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Anne Quote by Lucy Maud Montgomery

“Marilla felt more embarrassed than ever. She had intended to teach Anne the childish classic, "Now I lay me down to sleep." But she had, as I have told you, the glimmerings of a sense of humor--which is simply another name for a sense of the fitness of things; and it suddenly occurred to her that…” quote by Lucy Maud Montgomery
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“Marilla felt more embarrassed than ever. She had intended to teach Anne the childish classic, "Now I lay me down to sleep." But she had, as I have told you, the glimmerings of a sense of humor--which is simply another name for a sense of the fitness of things; and it suddenly occurred to her that simple little prayer, sacred to the white-robed childhood lisping at motherly knees, was entirely unsuited to this freckled witch of a girl who knew and cared nothing about God's love, since she had never had it translated to her through the medium of human love.”

Lucy Maud Montgomery

About This Quote

Source Novel: “Anne of Green Gables”, 1908

Marilla realizes that a traditional prayer feels mismatched for Anne, whose life lacks the gentle, loving context the prayer assumes.

In simple terms: A prayer can feel out of place if it doesn't match someone's reality.

Key Takeaway

Adapt expressions of care to fit personal experiences.

Themes

faith adaptation childhood humor

Mood

empathetic thoughtful

Type

literary reflective

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • family gatherings
  • personal counseling
  • writing

Key Concepts

literature psychology spirituality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we tailor spiritual or moral guidance to diverse lives?
  • When does tradition become a barrier?
A Different Perspective

Rigid traditions may alienate those they aim to comfort.

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