Friday, June 27, 2008

Canadian Cultural Icon -- Anne of Green Gables

Nobody says the Icon has to be non-fiction. I was over at Ann’s place, reading the RevGalBlogPals’ summer reading meme, and someone mentioned the Anne of Green Gables books. I was at the post office yesterday, and the Anne of Green Gables stamps are out. It’s the 100th anniversary this year of the publication of Anne of Green Gables. How much more of a Canadian Cultural Icon could THAT be? So, you get a twofer today.

Anne, for those of you who don’t know, is an orphan who is adopted by a brother and sister on Prince Edward Island. They had “ordered” a boy from the orphanage, to help with the farm work … and they got Anne Shirley instead. She transformed their lives, and everyone else’s she touched, and they transformed hers. That’s the way it should be.

Marilla was strict with Anne, and Matthew adored her and was shy. Marilla thought that the current fashions in women’s dresses were ridiculous and wasteful, and when everyone else had huge puffed sleeves, Anne’s were plain.

Part of the reason I picked this episode is that it’s about wanting something very badly, and being loved into joy. And part of it is, the woman at the counter in the store, when the shop clerk goes to the window to get the dress for Matthew. I do believe that’s my former sister-in-law – she and my brother-in-law were extras in the show.



5 comments:

Fran said...

What a perfect choice for your cultural icon series!!!

I have always wanted to visit PEI.

Jan said...

Though I never read the Anne books, my mother loved them. Plus, I love interesting stamps, so it was fun to see this new Canadian one.

Kate Morningstar said...

Oh, Fran, me too! I've been to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, but not for longer than I care to admit. We drove down through New England and took the ferry from Bar Harbor, ME to Dartmouth, NS. But we didn't get to PEI.

Jan, I think I read all the Anne books, but only the first two more than once. I really liked Anne, and still do. I like stamps too, and I like the local outlet -- since I have to buy stamps for work anyway, I buy the big, pretty ones, rather than the little ones with maple leaf flags on. It doesn't cost any more, or take any more time to use them.

johnieb said...

Oh dear, what is that actor's name? Richard...? I know Dewhurst.

Kate Morningstar said...

No, Johnnie B., it's Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth. Dewhurst was married to George C. Scott, twice, and is the mother of Campbell Scott, a very handsome actor, who had a leading role in one of my favourite movies, Saint Ralph.

Actually, Saint Ralph would be something to post one night -- it was filmed near here.