How Anne of Green Gables Changed My Life by Sophie

How Anne of Green Gables Changed My Life by Sophie - October 2020 Scholarship Essay

In answer to the question posed, I would have to say that my favorite book that I have read this year is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. It did not fail to be exciting, lovely, and educational at every turn. Anne Shirley taught me lessons about bravery and perseverance that I would have never understood had I not chosen this title. Montgomery's overall style was something to be admired. Her characters were so relatable and well-rounded, but their relationships were what interested me the most. Their ability to form deep and meaningful connections with one another despite their differences or conflicts throughout the novel inspired me to look beyond the surface of those I might dislike in my life.

I chose this book because I love to read the classics because they are so otherworldly while still having that comfortable sense of familiarity. I had not read any of Montgomery’s other titles, but my mom recommended her to me based on my love of romance and historical fiction.

The character of Anne drew me in even further. She is witty and brave in the sense that she does not always know when to keep her lips sealed, but she is also ferociously loyal. Anne lost her parents when she was only a few months old and grew up being passed around from foster family to foster family, where she would take care of their biological children, cook, and clean; she never had a real home. Anne was emotionally abused by her caretakers and the other children in the asylum. Nonetheless, Anne was always dreaming and never lost hope that her savior would come. Her saviors did come, if by accident, in the form of a quiet farmer named Matthew and his prudish sister Marilla. They saw Anne not for what she was, but for what she could be. They raised her and educated her and gave her a better life. Anne was able to find herself at Green Gables, where she was allowed to be herself and thrive in her individuality.

I greatly admire Anne, to say the least. I want to be more like her: more brave, confident, courageous, hopeful, and loving. I also want to emulate Matthew and Marilla so that I can look at life not as what is now, but what it will be if I only stick it out and see. In summary, Montgomery’s characters have inspired me to become a better person and improved my outlook on life.