The recently unveiled animated series, named “Anne Shirley“, draws inspiration from the cherished classic novel “Anne of Green Gables” penned by L.M. Montgomery. Fans of anime have shown great enthusiasm for this new production, even if it isn’t strictly categorized as a shojo anime or adapted from a shojo manga. However, the series focuses on themes and characters that would resonate with the same demographic typically targeted by shojo anime and manga, namely young females.
Shojo anime often feature specific storyline and character themes. These stories usually revolve around relatable female leads, exploring themes such as personal growth, creativity, relationships, friendship, camaraderie, and family-like bonds. While Anne Shirley has only aired a few episodes, the show’s premise and content align closely with many common shojo anime conventions and widely-used tropes.
Shojo Anime Trope: Coming-of-Age
In shojo anime, you often see stories centered around personal growth. This can manifest in various ways, but the theme of self-discovery and development is prevalent. For instance, Anne Shirley from “Anne of Green Gables” is 11 years old at the start, yet she’s had a life full of challenges on her own. She stands at a juncture where she yearns to find her permanent home and family.
For every person, having a home, a family, and a sense of belonging is crucial. As an orphaned child, Anne had never experienced that feeling. She yearns to discover it under the roof of Green Gables, in Avonlea. Once she’s taken in by the Cuthberts, Anne is prepared to define herself in her new environment.
Shojo Anime Trope: Heroine or Hero with a Tragic Backstory
Anne resides in an orphanage due to tragically losing her beloved parents at a tender age. Deep down, it’s clear she yearns intensely for affection and security, something every child deserves. Unfortunately, she doesn’t possess strong memories of her parents that can provide comfort during challenging times. Anne’s situation resonates with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert in their own unique ways, as they display compassion in different manners.
Anne’s honest straightforwardness and knack for drama bring a touch of humor to her circumstances. She is at once a deeply compassionate character, and one that elicits chuckles from older viewers with her witty humor, as she humorously refers to herself as a “destitute orphan” while sheepishly apologizing for losing her temper. The sadness of Anne’s past undeniably influences her in multiple ways.
Shojo Anime Trope: Cozy Garden Slice-of-Life
In various anime demographics, Slice-of-Life anime is prevalent, particularly in Seinen manga and anime. Shojo anime tends to have its unique spin on this genre, with themes often centered around nature, education, artistry, and personal growth. It’s also common for Shojo Slice-of-Life animes to incorporate floral motifs into their poses and character stills, as seen in Anne Shirley, given its rural backdrop. Notable examples of Shojo Slice-of-Life animes that focus on a protagonist’s artistic journey or self-discovery within a picturesque natural setting include Studio Ghibli’s Only Yesterday and the Shojo Isekai anime The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent.
A significant portion of the appeal and allure of “Anne of Green Gables” lies in the enchanting setting of “Avonlea on Prince Edward Island“. Anne doesn’t merely form a connection with Matthew Cuthbert upon arriving at Avonlea, but she also establishes a bond with the land itself. She affectionately labels various landmarks, such as the White Way of Delight and the Lake of Shining Waters. Anne’s narrative is a heartwarming portrayal of everyday life set in nature, where she finds her home and lets her imagination soar amidst Avonlea’s verdant landscapes.
Shojo Anime Trope: Insecurity About Looks
She has red hair, which she doesn’t particularly appreciate. Although she enjoys being distinctive on occasion, she prefers to be noticed for her unique sense of style or the artistic flair she adds to her hat with flowers. To her, and in keeping with the style of the Edwardian period that Anne Shirley is set in, red hair was not a popular hair color.
In three episodes, Anne expresses multiple times that she wishes she had dark hair, whether black or brown, and becomes upset when anyone makes subtle comments about her appearance, as Mrs. Lynde does. Unlike a typical child who receives constant attention and compliments, Anne radiates with joy whenever praise is offered. One touching aspect of Anne’s growth involves learning to appreciate her unique inner and outer beauty, which is reinforced by the heartwarming affirmations she receives from her caring guardians, Matthew and Marilla.
Shojo Anime Trope: Bullying & School Troubles
A common theme in shojo anime is the protagonist’s journey, such as when Anne, who becomes part of the Cuthbert family, starts attending school on Prince Edward Island. Despite Anne’s eagerness to fully embrace childhood experiences she hasn’t had before, her initial days at school are quite challenging.
she breaks a chalkboard over Gilbert’s head.
