The Transformation of Davy

Anne of Avonlea

Davy's mischievous energy gradually becomes more considerate as he receives affection, firm limits, and an audience that takes his questions seriously.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Restless Arrival A Restless Arrival from "Anne of Avonlea". A Restless Arrival A Boy Without Training Davy arrives at Green Gables energetic, hungry, and unaccustomed to household expectations.

A Restless Arrival from "Anne of Avonlea". A Restless Arrival A Boy Without Training Davy arrives at Green Gables energetic, hungry, and unaccustomed to household expectations.

A Restless Arrival A Boy Without Training Davy arrives at Green Gables energetic, hungry, and unaccustomed to household expectations. He openly explains that he has never had much bringing up. Affection as an Opening He hugs Marilla Cuthbert and quickly attaches himself to Anne Shirley. Their warmth gives the adults a foundation for the difficult work of teaching him.

The Caterpillar Prank The Caterpillar Prank from "Anne of Avonlea". The Caterpillar Prank Mischief in Church Davy drops a caterpillar down Lauretta White's neck during the service.

The Caterpillar Prank from "Anne of Avonlea". The Caterpillar Prank Mischief in Church Davy drops a caterpillar down Lauretta White's neck during the service.

The Caterpillar Prank Mischief in Church Davy drops a caterpillar down Lauretta White's neck during the service. Marilla punishes him, and Anne is mortified by the public disruption. A First Comparison Davy asks whether Paul Irving would have done the same thing. He begins to use Paul's example as a measure, though he does not yet understand the reasons behind good behavior.

The First Confession The First Confession from "Anne of Avonlea". The First Confession A Lie Understood Davy admits hiding Dora and lying to make the household frightened.

The First Confession from "Anne of Avonlea". The First Confession A Lie Understood Davy admits hiding Dora and lying to make the household frightened.

The First Confession A Lie Understood Davy admits hiding Dora and lying to make the household frightened. At first he sees the lie as necessary to the prank rather than a separate wrong. Remorse Through Empathy Anne's tears make him feel the harm he has caused. He promises not to tell falsehoods again once he understands the rule.

School and Social Learning School and Social Learning from "Anne of Avonlea". School and Social Learning A Wider Circle Davy begins school and delights in having boys to play with.

School and Social Learning from "Anne of Avonlea". School and Social Learning A Wider Circle Davy begins school and delights in having boys to play with.

School and Social Learning A Wider Circle Davy begins school and delights in having boys to play with. He defends Anne when a classmate draws an insulting picture, though his proposed response still reveals a child's developing judgment. Growing Consideration He learns games, friendships, and the difference between playful conflict and hurtful behavior. School gives his energy an outlet that the household could not provide alone.

A Fairer Brother A Fairer Brother from "Anne of Avonlea". A Fairer Brother Choosing Dora's Share Davy tells Anne that he gave Dora the larger piece of bread and jam, not knowing she would later share it back.

A Fairer Brother from "Anne of Avonlea". A Fairer Brother Choosing Dora's Share Davy tells Anne that he gave Dora the larger piece of bread and jam, not knowing she would later share it back.

A Fairer Brother Choosing Dora's Share Davy tells Anne that he gave Dora the larger piece of bread and jam, not knowing she would later share it back. He is proud that his choice was generous. Progress Recognized Anne praises his improvement, and Davy understands himself as capable of goodness. He remains playful, but affection and recognition have helped him become more considerate.

the evening of Mary Keith's funeral

the first Sunday after Davy arrives

the November evening Dora is found

the autumn after Davy turns seven

the summer before Anne leaves Avonlea