Stories Podcast: Anne of Green Gables – Chapter 18 ("Anne to the Rescue")

Host: Amanda Weldon
Episode Date: November 20, 2025
Podcast: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Episode Overview

This episode features a dramatic and heartwarming reading of Chapter 18 (“Anne to the Rescue”) from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. Listeners follow Anne Shirley as she faces a nighttime emergency and reconciles with her beloved friend Diana. The episode explores themes of friendship, courage, forgiveness, and resourcefulness, delivering both suspenseful moments and charming childhood reflections—all suitable (and delightful) for children and families.

Key Discussion Points & Story Events

Setting the Scene (00:01–02:30)

• Context: Most adults from Avonlea are away at a political rally, leaving Anne and Matthew at Green Gables for the evening.
  • Marilla and Mrs. Rachel Lynde head to Charlottetown, eager for “a real live premier.”
• Atmosphere: Cozy, wintry night with Anne dutifully studying her lessons, though tempted by a new book from Jane Andrews.

“It is casting a cloud over my whole life. I'm such a dunce at it, Matthew.”
– Anne, lamenting geometry (04:00)

Anne and Matthew’s Fireside Chat (02:30–08:10)

• Anne's school struggles: Geometry and her wish that Matthew could understand her difficulties.
• Politics and romance:
  • Anne quizzes Matthew on partisan loyalty and courtship, sharing Ruby Gillis’s dramatic views on love.
  • The conversation is innocent, humorous, and full of Anne’s imaginative perspective.
• Temptation and self-discipline:
  • Anne locks up her book, entrusting the key to Matthew—determined to finish her lessons before reading.

“It's all very well to say resist temptation, but it's ever so much easier to resist it if you can't get the key.”
– Anne (07:50)

The Emergency: Minnie Mae Falls Ill (08:10–10:50)

• Diana bursts in: Frantic, seeking help; her little sister Minnie Mae is dangerously sick with croup; both parents gone.
• Anne’s quick action: Calmly deduces what to do, referencing her ample experience nursing Mrs. Hammond’s twins.
  • Matthew speeds off into the snowy night to fetch a doctor.
• Anne's determination and empathy shine.

“Don't cry, Di. I know exactly what to do for croup. You forget that Mrs. Hammond had twins three times... They all had croup regularly.”
– Anne (09:43)

A Night of Heroism (13:10–15:30)

• Anne’s capable care: Administers ipecac, keeps Minnie Mae warm, directs nervous helper Mary Jo and Diana.
  • The situation is tense—Anne admits privately fearing for Minnie Mae’s life.
• Matthew and the doctor arrive at 3 A.M.—but Anne has managed the crisis.
• Doctor’s high praise:
  • "That little red headed girl they have over at Cuthbert’s is as smart as they make 'em... She saved that baby’s life...” (15:03)

“You must just imagine my relief, Doctor, because I can't express it in words.”
– Anne, after Minnie Mae recovers (14:25)

The Next Morning: Joy and Restoration (16:00–19:00)

• Anne, exhausted but elated, walks home with Matthew through magical wintry fields.
  • She revels in the frosty beauty and reflects on everything she’s learned from past hardships.

“Oh, Matthew, isn't it a wonderful morning? The world looks like something God had just imagined for his own pleasure...”
– Anne (16:35)

• Marilla returns: Impressed by Anne’s bravery, grateful for her knowledge; informs Anne that Mrs. Barry (Diana’s mother) has visited with a message of gratitude and reconciliation.

Anne and Diana Reunite; Friendship Restored (19:20–22:00)

• Anne, thrilled, rushes to see Diana.
  • Mrs. Barry expresses heartfelt thanks and apologizes for her earlier anger over the “currant wine” incident.
  • Anne and Diana pledge everlasting friendship, learn a secret crochet stitch, and make taffy together—joyfully if imperfectly (“the cat walked over one plate…”).
  • Anne is treated as a true guest, which means the world to her.

“You see before you a perfectly happy person, Marilla... I'm perfectly happy, yes, in spite of my red hair.”
– Anne, radiant with joy (21:30)

• Anne’s vow: To always talk to little girls as if they’re important, never to mock big words.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Anne on geometry and sympathy:
  “You can't sympathize properly if you've never studied it.” (04:10)
• On resisting temptation:
  “It's ever so much easier to resist it if you can't get the key.” (07:50)
• On romance:
  “I'd rather have just one in his right mind.” (06:00)
• Anne’s relief after saving Minnie Mae:
  “You must just imagine my relief, Doctor, because I can't express it in words.” (14:25)
• Doctor’s praise:
  "That little red headed girl... saved that baby's life." (15:03)
• Anne’s joy after friendship restored:
  “I just said as politely as I could, I have no hard feelings for you, Mrs. Barry. I assure you once and for all that I did not mean to intoxicate Diana...” (21:15)
• On being treated as ‘company’:
  “I can't tell you what a thrill it gave me. Nobody ever used their very best china on my account before.” (21:45)

Important Scene Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------|------------| | Fireside study, Anne & Matthew chat | 02:30–08:10| | Diana bursts in with the emergency | 08:10–10:50| | Anne goes to Berry house, takes charge| 13:10–15:30| | Morning after—relief & reflection | 16:00–17:30| | Marilla & reconciliation news | 18:15–19:20| | Anne and Diana’s reunion | 19:20–22:00|

Tone & Language

The reading is warm, lively, humorous, and earnest, perfectly capturing Anne’s exuberant spirit and the gentle wit of the original narrative. Dialogue remains true to childhood logic, with Anne’s breathless monologues and vivid metaphors bringing laughter and empathy.

Summary

In this heart-touching chapter, Anne Shirley proves herself resourceful and compassionate, facing a dire emergency and winning the admiration and forgiveness of her friend’s family. The episode showcases Anne’s growth, cleverness, and deep longing for connection—all infused with the whimsy and warmth that define Anne of Green Gables. The adventure concludes with Anne restored to friendship, pride, and happiness, making this a moving and uplifting listen for all ages.