Anne Shirley, the imaginative and spirited orphan from L.M. Montgomery’s beloved “Anne of Green Gables” novels, has captured hearts for generations through numerous adaptations. When inquiring about “Episode 19,” it’s important to note that various series feature their own distinct storylines for this specific episode number. This exploration delves into the narratives of “Episode 19” from key “Anne Shirley” television and animated adaptations, offering a glimpse into how different creators have interpreted Anne’s enduring journey.
The 2025 “Anne Shirley” Anime Series: A Confrontation with Mortality
In the recently premiered 2025 “Anne Shirley” anime television series, Episode 19 presents a poignant and challenging chapter in Anne’s life. Titled, this episode delves into the harsh reality of mortality, a theme that has been present in Anne’s story from the outset with the deaths of her parents.
Key Plot Points and Themes:
- Ruby Gillis’s Illness and Death: The central focus of Episode 19 is the illness and eventual death of Anne’s close friend, Ruby Gillis. Ruby succumbs to what was known as “consumption” (tuberculosis), a common and often romanticized cause of death in 19th-century literature. However, the anime portrays Ruby’s struggle with pain, delusions, and a desperate desire to live, presenting a starkly unromanticized view of the disease. Ruby had dreams of a future and a beau, making her untimely death particularly tragic.
- Anne’s Creative Struggle: This episode intertwines Ruby’s decline with Anne’s own attempts to write a story for publication. The reality of Ruby’s suffering forces Anne to confront the difference between romanticized fictional death and the painful, unvarnished truth of losing a loved one. The experience deeply impacts Anne, leading her to temporarily set aside her fiction as she grapples with this profound loss and the harsh realities of life.
- Impact on Anne’s Perspective: Matthew Cuthbert’s death previously changed Anne’s life, but Ruby’s death, at Anne’s own age, profoundly alters her perspective on loss and the fragility of life. There is nothing beautiful or romantic about Ruby’s passing, pushing Anne to a deeper understanding of grief and human suffering.
Produced by The Answer Studio and directed by Hiroshi Kawamata, this 2025 anime series, which premiered in April, features Honoka Inoue as the voice of Anne Shirley.
The 1979 “Anne of Green Gables” Anime Series: Diana’s Birthday
A classic adaptation from the World Masterpiece Theater series, the 1979 “Anne of Green Gables” anime, co-written and directed by Isao Takahata (with layout designs by Hayao Miyazaki), features “Episode 19” titled “Diana’s Birthday”. This episode captures Anne’s early adventures and occasional missteps with her dearest friend, Diana Barry.
Plot Summary:
- A Special Celebration: The episode revolves around Diana Barry’s birthday, a much-anticipated event for Anne. Having recently saved Minnie May’s life, Anne is a welcome guest at the Barry household and is eager to celebrate with Diana.
- Antics with Aunt Josephine: The highlight of the episode involves the visit of Diana’s formidable Great-Aunt Josephine. Matthew persuades Marilla to allow Anne to stay overnight at Diana’s. During the night, Anne and Diana playfully jump on a bed, accidentally landing on the sleeping Aunt Josephine. This incident initially infuriates Aunt Josephine, who threatens to leave and rescind Diana’s music lessons.
- Anne’s Confession and Redemption: Feeling responsible for Diana’s predicament, Anne courageously confronts Aunt Josephine, confessing that the “silly stunt” was her idea. Anne’s heartfelt apology and unique charm eventually win over Aunt Josephine, who becomes endeared to the young girl and even comes to see her as a “kindred spirit”. Aunt Josephine decides to stay, and the girls continue to enjoy her company, with her even teaching them songs on the piano.
Other Adaptations with an “Episode 19”
While the 2025 and 1979 anime series offer distinct “Episode 19” narratives focusing on Anne Shirley’s direct experiences, other adaptations also reach this episode number with their own unique storylines:
- Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series (2001-2002): Episode 19 of this series is titled “A Square Peg.” In this episode, Peg Bowen, a reclusive old woman, makes a rare trip to town, piquing the children’s curiosity. Anne becomes lost in a snowstorm during their attempt to spy on her, leading to an adventurous rescue.
- “Anne with an E” Clarification: It’s worth noting that while some search results may link “Episode 19” to “Anne with an E,” this popular Netflix series structures its episodes differently. “Anne with an E” Season 2, Episode 6, titled “I Protest Against Any Absolute Conclusion,” aired on July 6, 2018, and features Anne with a new haircut, the town preparing for a Christmas pantomime, and Gilbert and Bash joining the Cuthberts for dinner. While a significant episode, it is not the 19th episode in the overall series count. The show has 27 episodes across three seasons.
- Road to Avonlea: This spin-off series, featuring characters from L.M. Montgomery’s universe including mentions of Anne Shirley, has 91 episodes across seven seasons. A general “Episode 19” for this series would fall within its second season. For example, Season 3, Episode 6 is titled “Aunt Janet Rebels,” focusing on Janet King’s involvement in the women’s suffrage movement.
The enduring appeal of Anne Shirley ensures that new adaptations and interpretations will continue to emerge, each offering fresh perspectives on the beloved story of the girl from Green Gables. While the core themes of imagination, friendship, and resilience remain, the specific challenges and triumphs Anne faces in “Episode 19” vary across these beloved series.
