“It's delightful when your imaginations come true, isn't it?”(M. Montgomery, 15). Anne of Green Gables written by Lucy Maud Montgomery is a novel which focuses on the theme of conflict between imagination and social expectations. Montgomery represents her passionate sense of creativity and imagination through the unique yet queer character of Anne Shirley whom is present in a series of her novels. Montgomery develops this character in her written work by making many connections and similarities relative to significant memories of her own childhood. As a Canadian author, Montgomery uses a variety of Canadian landmarks in her writing which contributed greatly to Canadian literature. It has also been recognized that a wide collection of writing devices are used within the author’s work to enhance the development of the novel. The theme of this novel presents significance to the character of Anne whom continuously struggles to subside her unique imagination and submit to social expectations. There are endless examples within Anne of Green Gables that demonstrate the similarities between herself and the beloved character of Anne. To conclude, the character of Anne Shirley is merely a reflection of Montgomery herself. A Canadian with roots in Scotland, Lucy M. Montgomery was a regional romantic novelist best known for Anne of Green Gables (1908)( Castriota, Lucy). Montgomery was born in 1874 in PEI where she was raised by her maternal grandparents after her mother passed away due to illness (Castriota). She began to keep a diary and discovered at the age of 10 that she could write poetry. After college, Montgomery became a teacher but continued to write in her spare time (Jackson, Sarah). In 1908 her first novel, Anne of Green Gables, was published after having been rejected by several publishers. It was a success. She followed up with a whole series of novels about Anne, which were semi-autobiographical and contain many of her own childhood memories on Price Edward Island (Jackson). On April 24th 1942, it was reported that Montgomery had died from coronary thrombosis in Toronto; however, it was revealed by her granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler, in 2008 that both Montgomery and her husband suffered from severe depression which lead the author to take her own life via a drug overdose (Mills, Joseph). Despite this tragic disclosure, Montgomery is now known as an iconic Canadian figure whose novels have been published in over 40 languages, making Anne one of the most recognized fictional characters in the world (Mills). There are quite a few similarities between Montgomery and her most famous creation, Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. Firstly, although Montgomery’s father was alive for the first twenty-six years of her life, she was virtually left an orphan at a young age and was raised by her elderly grandparents. Anne shares this similar experience as she was also left an orphan at a young age. When both of Anne’s parents passed away due to illness, she was adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, an elderly brother and sister who also lived in PEI. In addition to this, both Anne and Montgomery shared a competitive love for literature. When she was still in school, Montgomery had a close friend by the name of Nate Lockhart (who is represented by Gilbert Blythe in the novel). Education was very important to Montgomery and she and Nate competed regularly in class for top honors. This relationship is similar to the one made between Anne and Gilbert Blythe were always in competition for top of the class. Finally, there is an obvious similarity of places that existed in Montgomery’s world and the places that existed in Anne’s. For instance when Montgomery was young, her and her friends played in the Haunted Wood, a wooded area near Green Gables inhabited by tall, thin spruce trees and full of deliciously scary noises. This exact setting is reflected in the novel as Anne and her friend, Diana Barry, had many adventures wandering through the Haunted Wood. In addition to this, there is a beautiful pathway called Lovers Lane that leads from Green Gables to a small meadow. Montgomery enjoyed an evening stroll down Lovers Lane and she passed this joy onto her creation. The majority of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s stories were written and published during the formative years of Canada’s nationhood (Castriota). The backdrops for her novels are familiar and iconic, even their moods reflect the socio-cultural attitudes of the times. Montgomery is famous for making Canada’s Prince Edward Island an international tourist destination as the success of her novels (See Appendix A for list of novels) have contributed greatly to Canadian Literature(Castriota). Montgomery use of symbols, icons, and objects from her personal life within her writing pieces has granted her numerous awards (see Appendix B for list of awards)(Mills). Montgomery’s writing truly was a collage of her life and is the reason for her success. Now almost a century later her works remain in print and continue to inspire stage, television, and film adaptations. Montgomery’s symbolic writing style distinctly identifies her as a famous Canadian literary figure (Castriota).
Montgomery presents many useful conventions in her writing to enhance the novel’s significance. Presenting the story in third-person, Montgomery uses organization to provide vivid descriptions of nature as well as beautiful portrayals of places in Anne’s day dreams and surroundings. Above the bridge the pond ran up into fringing groves of fir and maple and lay all darkly translucent in their wavering shadows. Here and there a wild plum leaned out from the bank like a white-clad girl tip-toeing to her own reflection. From the marsh at the head of the pond came the clear, mournfully-sweet chorus of the frogs.
