Gilbert Blythe Character Analysis

Gilbert Blythe is Anne’s main rival at Avonlea school and her nemesis through much of the book. He is tall, curly-haired, and hazel-eyed. He’s infamous for teasing all the girls in school, and he develops a crush on Anne from the very first. Unfortunately, he gets on her bad side immediately by teasing her about her red hair in front of the entire school. Anne retaliates by smashing her slate over his head. Though Gilbert apologizes, Anne vows never to forgive him. She remains stubbornly resentful even after Gilbert rescues her from being stranded on Barrys’ pond (though she starts to soften at this point). Gilbert and Anne are academic rivals throughout their years at Avonlea school and then at Queen’s. Gilbert wins the gold medal for the top grades at Queen’s. Since he can’t afford further schooling, Gilbert decides to teach at Avonlea school for a year. However, when he hears about Anne’s decision to remain in Avonlea, he gives up the position for her sake. At the end of the book, Gilbert and Anne reconcile and warmly agree to be friends.