Anne of Green Gables features a episodic plot; that is, the narrative consists of a series of minor conflicts, most of which are quickly resolved. Sometimes the resolutions to these conflicts seem to be too dependent on chance or coincidence, but as a whole, Anne's varied adventures keep the plot interesting and create suspense.

The many details that Montgomery provides about Anne reveal the character's good qualities and her faults.

Overall, Anne is very much like the children in other early twentieth-century novels, but some modern readers may find her a little too agreeable, too optimistic, or too talented. Also, the narrative focuses on Anne to such an extent that minor characters lack depth, a fault typical of young adult literature at the time the novel was written.

Montgomery's novel falls into the literary tradition established by Horatio Alger, an author who published during the last...