Mrs. Adoniram Gibson and Pauline
Mrs. Adoniram Gibson and Pauline
Anne of Windy Poplars: Week 2
One of L.M. Montgomery’s specialties, in my opinion, is writing side characters who are quite humorous (though the characters themselves don’t know they are being humorous). One such character is Mrs. Adoniram Gibson. She is eighty years old and is taken care of by her faithful daughter Pauline. Mrs. Gibson, like many of Maud’s elderly characters, is full of drama and is convinced that she will die at any moment.
“Ah, when you’ve been old and bed-rid as long as me you’ll have more sympathy,” whined Mrs. Gibson.
“Please don’t think I’m lacking in sympathy, Mrs. Gibson,” said Anne, who, after half an hour’s vain effort, felt like wringing Mrs. Gibson’s neck.
When Pauline wants to go to an anniversary party for a friend, Anne steps in to allow Pauline to go. After a lot of back-and-forth and convincing Mrs. Gibson that Pauline should go, Anne and Pauline stand before her.
“And mind you don’t slide down the banister.”
“Ma! Do you think I would?”
“You did at Nancy Parker’s wedding.”
“Thirty-five years ago! Do you think I would do it now?”
It’s lines like this from characters who are serious that make me smile and laugh. But with all the humor, Maud is also good at adding heart and depth to her stories.
“Ma says I’m getting too old to dream. Do you think I am, Miss Shirley?”
“Nobody is ever too old to dream. And dreams never grow old.”
“I’m so glad to hear you say that.”
After a delightful day away, Pauline comes back with stars in her eyes.
“I wish…I wish you didn’t have such a hard time at home, Pauline…”
“Oh, dear Miss Shirley, I won’t mind it now,” said Pauline quickly. “After all, poor Ma needs me. And it’s nice to be needed, my dear.”
Pauline is a saint in my eyes.
What have been your favorite parts of Anne of Windy Poplars so far?
Do you still have dreams you hope will come true one day?
I’m delighted you’re here, kindred spirit.
~Stephanie
The Harris family is one of my favorite parts of the "Anne of Avonlea" movie. The grandmother was so horrible! 😊 I know it was very loosely adapted from the book, and sometimes I wish there was more of Emmaline from the movie in the book.