Lesson Plan: Montgomery's Emotional Landscape

Lesson Plan

Before Exploring

Explain that Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, the setting for the Anne books, is imaginary and that L.M. Montgomery's inspiration for this idealized town was Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, her home town.

Outline the Opportunity

Ask students to locate Cavendish, Prince Edward Island on a map. Have students view the Additional Clip, L.M. Montgomery's Emotional Landscape, a guide to the land that inspired the author. As they view, they should make point-form notes. If students have not read Montgomery's novels, explain that the setting is so vivid, it almost becomes a character in its own right. All but one of her books is set against the red soil and ocean views of the island. As explained in this clip, the setting becomes the reader's emotional landscape, too. Point out that people travel from around the world to visit the places that inspired the author.

There are several descriptions of the setting in the novel to read aloud, including this example: "It was a September evening and all the gaps and clearings in the woods were brimmed up with ruby sunset light. Here and there the lane was splashed with it, but for the most part, it was already quite shadowy beneath the maples, and the spaces under the firs were filled with a clear violet dusk like airy wine. The winds were out in their tops, and there is no sweeter music on earth than that which the wind makes in the fir trees at evening. The cows swung placidly down the lane, and Anne followed them dreamily." (Chapter 29, "An Epoch in Anne's Life").

Have students reflect on the way setting is used to reveal the characters' feelings? Then have them write descriptions of settings based on their community, town, or city. Writing prompts can include: why I enjoy living here, a memorable day here, a historic place to visit, a particularly beautiful time of year here, and so on.

Revisit and Reflect

Have students read their descriptions aloud. As a class, discuss the reasons why setting is such an important part of a story.

Extension

Students can create a tourism poster, a travel brochure, a list of major attractions, or the outline of a story or novel, including characters, theme and a plot graph, set in a particular place.

Material

• copies of Montgomery's works