Book Trivia Questions about Anne of Green Gables
One of the most beloved novels ever written, never out of print since 1908, and the book that made an entire generation of Japanese schoolchildren fall in love with Prince Edward Island. Think you know Anne of Green Gables?
Test yourself with 25 trivia questions covering the story, the characters, L.M. Montgomery's life, and the facts that make this book one of the most fascinating ever written.
Perfect for book clubs, trivia nights, Anne fans, and anyone who grew up watching the 1985 miniseries on repeat.
Anne of Green Gables Trivia Questions — The Story
In which Canadian province is Anne of Green Gables set?
Prince Edward Island — a small island province off the coast of Nova Scotia, whose rural landscape Montgomery knew intimately from her own childhood.
What is the name of the farm Anne is sent to live on?
Green Gables — the Cuthbert family farm in the fictional village of Avonlea, which has since become one of Canada's most visited literary landmarks.
Why were Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert expecting a boy?
They had arranged to adopt a boy from an orphanage to help with farm work. Anne was sent by mistake — and Matthew, who met her at the station, didn't have the heart to tell her.
What is the name of Anne's best friend in Avonlea?
Diana Barry — steady, loyal, and the kind of best friend every person hopes for. Montgomery is thought to have based her on her own childhood friendships.
What does Anne accidentally do to Diana that causes a temporary falling out?
She accidentally gets Diana drunk by serving her what she thinks is raspberry cordial — which turns out to be currant wine. Diana's mother bans the friendship temporarily as a result.
What does Anne do to Gilbert Blythe after he calls her "Carrots"?
She breaks her slate over his head — and holds a grudge against him for years, despite his repeated attempts to apologise.
What imaginary friend does Anne talk to through a mirror?
Katie Maurice — a name that directly mirrors Montgomery's own childhood, as Montgomery herself had an imaginary friend by the same name.
What does Anne do to Mrs. Rachel Lynde after being insulted about her appearance?
She delivers a spectacularly furious speech telling Mrs. Lynde she is rude, unfeeling, and fat — and refuses to apologise until Marilla insists.
What subject does Anne excel at in school?
English and writing — though she is competitive across all subjects, particularly against Gilbert Blythe.
What is the name of the scholarship Anne wins at the end of the novel?
The Avery Scholarship — which would allow her to attend Redmond College. She ultimately gives it up to stay home and care for Marilla after Matthew's death.
Anne of Green Gables Trivia Questions — L.M. Montgomery & The Book
In what year was Anne of Green Gables first published?
1908 — when Montgomery was 34 years old, after years of rejections and one year stuffed in a hatbox.
Where did Montgomery get the idea for the story?
From a brief note she had made in her journal years earlier — about a couple who wanted to adopt a boy to help on their farm but were accidentally sent a girl instead.
How many books are in the Anne of Green Gables series?
Eight — written by Montgomery over 31 years, following Anne from childhood through to middle age.
Who did Montgomery base Anne's appearance on?
Evelyn Nesbit — a famous model and actress of the era whose photograph Montgomery kept as a visual reference. Nesbit had a dreamy, slightly whimsical quality Montgomery felt suited the character.
Why did Montgomery give Anne red hair?
There's no definitive answer — Montgomery never clearly explained the choice. The leading theory is that red hair was considered undesirable at the time, making it a deliberate way to signal that Anne sees herself as different and out of place.
What was the name of the man Montgomery described as the love of her life?
Herman Leard — a local man she met while boarding on Prince Edward Island, with whom she had an intense emotional relationship while engaged to someone else. He died not long after she ended it.
What mental illness did Montgomery's husband Ewen suffer from?
Severe depression and religious anxiety — at points so extreme he believed he was predestined for hell. Montgomery managed his illness largely alone while maintaining her public career.
How many copies has Anne of Green Gables sold worldwide?
Over 50 million — translated into more than 40 languages and never once out of print since 1908.
What is the name of the controversial adult novel Montgomery published in 1926?
The Blue Castle — one of her few adult novels, considered scandalous at the time for featuring an unwed mother and a heroine who rejects social and religious expectations.
What did Montgomery's granddaughter reveal about her death in 2008?
That the family believed Montgomery had died by suicide in 1942, based on a note found at her bedside describing a loss of control over her mind. The official cause of death had been recorded as coronary thrombosis. It has never been definitively confirmed.
Anne of Green Gables Trivia Questions — Adaptations & Legacy
What was wrong with the very first screen adaptation of Anne of Green Gables?
Almost everything, according to Montgomery. The 1919 silent film — now lost — set the story in America instead of Prince Edward Island, and Montgomery felt Anne had been portrayed as far too sweet.
What did the actress who played Anne in the 1934 film do after the production wrapped?
She changed her name. Born Dawn Evelyeen Paris and performing as Dawn O'Day, she loved the role so much she adopted Anne Shirley as her stage name and kept it for the rest of her career.
How many girls auditioned for the role of Anne in the 1985 TV miniseries?
Over 3,000 — Megan Follows beat them all, despite being nearly dismissed after her first audition.
Which Hollywood legend was approached to play Marilla in the 1985 miniseries — and what happened?
Katharine Hepburn was approached and declined. She suggested her great-niece Schuyler Grant for the role of Anne instead. Grant auditioned but was cast as Diana Barry.
How long has Anne of Green Gables: The Musical been running — and how many people have seen it?
Since 1965 — making it Canada's longest-running musical. It has been seen by more than 2 million people.
FAQ
What are the best Anne of Green Gables trivia questions?
The most interesting questions cover both the story — Anne's slate incident, the currant wine disaster, the Avery Scholarship — and the facts behind the book, including Montgomery's forbidden romance, the real inspiration for Anne's appearance, and the actress who changed her name to Anne Shirley after the 1934 film.
Are these Anne of Green Gables trivia questions suitable for book clubs?
Yes — the questions are split across story, author background, and adaptations, making them suitable for a full book club session, trivia night, or solo quiz. Fair warning: some answers contain spoilers.
Are these questions suitable for people who haven't read the book?
Anne fans and general literature lovers will find plenty to test themselves on regardless of whether they've read it. Some questions will be easier for readers, particularly in the story section.
Is there an Anne of Green Gables quiz podcast?
Yes — the Book Trivia Podcast covers Anne of Green Gables in full in Season 2 Episode 5, including trivia, facts, adaptations, and L.M. Montgomery's life. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Want the Full Experience?
Hear the story, the trivia, the 1985 miniseries facts, and the life L.M. Montgomery kept hidden in our full podcast episode.