Anne and Philippa’s Chosen Family
Anne of the IslandThis flow traces the friendship that turns Anne and Philippa from new college acquaintances into trusted companions and housemates.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Meeting in the Cemetery

Meeting in the Cemetery
A shared loneliness
Anne Shirley and Priscilla Grant approach a pretty stranger in Old St. John's Cemetery after noticing her loneliness at Redmond. Philippa Gordon greets them with eager humor rather than the shyness they expected.
Her open talk about indecision, beauty, and courtship could have made the meeting awkward. Instead, Anne and Priscilla recognize a warmth beneath the extravagant manner.
A friendship begins
Philippa invites closeness immediately, and the three students discover that they can be comfortable together. The encounter gives Anne a new local friendship at a moment when she feels uprooted.
Social Doors Open

Social Doors Open
Philippa’s welcome
Philippa Gordon’s popularity gives Anne and Priscilla access to wider social circles at Redmond. Philippa includes them naturally, without treating their different backgrounds as a liability.
Anne becomes Philippa’s favorite confidante, even as she teases her friend’s many admirers. Their affection allows them to speak honestly about one another’s weaknesses.
Loyalty beneath humor
Philippa tells Anne that she wants to become wiser and stronger, even while her resolutions are repeatedly distracted by handsome young men. Anne’s judgment matters to her because it comes from genuine care.
A Household Invitation

A Household Invitation
Philippa asks to join
When Anne and Priscilla plan to live at Patty’s Place, Philippa begs to join them. Anne explains that the household will be simple and require work, giving Philippa a chance to choose friendship over luxury.
Philippa accepts the ordinary conditions, including limited caller evenings. Her request is not a passing joke: she wants a home where she can share everyday life with her friends.
Friendship tested in practice
Living together turns affection into chores, boundaries, and negotiations. The group agrees to learn whether their friendship can withstand routine as well as college fun.
Comfort in Hard Moments

Comfort in Hard Moments
Phil supports Anne
Philippa challenges Anne when she refuses Gilbert Blythe, believing Anne has mistaken her feelings. Later, she condemns Anne for refusing Royal Gardner, before softening when Anne admits she cannot explain herself.
The disagreement is sharp because Philippa cares about Anne’s choices. Her eventual comfort shows that loyalty does not require immediate agreement.
Mutual understanding
Anne also sees Philippa’s deeper nature beneath her frivolous talk and supports her love for Jonas Blake. Their friendship gives both women room to change without pretending they were always certain.
Parting from Patty’s Place

Parting from Patty’s Place
A home about to end
Anne and Philippa reflect on the years at Patty’s Place as they prepare to leave. The house holds shared study, jokes, work, and grief, making departure feel like the loss of a particular way of life.
Philippa expects happiness in marriage to Jonas Blake but still mourns the end of Redmond’s easy companionship. Anne shares that mixed feeling rather than pretending a new future cancels the old one.
A lasting bond
Their friendship can continue beyond the shared rooms and college schedule. What they take with them is the trust built by living through ordinary life together.
Anne’s first week at Redmond
The middle of Anne’s freshman year
Anne’s second spring at Redmond
The last year at Redmond
The week after Anne’s graduation