The Improvement Society and Public Opinion

Anne of Avonlea

The young Improvers confront mockery and resistance, gradually earning support by showing that civic pride can produce visible shared benefits.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Ridicule Begins Ridicule Begins from "Anne of Avonlea". Ridicule Begins A New Group Misread Avonlea residents joke that the Improvement Society is merely a courting club or an attempt to dictate private taste.

Ridicule Begins from "Anne of Avonlea". Ridicule Begins A New Group Misread Avonlea residents joke that the Improvement Society is merely a courting club or an attempt to dictate private taste.

Ridicule Begins A New Group Misread Avonlea residents joke that the Improvement Society is merely a courting club or an attempt to dictate private taste. Rumors exaggerate the group's plans for roads, houses, and livestock. Public Suspicion The young members feel the ridicule but continue meeting. Their first conflict is not with a formal opponent but with a settled assumption that improvement means meddling.

Canvassing the Cranks Canvassing the Cranks from "Anne of Avonlea". Canvassing the Cranks Door-to-Door Resistance Anne and Diana meet pessimistic, stingy, and fastidious neighbors while seeking money for the hall.

Canvassing the Cranks from "Anne of Avonlea". Canvassing the Cranks Door-to-Door Resistance Anne and Diana meet pessimistic, stingy, and fastidious neighbors while seeking money for the hall.

Canvassing the Cranks Door-to-Door Resistance Anne and Diana meet pessimistic, stingy, and fastidious neighbors while seeking money for the hall. Some give generously, while others reject the idea outright. Persistence Tested The canvassers learn that public spirit cannot be assumed. Their persistence helps turn a vague organization into a group willing to do unglamorous work.

The Blue Hall Backlash The Blue Hall Backlash from "Anne of Avonlea". The Blue Hall Backlash Public Anger The hall's wrong color makes residents feel that their contributions were wasted.

The Blue Hall Backlash from "Anne of Avonlea". The Blue Hall Backlash Public Anger The hall's wrong color makes residents feel that their contributions were wasted.

The Blue Hall Backlash Public Anger The hall's wrong color makes residents feel that their contributions were wasted. The Improvers expect blame and mockery to undo their reputation. A Change in Judgment Public feeling instead turns toward sympathy for the volunteers. The conflict shifts from whether the Society has a place to whether it can recover from an obvious failure.

The Advertising Fence The Advertising Fence from "Anne of Avonlea". The Advertising Fence A New Threat The Society learns that Judson Parker intends to rent his roadside fence to a patent medicine company.

The Advertising Fence from "Anne of Avonlea". The Advertising Fence A New Threat The Society learns that Judson Parker intends to rent his roadside fence to a patent medicine company.

The Advertising Fence A New Threat The Society learns that Judson Parker intends to rent his roadside fence to a patent medicine company. Members fear the signs will disfigure one of Avonlea's prettiest roads. A Failed Appeal Anne, Jane Andrews, and Diana plead with Parker, but he refuses and offers only to choose attractive colors. Public opinion cannot compel him to change his mind.

A Retreat from Advertising A Retreat from Advertising from "Anne of Avonlea". A Retreat from Advertising A Private Compromise Anne overhears Judson Parker accept a political inducement from Jerry Corcoran.

A Retreat from Advertising from "Anne of Avonlea". A Retreat from Advertising A Private Compromise Anne overhears Judson Parker accept a political inducement from Jerry Corcoran.

A Retreat from Advertising A Private Compromise Anne overhears Judson Parker accept a political inducement from Jerry Corcoran. She does not bargain with him or threaten public exposure. The Fence Preserved Parker later withdraws his plan, partly because he fears the consequences of his own conversation becoming known. Anne's refusal to exploit the secret preserves the Society's cause without making her its instrument of coercion.

early autumn, after the Society is formed

autumn, during the hall subscription campaign

late autumn, after the painting error

the following spring, at an evening Society meeting

the next day, after Anne overhears Parker's political bargain