The world of Anne Shirley, the imaginative and spirited orphan from Prince Edward Island, has captivated audiences across various adaptations. While many are familiar with the classic novels and live-action series, the anime adaptation, often known as Akage no Anne or simply Anne Shirley, offers a unique perspective on her enduring story. Episode 19 of this beloved anime, titled “I’ll Walk the Road to Heaven From Here,” delves into a poignant and transformative period in Anne’s life, confronting her with profound themes of loss, friendship, and the often-harsh realities of life.
A Glimpse into the Anime Adaptation of Anne Shirley
The Anne Shirley anime series faithfully brings L.M. Montgomery’s timeless tales to life, offering a detailed and often emotionally resonant portrayal of Anne’s adventures, misadventures, and growth. Known for its meticulous attention to detail in depicting 19th-century Prince Edward Island and its characters’ inner lives, the anime provides a rich backdrop for Anne’s journey from a lonely orphan to a bright and beloved young woman.
Episode 19: Facing Life’s Fleeting Nature
Episode 19, “I’ll Walk the Road to Heaven From Here,” marks a significant turning point for Anne Shirley, as it forces her to grapple with the fragility of life and the pain of impending loss. The episode primarily revolves around the deteriorating health of Anne’s dear childhood friend, Ruby Gillis.
Ruby Gillis’s Illness and Anne’s Emotional Turmoil
Upon returning to Avonlea for a break, Anne is immediately concerned to learn that Ruby Gillis is gravely ill. Ruby, always focused on boys and dreams of a romantic future, finds her aspirations tragically cut short by what was then known as consumption (tuberculosis), a prevalent and often fatal disease in the 19th century. Anne frequently visits Ruby’s bedside, attempting to rekindle their old bond, but is met with Ruby’s continued preoccupation with boys and her fading dreams. This illness is depicted as far from romantic, portraying Ruby’s suffering, delusions, and her desperate desire to live, making her death a stark and painful reality for Anne.
The episode meticulously portrays Anne’s emotional struggle as she witnesses her friend’s health decline. Unlike previous encounters with death in her life—such as the sudden passing of Matthew or the more distant deaths of other characters—Ruby’s illness is a slow, agonizing process for someone her own age and a close friend. This experience shatters Anne’s often romanticized view of death, forcing her to confront its brutal and unfair nature.
Anne’s Writing Aspirations and Mr. Harrison’s Counsel
Amidst her grief and worry for Ruby, Anne attempts to find solace and distraction in her writing. She pours her emotions into a short story, perhaps as a way to process the painful reality of Ruby’s worsening condition. However, her story is met with rejection by publishers, adding another layer of disappointment and frustration to her already heavy heart.
Discouraged, Anne considers giving up on her writing aspirations. It is during this difficult time that Mr. Harrison, a character known for his pragmatic wisdom, offers Anne crucial advice. He encourages her to persist in her writing, suggesting that if he were in her shoes, he would continue to craft stories. This moment serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and passion, even in the face of setbacks and sorrow.
Bolingbroke Visit and Parental Closure
Earlier events in Anne’s journey, which are sometimes interwoven or referenced in proximity to this episode’s timeline, include her visit to Bolingbroke. During this trip, Anne seeks out information about her birth parents. She visits her first home, which, contrary to her nervous expectations of finding it abandoned, is beautifully maintained with blooming gardens. A kind old woman provides her with letters that reveal her parents’ deep love for her, offering Anne a sense of closure and dispelling the feeling that she was truly an orphan. This experience, while bringing personal peace, does not, however, prepare her for the profound and immediate grief of losing Ruby.
The Profound Impact of Episode 19
Episode 19 of Anne Shirley is a deeply emotional installment that highlights Anne’s maturation as she navigates the complexities of life and death. Ruby’s protracted illness and eventual passing deeply impact Anne’s perspective, shifting her understanding of mortality from a romanticized concept to a harsh and undeniable truth. This episode underscores the fragility of youth and the enduring pain of loss, while also subtly reinforcing Anne’s creative spirit and the importance of perseverance, even when the world feels overwhelmingly difficult. Her journey through Ruby’s illness is a pivotal moment that shapes Anne’s future, teaching her profound lessons about grief, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
