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The Cost and Reward of Neighborliness

Anne of Avonlea

Anne's dealings with Harrison show that candid speech and practical help can turn an apparent adversary into a trusted neighbor.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
A Harsh First ImpressionA Harsh First Impression from "Anne of Avonlea". A Harsh First Impression Accusations and Defenses Harrison confronts Anne about his trampled oats, and she defends her own judgment by criticizing his fence.
A Harsh First Impression Accusations and Defenses Harrison confronts Anne about his trampled oats, and she defends her own judgment by criticizing his fence. Their first exchange is heated and personal. A Boundary Established Anne gives her word that the cow will not return, while Harrison leaves still angry. The conflict begins with mistrust but leaves room for a future test of honesty.
The Honest VisitThe Honest Visit from "Anne of Avonlea". The Honest Visit A Difficult Admission Anne visits Harrison with the money and explains that she mistakenly sold his cow.
The Honest Visit A Difficult Admission Anne visits Harrison with the money and explains that she mistakenly sold his cow. She accepts that he may be angry and does not hide behind the confusion. Forgiveness Offered Harrison treats the mistake as an accident and accepts Anne's cow in exchange. His response establishes the neighborly trust their first quarrel lacked.
The Cake and the TeaThe Cake and the Tea from "Anne of Avonlea". The Cake and the Tea Hospitality Replaces Formality Anne offers Harrison a cake and makes tea in his untidy kitchen.
The Cake and the Tea Hospitality Replaces Formality Anne offers Harrison a cake and makes tea in his untidy kitchen. They talk freely, and she sees a lonely person rather than merely a crank. Mutual Interest Harrison approves of the Improvement Society and invites Anne to visit again. Their friendship takes shape through shared conversation and an ordinary meal.
A Refusal to SubscribeA Refusal to Subscribe from "Anne of Avonlea". A Refusal to Subscribe Support Without Money Anne assumes Harrison's interest in the Society will translate into a contribution.
A Refusal to Subscribe Support Without Money Anne assumes Harrison's interest in the Society will translate into a contribution. He declines, explaining that approval does not reach as far as his pocket. Friendship Survives Difference Anne is disappointed but does not treat the refusal as betrayal. Their relationship can withstand disagreement because it is not built on constant agreement.
Comfort After GingerComfort After Ginger from "Anne of Avonlea". Comfort After Ginger A Neighbor's Grief The hailstorm kills Ginger, and Harrison asks Anne not to offer easy consolation.
Comfort After Ginger A Neighbor's Grief The hailstorm kills Ginger, and Harrison asks Anne not to offer easy consolation. He needs her presence more than a polished speech. A Reciprocal Bond Anne understands that Harrison's grief is real despite his rough manner. The neighbor who first confronted her now trusts her with his loneliness.
early August, during the first cow dispute
the evening after Anne sells Harrison's cow
the same evening, after the confession
autumn, during the hall fundraising
the evening of the hailstorm