Anne Shirley—what a gal. She is, without a doubt, my literary heroine. She is strong, brave, kind, loving, intelligent and beautiful. Usually, all of these things combine make one think that the character is unrealistic and that it is unattainable to be like her. However, Anne has an certain humility and authenticity mixed with perfection that simultaneously and gracefully shows all her imperfections, which makes each reader feel as if she is a real person; as if she is a dear friend.
I think she holds that realness because of all the lessons she teaches us:
1. Dream big. Picture greatness. Never give up your imagination because of your age.
"...because when you are imagining you might as well imagine something worth while."
2. It's okay to not know everything. Actually, there is great adventure in the unknown! Enjoy it.
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive - it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, wouldn't it?"
3. Words are important. Big words are even more important. Learn them to use them well.
"But if you have big ideas you have to use big words to express them, haven't you?"
4. Choose joy. No matter what is happening, you can enjoy life. It's all dependent upon how you decide you want to see the world.
"It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. Of course, you must make it up firmly."
5. It's okay to admit that you aren't okay. However, don't ever let a rumpled spirit stop you from finding beauty in the day!
"I am well in body, although considerably rumpled up in spirit, thank you."
6. Ice cream is one of life's greatest adventures.
"...I guess ice cream is one of those things that are beyond our imagination."
"And we had ice cream. Words fail me to describe that ice cream. Marilla, I assure you it was sublime."
7. Planning, anticipation and hope are beautiful.
"...Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them."
8. Autumn is so lovely. Fall colors have a way of wooing the heart towards loving Octobers.
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
9. The desire for beauty is perfectly reasonable, for one must have beauty to dream.
"And you know one can dream so much better in a room where there are pretty things."
10. This world is far to wonderful to dwell on sad moments. It's okay to be sad, but pick up that skirt and live your life!
"But really, Marilla, one can't stay sad very long in such an interesting world, can one?"
11. Children never deserve a condescending or demeaning work or look. Treat them with respect as human beings.
"When I am grown up, I'm always going to talk to little girls as if they were, too, and I'll never laugh when they use big words."
12. Open your eyes. Kindred spirits are all around, even in the most unexpected souls.
"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."
13. It's okay to want to be stylish. Don't feel guilty!
"It is ever so much easier to be good if your clothes are fashionable."
14. Don't forget to stop to look up at the stars. Don't ever lose that wonder.
"I felt like I do when I look up to the stars. Tears came into my eyes, but, oh, they were such happy tears..."
15. The best ideas and dreams and thoughts keep us awake at night. Don't discount them.
"So I thought it over after I went to bed. that is the best time to think things out."
16. Adventures are wonderful, but so is coming home.
"I've had a splendid time, and I feel that it marks an epoch in my life. But the best of it all was the coming home."
17. If the day didn't turn out how you would have liked, remember that God has a plan and that tomorrow is a blank slate.
"...isn't it so nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"
