Anne of Green Gables

By L.M. Montgomery

First published in 1908

Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves

The story of the imaginative Anne Shirley and her journey from lonely orphan to loved and adored member of the Cuthbert household is funny, touching, and magical.  Marilla is the disciplinarian in charge of bringing Anne up as a moral member of society.  Matthew, quiet and shy, is usually in the background.  He so obviously loves his Anne-girl, but allows Marilla to make the decisions.  

In the chapter in which Matthew insists on puffed sleeves, though, he sees something that Marilla is too busy to notice.  Anne does not quite fit in with her friends.  At first he’s not sure why.  Anne is the most animated of the group, talking and laughing, yet something doesn’t seem right.  He comes to the conclusion that Anne is not dressed like the other girls.  Marilla has always dressed Anne in plain, dark, serviceable dresses.  

Christmas is coming and Matthew remembers that Anne has longed for the beautiful new puffed sleeves that are so in fashion.  Although Matthew is painfully shy, he really wants to get a new dress for Anne as a Christmas gift.  After an awkward trip to the store in town in which Matthew is too embarrassed to ask for a girl’s dress, he finally goes to Mrs. Lynde who agrees to make a dress with puffed sleeves.

When Anne receives the beautiful gift on Christmas morning, she overflows with emotion and delight.  

To Matthew, making his Anne-girl happy is of utmost importance.  His love for her gives him strength to stand up to Marilla and overcome his shyness enough to seek help from Mrs. Lynde.  He has opened his heart to a child, and it has transformed him.  What a beautiful message for the Christmas season!