There was a little gray house peering around a white apple orchard on a slope beyond and, although it was not yet quite dark, a light was shining from one of its windows. (20)
In this passage, the depth and detail demonstrate a significant example of Montgomery’s use of organization. Furthermore, Montgomery is also very careful to use particular word choice to develop the characters within the novel. “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world”(161). Words such as “kindred” and “scarce” illustrate Anne’s unique maturity and intelligence as it is obvious that these particular word choices are extremely advanced for an eleven year old. In addition to this, voice is also portrayed in the development of this novel. “"How dare you call me skinny and ugly? How dare you say I'm freckled and redheaded? You are a rude, impolite, unfeeling woman!"(65). The emphasis of voice in this quotation engages the reader by causing them to feel the hatred Anne exhibits. The energy within this quote allows the audience to develop a true understanding of Anne’s short temper.
Simple literary traits such as sentence fluency also enhance the significance of this novel. Throughout the read, sentence fluency is used to develop easy-on-the-ear rhythm. For example, I’ve dreamed of meeting her [a bosom friend] all my life. I never really supposed I would, but so many of my loveliest dreams have come true at once that perhaps this one will too”(58) . This passage contains a gentle fluency that is inviting, straightforward and easy to read aloud. Furthermore, Montgomery uses conventions that draw the reader’s eye to key points in a sentence that support the voice of a character. “I can imagine that I have a beautiful rose-leaf complexion and lovely starry violet eyes. But I cannot imagine that red hair away. I do my best. I think to myself, 'Now my hair is a glorious lack, black as the raven's wing.' But all the time I know it is just plain red and it breaks my heart”(17). In this passage, the words italicized are conventions that are meant to emphasize the voice of Anne attitude towards her red hair. Moreover, the story of Anne is an ongoing adventure that presents fresh, original ideas and perspectives that further the enhancement of the novel. Conflict between imagination and social standards is a significant theme within this novel. Throughout the read, Anne is often guided by her imagination and romanticism, which often lead her astray. Daydreams constantly interrupt her chores and conversations, pulling her away from reality and into her own imaginary world. This escape pleases Anne, but her rich inner life often comes into conflict with Avonlea’s expectations of appropriate behavior. Anne’s imaginative excursions lead to everything from minor household disasters, such as baking an inedible cake, to life-threatening catastrophes, such as nearly drowning in an attempt to act out a poem. Marilla does not indulge in fantasy, and connects goodness with decorum and sensible behavior. She commits to the social code that guides the actions of well-behaved ladies. When Marilla hears news that Anne had her hat decorated with flowers, she claims that it’s “ridiculous behaviour”(83) and that Anne is “the most aggravating child”(83). As the story continues, Anne has difficulty understanding why Marilla doesn’t use her imagination to improve upon the world. Part of this is because Marilla is not naturally inclined to imaginativeness, and partly she worries for Anne, thinking that Anne will imagine and long for wonderful things and then experience painful disappointment when reality does not live up to her expectations. Throughout the novel it is obvious that Anne wants to please Marilla by acting obedient and deferential, but she finds irresistible pleasure in her wild fantasies. As she matures, however, Anne curbs her extreme romanticism and finds a compromise between imagination and respectability. Article writer, Jenna Galley, supports the theme of conflict by claiming that Anne’s imagination does in fact “interfere with the reality and social expectations around her”(Galley). Galley claims that Anne’s vivid imagination begins to create conflict when her fantasies get her into trouble. She continues to discuss how Anne is constantly battling with her imagination while trying to keep Marilla happy by adhering to these expectations with much difficulty. “The socially constructed boundaries are closely monitored by Marilla as she outlines the expectations she has for the child” (Galley). Anne of Green Gables, written as fiction for readers of all ages, is a literary classic that has been considered a marvellous children's novel since the mid-twentieth century. As discussed, Montgomery develops the character of Anne Shirley in her written work by making many connections and similarities relative to significant memories from her own childhood. The Canadian author owes a large amount of her success to her Canadian landmark references and has contributed greatly to Canadian Literature. Montgomery used literary devices such as voice, word choice, organization, etc. to further the theme of conflict between imagination and social expectations. From the involvement of personal memories and experiences, Lucy M. Montgomery imagined a character full of life that readers of all ages can relate to. “Because when you are imagining, you might as well imagine something worthwhile”(14).

