The world of "Anne with an E" unfolds in the late 19th century, a specific time period that is as vital to the story as the characters themselves. Setting the narrative in the 1890s was not merely a backdrop choice; it was a deliberate act to explore the rigid social structures, burgeoning feminist ideals, and the clash between tradition and modernity. This era, often referred to as the Victorian or Edwardian period, provides the perfect pressure cooker for Anne Shirley’s spirited nature to collide with the expectations of a small, conservative Maritime town.
Specific Historical Context: The 1890s Setting
Most of the story takes place during the 1890s, placing it firmly within the latter part of the Victorian era in Canada. This was a time of significant transition, moving from the strict moral codes of the early Victorian years toward the more relaxed Edwardian period. Technology was advancing with the introduction of the telephone and electric lighting, yet horse-drawn carriages remained the primary mode of transport. In "Anne with an E," this juxtaposition is visible in the students arriving at Avonlea school, where the journey is still made by foot or horse, but the influence of the wider, modernizing world is beginning to seep in.
Social and Cultural Norms
The social fabric of the 1890s was woven with strict hierarchies and expectations, particularly regarding gender roles and class. Young women were generally expected to be demure, skilled in domestic tasks, and focused on securing a suitable marriage rather than pursuing personal ambition. The character of Anne Shirley challenges these norms constantly with her outspoken intelligence and desire for a career. The show uses this historical context to highlight the constraints placed on women and the quiet rebellion required to simply exist as an intelligent, ambitious girl in a society that often values beauty over brains.
Class and Orphanhood
The concept of orphanhood and the "found family" trope is deeply rooted in the literature of the 1890s. Children without parents were often wards of the state or sent to live with relatives, and the idea of an orphan being imaginative and "difficult" was a common cultural touchstone. Anne’s status as an orphan dictates her living situation, placing her within the rigid class system of the time. Her journey from the dusty attic of the Hammonds to the loving home of Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert mirrors the period’s fascination with the transformation of the lower class through moral integrity and hard work.
Fashion and Aesthetics
Visual storytelling in "Anne with an E" is heavily reliant on the fashion of the era. The costumes are not just colorful dresses; they are a direct indicator of social status and gender. Anne’s iconic red hair is contrasted by the puffed sleeves and high-necked bodices of the period, while the more affluent characters like the Barrys and the Hills wear finer materials and more elaborate hats. The evolution of Anne’s style—from the drab, ill-fitting orphan clothes to the puffed-sleek dresses of her teenage years—visually represents her growth and integration into society.
Political and Educational Landscape
Avonlea is a microcosm of the political tensions of the time, particularly regarding language and identity in Canada. The struggle between English and French immersion is a central plot point, reflecting the real-world political debates of the late 19th century. Furthermore, the curriculum at Avonlea school, governed by the strict Mr. Phillips, emphasizes rote memorization and discipline, which was standard for the era. The introduction of Miss Stacy, who advocates for a more progressive, engaging, and "modern" education, represents the push for educational reform that was gaining traction during this period.