Shojo Anime Trope: Beach/Pool Outing Episode
As an avid fan, I can’t help but eagerly anticipate Episode 3 of Anne Shirley titled “Looking Forward to Things Is Half the Pleasure of Them.” This episode revolves around my dream of joining the children on Prince Edward Island at a picturesque picnic by the lake. Reminiscent of beach and lake episodes common in shojo anime, though no beaches are involved here, this lakeside gathering serves a similar purpose and evokes comparable imagery. I can hardly contain my excitement!
Scenes at the beach in many shows are often used as light-hearted episodes, emphasizing bonding moments between characters and sometimes developing romantic storylines. In the series ‘Anne Shirley’, however, there isn’t a clear romance arc yet. Instead, these beach outings offer Anne an opportunity to forge friendships with other girls in Avonlea, particularly Diana. Although they don’t take a dip in the ocean, they enjoy boat rides and even experience a minor, comical incident where one girl comes close to falling into the Lake of Shining Waters.
Shojo Anime Trope: Daydreamer Protagonist
As a bystander, I find myself drawn to characters like Usagi from “Sailor Moon” and Shirayuki from “Snow White with the Red Hair.” Critics may say they have their heads in the clouds, but that’s where their optimism and creativity reside. They might get lost in thought every now and then, but it’s these dreams that fuel their exploration of exciting possibilities for themselves, their future, and life at large. Anne from “Anne of Green Gables” is a prime example; her vivid imagination is the very essence of the story that captivates so many readers.
In the story of “Anne Shirley,” Anne’s dreamy disposition serves multiple purposes beyond simply making her appear unique or endearing. It also acts as a shield for her, protecting her from experiences that are too harsh for her young age. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in shaping Anne into a more compassionate individual. The portrayal of Anne’s imagination within the story is delicate, charming, and artistic.
Shojo Anime Trope: Found Family
Initially, the Cuthberts aim to adopt a robust young boy for their farm work, as portrayed in Anne Shirley. However, this plan is disrupted when an error in the adoption procedure leads them to receive a spirited and talkative red-haired girl named Anne instead. Marilla and Matthew, elderly siblings without children, are set in their ways of life, but their routine undergoes a transformation with Anne’s arrival.
Initially, the Cuthberts weren’t planning on adopting Anne, but they ultimately turned out to be just what she and they needed. Matthew often reminds Marilla that perhaps it’s not about what Anne can provide them, but rather what they can offer her through their love and good upbringing. Similar to a skillfully crafted tale of found family, each member of this newly formed family flourishes due to the bond they share.
Shojo Anime Trope: Best Friendship
In the orphanage, Anne was forced to mature rapidly as she never truly had the opportunity to attend school, form close relationships with siblings, or make friends within the community. Instead, she worked to support the families who temporarily took her in, until they could no longer accommodate her.
During times when Anne felt lonely, she would create a fictional companion named Katie Maurice. One of the initial and enchanting storylines within Anne Shirley revolves around Anne’s blossoming friendship with her Avonlea neighbor, Diana Barry. Sharing many similarities while also cherishing their differences, these two girls strike a unique bond. Diana is more reserved and sarcastic, whereas Anne is flamboyant and emotional, but they share a mutual love for dramatic tales and exploring nature together. The tale of their friendship stands as one of the most adored aspects of Anne of Green Gables.
Shojo Anime Trope: Relatable Heroine
A viewer need not share Anne Shirley’s specific personality or past to empathize with her. Anne’s portrayal of childhood experiences resonates deeply, much like Studio Ghibli films, striking a chord with poignancy. While Anne might appear foolish and overly emotional at times, she reminds us of the grand emotions we experienced in our own youth as she maneuvers through her dreams, fears, and excitement for commonplace wonders that adults often overlook.
Viewers who glance at promotional images featuring historical settings might wrongly perceive that the character of Anne Shirley comes across as overly sentimental or didactic in nature. However, Anne is an endearing character with her own imperfections. Despite these flaws, she’s not judged for them. Instead, what truly captivates about her story is her journey of personal growth and transformation, where she learns to overcome her shortcomings and evolve into a self-aware and self-realized individual.
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2025-04-24 00:57