In the emotional second episode of Anne with an E Season 3, titled “There is Something at Work in My Soul Which I Do Not Understand,” Anne Shirley embarks on a poignant quest to uncover her past, leading to both disheartening revelations and reaffirmations of love and belonging. This episode, which aired on September 29, 2019, sees Anne traveling to Charlottetown with Gilbert Blythe, revisiting the orphanage she once called home in a bid to find answers about her birth parents.
A Trip to the Past: Charlottetown and the Orphanage
The central plot of Episode 18 (Season 3, Episode 2) revolves around Anne’s determination to learn more about her origins. Having received permission to delve into her history, Anne, accompanied by Gilbert, journeys to Charlottetown. Marilla’s initial fussing over Anne at the train station slightly mortifies Anne, especially in front of Gilbert. However, the atmosphere between Anne and Gilbert becomes somewhat strained on the train, with Anne asserting her independence and capability to travel alone.
Upon arriving in Charlottetown, Anne is joyfully reunited with her friend Cole and Aunt Josephine, with Cole expressing his happiness in his new life and art school. Anne’s primary objective, however, is to visit the orphanage where she spent part of her childhood. Unfortunately, the visit proves to be a disheartening experience. Instead of finding the comforting answers she hoped for, Anne is confronted with painful memories and witnesses the continued unkindness of the staff and the bullying among the children. A particularly poignant moment occurs when Anne overhears a father leaving his son and daughter at the orphanage, instructing the matron to tell them he has died when they are older.
The Weight of Uncertainty and the Power of Imagination
The search for information about her birth parents yields little success at the orphanage, leaving Anne feeling dejected. She retreats to a secret hiding spot where she used to keep her writings, breaking down in tears and fearing that her parents abandoned her, leading her to question if she was foolish to live in her imaginative world.
In a touching moment, Cole reassures Anne, emphasizing that her imagination is precisely why he cherishes her, as it enabled her to accept him. This conversation highlights Anne’s unique spirit and the enduring strength of her chosen family and friendships.
Seeds of Hope and Future Endeavors
Despite the disappointing outcome of their visit to the orphanage, Anne and Gilbert, on their ferry journey back, agree that the trip was not a complete failure. They resolve to return to Nova Scotia to visit the church where they believe they might find more information about Anne’s parents, indicating a continued pursuit of her lineage.
Meanwhile, back in Avonlea, Marilla struggles with the implications of Anne’s quest for her biological family, feeling somewhat slighted by Anne’s desire to find answers about a past that doesn’t involve them. However, Matthew, ever supportive of Anne’s happiness, encourages her pursuit.
Parallel Narratives: Love, Family, and Community
Beyond Anne’s personal journey, the episode also touches on other developing storylines. Bash encourages Elijah to get his life in order and Gilbert agrees to hire him as a farmhand, though Gilbert later has regrets when Elijah steals his father’s possessions. Rachel Lynde continues her efforts to find a suitor for Miss Stacy, even as she expresses displeasure at Miss Stacy and Matthew working together on a printing press.
The episode, and indeed the entire season, explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and the meaning of family, whether by blood or by choice. Anne’s unwavering spirit and her powerful imagination continue to be central to her character as she navigates adolescence and the challenges it brings.
