendish, PEI, hold an enduring place in the cultural landscape of Canada and beyond. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s tale of Anne Shirley has transcended its origins as a children’s novel to become a symbol of Canadian identity, values, and rural life. The creation of the Green Gables site in Cavendish preserves not only the literary heritage of Montgomery’s work but also the essence of a time and place that resonates deeply with both Canadians and an international audience.

The unique connection between the story and Japan underscores the global impact of Montgomery’s writing and highlights the power of literature to transcend cultural boundaries. Today, Green Gables remains a cherished destination for readers, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in the world of Anne Shirley, a character who has captured the hearts of millions and continues to inspire generations around the world.