From Anne of Green Gables
Marilla Cuthbert
Matthew’s sister • Stern and practical
Matthew’s strict, sensible sister. Her crisp manner hides a warm, tender heart.
Who is Marilla Cuthbert?
Marilla is Matthew’s sister, a tall, practical woman who keeps Green Gables spotless. She expected an orphan boy to help on the farm and isn’t sure what to do with a chatty little girl. Marilla is strict and not one for fuss, but under her brisk manner beats a warm, loving heart.
Marilla Cuthbert is a character in Anne of Green Gables, the 1908 novel by L. M. Montgomery, retold for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.
What is Marilla Cuthbert like?
- strict
- practical
- devoted
Marilla Cuthbert’s story
Marilla Cuthbert is a tall, brisk woman who runs Green Gables with care and has never raised a child. She and Matthew asked for a boy to help with the farm work, so when Anne arrives she is firm that there has been a mistake. After a visit to Mrs. Spencer and a meeting with a very unkind woman, Marilla decides Anne will stay. She says it seems a sort of duty and that she will do her best.
Marilla teaches Anne plain things, such as prayers, sewing and manners, and she is strict about mistakes. She sends Anne to apologize to Mrs. Rachel, and she punishes Anne for lies and for being late. She also shows her affection in quiet ways, such as making Anne a dress and letting her go to the picnic. She is secretly proud of Anne at school and at the concert.
Late in the book Marilla’s eyesight is failing, and a doctor tells her to stop reading and sewing or she may go blind. After Matthew’s death, Marilla finally says aloud that she loves Anne as dearly as if Anne were her own flesh and blood. Marilla and Anne decide to stay together at Green Gables.
“I love you as dear as if you were my own flesh and blood and you’ve been my joy and comfort ever since you came to Green Gables.”
A moment to remember
After meeting harsh Mrs. Blewett, Marilla firmly refuses to hand Anne over, and soon tells her she may stay at Green Gables.
Family and friends
- Matthew Cuthbert: her brother
- Anne Shirley: the girl she raises
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde: neighbor and old friend
- Diana Barry: Anne’s best friend
Talk about it
Marilla didn’t often say “I love you,” but she showed it. What are some ways people show love without words?
Questions about Marilla Cuthbert
- Is Marilla Cuthbert Anne’s mother?
- No. Marilla is Matthew’s sister and has never married. She and Matthew take Anne in and raise her.
- Why did Marilla want a boy?
- She and Matthew needed help on the farm, so they asked Mrs. Spencer to bring them a boy from the orphanage. Mrs. Spencer brought Anne instead.
- Does Marilla ever say she loves Anne?
- Yes. After Matthew dies, she tells Anne that she loves her as dearly as if Anne were her own flesh and blood.
Read the story in
Anne of Green Gables
Ages 6–9, 72 pages
