Episode 7 of “Anne with an E,” titled “Wherever You Are Is My Home,” plunges Anne Shirley and the Cuthberts into a sea of financial troubles, testing their resilience and highlighting the strength of their bonds. As Christmas approaches in Avonlea, the episode explores themes of family, sacrifice, and community support, while also introducing darker elements that depart from the original “Anne of Green Gables” novel.
Financial Ruin and Matthew’s Health
The episode begins with Anne overhearing Josie Pye gossiping about the Cuthberts’ financial woes and the possibility of Anne being sent back to the orphanage. This prompts Anne to confront Marilla and Matthew, learning that Matthew mortgaged Green Gables to invest in high-yield crops. Unfortunately, Matthew’s risky investment leads to a crisis, compounded by a heart attack that leaves him unable to work.
Marilla is furious with Matthew for making financial decisions behind her back. The doctor advises that Matthew needs months to recover and cannot undertake any hard labor. Later, Marilla and Anne go through their possessions to determine what can be sold to raise money to pay off the loan. Anne offers to return her beloved puff-sleeved dress, demonstrating her willingness to sacrifice for the family.
Anne’s Journey to Carmody
Marilla decides to send Anne and Jerry to Carmody to sell some of their possessions and one of their horses. The money from the horse sale will serve as Jerry’s final wages since they can no longer afford to keep him employed. Diana gives Anne her vanity set to pawn, showcasing her support.
During their journey to Carmody, Anne and Jerry encounter challenges but eventually reach their destination. Anne’s first stop is the dress shop, where she returns the puff-sleeved dress. Jeanie, the shop owner, recognizes Anne and gives her more money than Matthew likely paid for it, showing compassion for her situation. Next, Anne goes to a pawn shop and fabricates stories about each item to get a better price, successfully convincing the shopkeeper to give her good value.
Gilbert’s Departure and a Glimpse of Romance
While in Carmody, Anne encounters Gilbert, who is working at a dock to earn money for passage on a ship. Gilbert plans to travel and return to Avonlea when the time is right. He mentions that Matthew offered to work his land for him, highlighting Matthew’s generosity. Anne apologizes for not being sensitive to Gilbert’s situation, and he accepts her apology, hinting at their future romance.
Matthew’s Despair and Jeanie’s Intervention
Back at Green Gables, Matthew feels like a burden and considers ending his life so that his life insurance can provide for Marilla and Anne. While Marilla is busy with chores, Matthew attempts to load his gun, but his weakness makes it difficult. Jeanie arrives and finds Matthew in the parlor with the gun. She convinces him that suicide is not the answer and reminds him that Anne finally belongs somewhere and would be devastated by his death.
Community Support and Christmas Concert
Later that night, Marilla counts the money Anne obtained in Carmody. Anne discovers additional money in a book Josephine gave her for Marilla. Josephine’s note states that “love is not charity,” persuading Marilla to accept the help. At the school concert, a collection is taken for the Cuthberts. The carolers then go to Green Gables to give them a Christmas concert, showing their support.
The Arrival of Troublemakers
The episode concludes with Marilla placing an advertisement for boarders to earn extra money. Unbeknownst to the Cuthberts, the two men who robbed and beat Jerry see the advertisement and decide to target Green Gables. The final scene shows Anne opening the door to one of the men, creating a sense of foreboding.
Themes and Analysis
- Family and Sacrifice: The episode highlights the importance of family and the sacrifices people make for loved ones. Anne’s willingness to give up her puff-sleeved dress and Matthew’s consideration of ending his life demonstrate the depth of their love and commitment.
- Community Support: The Avonlea community rallies around the Cuthberts, providing financial and emotional support. The school concert and Josephine’s generosity exemplify the strength of community bonds.
- Resilience: Despite facing numerous challenges, Anne remains optimistic and resourceful. Her ability to find creative solutions and maintain a positive attitude inspires those around her.
- Darker Elements: “Anne with an E” introduces darker themes such as financial ruin, suicide, and violence, which depart from the original novel’s lighter tone. These elements add depth and complexity to the story but have also been a point of contention for some viewers.
Differences from the Book
Episode 7 of “Anne with an E” takes significant liberties with the source material, diverging from the plot and tone of “Anne of Green Gables”. Some key differences include:
- Matthew’s Heart Attack: In the novel, Matthew’s health declines gradually, and his death is not directly caused by financial stress. The show introduces a heart attack and a suicide attempt, adding a level of drama not present in the book.
- The Severity of Financial Trouble: While the Cuthberts face financial challenges in the book, the show exaggerates their situation, requiring them to sell possessions and take in boarders.
- The Introduction of Criminal Elements: The addition of the two thieves who rob Jerry is a significant departure from the novel, introducing a darker, more dangerous element to the story.
Reception and Controversy
“Anne with an E” has received mixed reviews, with some praising its darker, more realistic portrayal of Anne’s life and others criticizing its departure from the source material. Some reviewers found the added elements of abuse, poverty, and social injustice to be unnecessary and detracting from the charm of the original story. Others appreciated the show’s willingness to tackle difficult issues and its feminist perspective.
Conclusion
“Wherever You Are Is My Home” is a pivotal episode in “Anne with an E,” highlighting the Cuthberts’ resilience, the strength of their community, and the darker elements that set this adaptation apart from the original novel. While the episode has sparked controversy due to its deviations from the source material, it remains a compelling exploration of family, sacrifice, and the challenges of life in Avonlea.
