How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Well they didn't pick you for your looks, that's sure and certain," was Mrs. Rachel Lynde's emphatic comment. Mrs. Rachel was one of those delightful and popular people who pride themselves on speaking their mind without fear or favor. "She's terrible skinny and homely, Marilla. Come here, child, and let me have a look at you. Lawful heart, did any one ever see such freckles? And hair as red as carrots! Come here, child, I say." (9.15)
Ouch. Mrs. Lynde talks about Anne, while she's standing right there, as if she's property, instead of a person with feelings. It shows how orphans, and children, are treated in this society. Even though Mrs. Lynde isn't being kind, she expects Anne to obey her without complaint.
Quote #5
"Just remember how you would feel if someone told you to your face that you were skinny and ugly," pleaded Anne tearfully.
An old remembrance suddenly rose up before Marilla. She had been a very small child when she had heard one aunt say of her to another, "What a pity she is such a dark, homely little thing." Marilla was every day of fifty before the sting had gone out of that memory. (9.44-45)
This is the difference between Marilla and her friend, Mrs. Lynde. Mrs. Lynde's way of thinking is "it's my way or the highway." But in this quote, we see that Marilla is able to relate her experience with other people's, and imagine herself in their shoes.
Quote #6
"The trouble with you, Anne, is that you're thinking too much about yourself. You should just think of Mrs. Allan and what would be nicest and most agreeable for her," said Marilla, hitting for once in her life on a very sound and pithy piece of advice. (22.9)
Marilla reminds us here that Anne's vanity goes beyond worrying about how she looks. Whenever Anne is invited to an activity or event, she does get a little too in her head and focus on herself, rather than the people who will be there with her.