Episode 11 of Anne Shirley, titled “I’d Like to Add Some Beauty to Life,” marks a significant turning point in Anne’s journey. This episode, set three months after Matthew’s passing, sees Anne embarking on her career as a teacher at Avonlea School and features her involvement in the Avonlea Village Improvement Society (AVIS). It balances the sweetness of new beginnings with the bittersweet reality of loss and change.
A Fresh Start: Anne as Miss Shirley
The episode introduces Anne as Miss Shirley, the new teacher at Avonlea School. Her first days are portrayed as relatable and somewhat awkward, capturing the universal experience of a first-year teacher. Anne’s enthusiasm is evident, but she also faces the challenges of classroom management and connecting with her students.
Embracing the Role
Anne’s approach to teaching reflects her imaginative and optimistic nature. She sees her students as “future heroes and future great writers,” infusing her lessons with a sense of wonder and possibility. This mirrors her own desire to “add some beauty to life,” a sentiment that resonates throughout the episode.
Facing Challenges
Despite her best intentions, Anne encounters some difficult students. One particular student, Josie Pye’s cousin, attempts to disrupt the class by bringing up the story of Anne breaking her slate over Gilbert Blythe’s head. This incident highlights the challenges Anne faces in gaining the respect of her students and managing their behavior.
Avonlea Village Improvement Society (AVIS)
Beyond her teaching duties, Anne becomes involved in the Avonlea Village Improvement Society (AVIS). This organization aims to improve the village through various projects, and Anne’s participation reflects her desire to contribute to her community.
Collecting Funds
One of AVIS’s first initiatives is to collect funds for village improvements. Anne and Diana embark on an adventure, visiting various neighbors to solicit donations. This provides a glimpse into the diverse personalities and quirks of Avonlea’s residents.
Encounters with the Community
During their fundraising efforts, Anne and Diana encounter both generosity and unexpected challenges. They even leverage a man’s newborn baby boy to secure a five-dollar donation. This highlights the resourcefulness and charm Anne brings to her community endeavors. They visit a neighborhood famous for misers and manage to have some success.
Anne and Gilbert: A Budding Friendship
Episode 11 sees Anne and Gilbert’s relationship evolve into a close friendship. Gilbert, who was originally slated to teach at Avonlea, has taken a position at White Sands and recommended Anne for the Avonlea post.
Reconciliation
Anne, upon hearing the news, rushes to thank Gilbert, and the two reconcile, vowing to become the best of friends.
Diana’s Hopes
Diana, along with Jane, is delighted that Anne and Gilbert are now close friends. She hopes their relationship will blossom into something more. While Gilbert’s feelings for Anne seem apparent, Anne remains focused on her career and has no romantic interest in him at this time.
Marilla: Coming to Terms
Marilla continues to grapple with Matthew’s death and the changes in her life. Anne’s decision to stay at Green Gables and teach in Avonlea brings Marilla comfort and a sense of hope for the future.
Support and Love
The episode showcases the deepening bond between Anne and Marilla. They have grown closer. With Anne deciding to remain at Green Gables, Episode 11 ends the first season with hints of what is to come.
Themes and Analysis
Episode 11 of Anne Shirley explores several key themes:
New Beginnings
The episode marks a new chapter in Anne’s life as she begins her teaching career. This transition symbolizes growth, independence, and the pursuit of her dreams.
Community
Anne’s involvement in AVIS highlights the importance of community and contributing to the greater good. It showcases the diverse personalities and challenges within a small village.
Friendship
The evolving relationship between Anne and Gilbert underscores the value of friendship and the potential for deeper connections. Their reconciliation and mutual support demonstrate the importance of forgiveness and understanding.
Loss and Healing
While the episode celebrates new beginnings, it also acknowledges the lingering pain of Matthew’s death. Anne and Marilla are slowly coming to terms with their loss and finding ways to move forward.
Adaptation and Change
The episode highlights Anne’s ability to adapt to new situations and embrace change. She transitions from student to teacher, navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with her new role.
Critical Reception
Reviews for Anne Shirley and Anne with an E have been mixed, with some praising the adaptation’s faithfulness to the source material and others criticizing its darker tone and deviations from the original story.
Praise
Many viewers appreciate the series’ beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and exploration of important themes such as loss, trauma, and discrimination.
Criticism
Some critics argue that the adaptation is too dark and deviates too much from the lighthearted spirit of the original Anne of Green Gables novel. They also criticize the addition of contemporary themes that feel out of place in the historical setting.
Conclusion
“I’d Like to Add Some Beauty to Life” is a pivotal episode in Anne Shirley, marking the beginning of Anne’s teaching career and her deepening involvement in the Avonlea community. The episode balances the sweetness of new beginnings with the bittersweet reality of loss and change, offering a glimpse into Anne’s growth, resilience, and unwavering spirit. While the series has faced mixed reviews, its exploration of important themes and strong performances continue to resonate with audiences.