Appendix A Anne of Green Gables series | Emily Trilogy | Pat of Silver Bush | The Story Girl | Miscellaneous | Anne of Green Gables(1908) | Emily of New Moon (1923) | Pat of Silver Bush (1933) | The Story Girl (1913) | Kilmeny of the Orchard (1910) | Anne of Avonlea (1909) | Emily Climbs (1925) | Mistress Pat (1935) | The Golden Road (1913) | The Blue Castle (1926) | Anne of the Island (1915) | Emily's Quest (1927) | | | Magic for Marigold (1929) | Anne of Windy Poplars (1936) | | | | A Tangled Web (1931) | Anne's House of Dreams (1917) | | | | Jane of Lantern Hill (1937) | Anne of Ingleside (1939) | | | | | Rainbow Valley (1919) | | | | | Rilla of Ingleside (1921) | | | | |

Appendix B Awards and Honors | Year | First Canadian woman to be made a member of the British Royal Society of Arts | 1923 | Companion of the Order of the British Empire by King George V (was elected to the Literary and Artistic Institute of France) | 1935 | Person of National Historic Significance | 1942 | Top 20 Canadian heroes in a Dominion Institute | 1999 | Most Influential Canadian writer of the twentieth century | 1999 | Voted as one of twenty-five Canadians who inspired the world | 2000 |

Appendix C Ann spelt with an E A girl with pale skin, hair as red as fire With a fascinating imagination that one would admire She called herself Ann, but spelt with an E She claims it’s more distinguished to see When Anne was young, she was left for adoption A life filled with neglect was her only option The day finally came, Anne was filled with glee She was finally adopted, she was finally free But Anne’s glee did not last long, she felt no more joy When they broke her the news; they wanted a boy Anne was appalled; she didn’t want to go away So after discussion, the Cuthbert’s let the girl stay Living on green gables, Anne had many stories to share Like the time she was 13, and dyed her own hair As Anne grew older, she began to study her books Her mind had advanced, and so did her looks With plans to leave gables, something tragic occurred Matthew died in an instant, without a final word So Anne made a decision, she decided to stay To teach at green gables, and care for Marilla all day This is the story you might like to share About a girl named is Anne Shirley, with big, bright, red hair Appendix D
Dear Diary, Today Marilla went to the Avonlea and bought me this diary. It’s rather old looking and not very pretty, but I like to imagine that it’s the most extravagant diary that has ever existed. I imagine it to be new and violet and instead of the brown, leather strap with a buckle, I imagine it to have a beautiful heart-shaped lock to hold my dearest diary secrets. Marilla says that she wants me to write down all my imaginings and daydreams that distract me from my daily chores. She says that writing them down ‘ought to help me focus on what’s real and not. I quite like the idea of a diary, although I suppose it may be rather difficult to avoid daydreaming throughout the day with or without one. Sometimes the world ‘ought to appear a tad dull without a little imagination to make it more magical, wouldn’t you agree? Marilla says this diary is for my eyes only, and since that’s the case, I feel that the name Anne is too dull for such an extravagant diary. I’ve always loved the name Cordelia. Cordelia is such an elegant and beautiful name. It reminds me of an elegant woman with long and beautiful hair as dark as midnight. Boy, do I ever wish my hair were dark and beautiful. Marilla says that I shouldn’t be so consumed in my appearance; that it’s conceited and without any use. Although I agree with Marilla, I find it rather difficult to love something about yourself that people refer to as unfortunate. I remember the first time I met Mrs. Lynde and she called me an ugly little thing. I’m not upset about it anymore, she is quite nice to me nowadays, but I still don’t quite understand how it’s possible to be appreciative for hair as red as mine. Today Marilla let me play with Diana once I finished chores. Diana is oh so very pretty and has such a kindred spirit. She has long, dark hair and curves that allow her dresses to fit perfectly; I’m so lucky to have such a beautiful soul to call my bosom friend. Anyways, today we played fairy tale and imagined that the Lake of Shining Waters was magic and could transform you into any enchanted creature you so desired. I became a giant so I could reach the clouds to climb upon and take a nap. Wouldn’t you think that sleeping on a cloud would be so romantic? If you couldn’t tell, I often take a fancy in romantic things. The world is such a romantic place when you put your mind to it. Yesterday on my way to school, I found the most romantic looking tree I’ve ever laid eyes on. It had long and elegant branches that swirled and danced with the wind. It was truly lovely. At school I always sit by the window so I can watch it sway beautifully during class. I often find Mr. Phillip’s lessons quite boring and imagine that I’m outside dancing with the tree instead of sitting inside in my uncomfortable desk. But don’t tell Marilla that. Oh diary, I feel as though I have so much to tell you. I have so many imaginings to share that I could continue to write until my fingers fall off. Unfortunately, Marilla says I’m only allowed to write until Matthew returns from his farm work. I’m quite fond of Matthew, he doesn’t say much but he always takes pleasure in listening when I gab on about my day. Anyways, I best go greet him and wash for supper. I shall return tomorrow and continue to share all the enchanting tales and imaginings that clutter my mind. Until next time, Works Cited Castriota, Lucy. "Lucy Maud Montgomery." - Biography and Works. Search Texts, Read Online. Discuss. 29 Nov. 2007. Web. 19 Nov. 2014. Galley, Jenna. "Reality vs Imagination in Anne of Green Gables." Suite. 6 Sept. 2014. Web. 26 Nov. 2014. Jackson, Sarah. "Her Life." L.M. Montgomery Institute. 19 Sept. 2010. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. M. Montgomery, Lucy. Anne of Green Gables. Toronto: Bantam, 1908. Print Mills, Joseph. "Articles." Literary Traveler. 5 Mar. 2002. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.