L. M. Montgomery
Full Name and Common Aliases
Lucy Maud Montgomery was born on November 30, 1874, to Alexander and Clara Macneill Montgomery in Prince Edward Island, Canada. She is commonly known as L.M. Montgomery.
Birth and Death Dates
November 30, 1874 - April 24, 1942
Nationality and Profession(s)
Canadian author, teacher, and journalist. Her works are considered a cornerstone of children's literature.
Early Life and Background
Growing up on Prince Edward Island, Montgomery was the third child in a family that moved frequently during her childhood due to her father's occupation as a Presbyterian minister. The island's lush landscapes and rugged coastlines would later serve as the backdrop for many of her stories. Her mother, Clara Macneill, played a significant role in nurturing Montgomery's love for literature and writing.
Montgomery's early life was not without challenges. At age 16, she suffered from what would later be recognized as depression and anxiety disorders. This experience would later influence her writing, particularly in the portrayal of her characters' struggles with mental health.
Major Accomplishments
L.M. Montgomery's most notable work is the eight-book series "Anne of Green Gables," which follows the life of Anne Shirley, a young orphan girl who finds a new home on Prince Edward Island. The series has been translated into over 36 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.
In addition to her success with children's literature, Montgomery also published several novels for adults, including "The Blue Castle" and "Jane of Lantern Hill." Her writing often explored themes of love, family, and identity.
Notable Works or Actions
- Anne of Green Gables: The series follows the life of Anne Shirley as she navigates her new home on Prince Edward Island.
- Emily of New Moon: A sequel to "Anne of Green Gables," which explores the life of Emily Starr.
- The Blue Castle: A romantic novel that tells the story of Valancy Stirling and Barney Snaith.
Montgomery's writing often reflected her own experiences and emotions, providing readers with a glimpse into her inner world. Her ability to craft relatable characters and stories has made her one of the most beloved authors in Canadian literature.
Impact and Legacy
L.M. Montgomery's impact on children's literature is undeniable. Her works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be widely read around the world. The "Anne of Green Gables" series has been adapted into several films, television shows, and stage productions.
Montgomery's writing also explored themes that were considered unconventional for her time, such as mental health and female independence. Her portrayal of strong, independent women in her stories paved the way for future generations of authors to explore similar themes.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
L.M. Montgomery is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
- Timeless Themes: Her works continue to resonate with readers due to their exploration of universal themes such as love, family, and identity.
- Relatable Characters: Montgomery's characters are known for their authenticity and relatability, making them beloved by readers worldwide.
- Influence on Children's Literature: Her contributions to the genre have inspired countless authors and continue to shape the way children's literature is written today.
Montgomery's legacy extends beyond her writing. She remains an important figure in Canadian culture, representing the country's rich literary heritage.
Quotes by L. M. Montgomery
Anne, who was perched on the edge of the veranda, enjoying the charm of a mild west wind blowing across a newly ploughed field on a gray November twilight and piping a quaint little melody among the twisted firs below the garden, turned her dreamy face over her shoulder.
Miss Cornelia dropped in that afternoon, puffing a little."I don't mind the world or the devil much, but the flesh does rather bother me," she admitted. "You always look as cool as a cucumber, Anne, dearie. Do I smell cherry pie? If I do, ask me to stay to tea...
It was November--the month of crimson sunsets, parting birds, deep, sad hymns of the sea, passionate wind-songs in the pines. Anne roamed through the pineland alleys in the park and, as she said, let that great sweeping wind blow the fogs out of her soul.
I think this story-writing business is the foolishest yet," scoffed Marilla. "You'll get a pack of nonsense into your heads and waste time that should be put to your lessons. Reading stories is bad enough but writing them is worse.
I think you had better learn to control that imagination of yours,Anne, if you can't distinguish between what is real and what isnt.
There is no use in loving things if you have to be torn from them, is there? And it's so hard to keep from loving things, isn't it?
In geometry Anne met her Waterloo. “It’s perfectly awful stuff, Marilla,” she groaned. “I’m sure I’ll never be able to make heads or tail of it. There is not scope for imagination in it at all.
