Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery Summary

Rilla of Ingleside is the final novel in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables series, set during World War I. The story follows Bertha Marilla “Rilla” Blythe, the youngest daughter of Anne and Gilbert Blythe, as she matures from a carefree girl into a strong, responsible young woman.

At the beginning of the book, Rilla is 15 years old and very focused on social activities like parties and boys. She is excited about her first dance and dreams about a romantic future. However, her carefree life changes drastically when World War I breaks out. Many of the young men in her village, including her brothers Jem and Walter, as well as Ken Ford, whom Rilla admires, enlist to fight in the war. This leaves the women and children at home to worry and wait.

Rilla struggles at first to cope with the changes brought by the war. She is not used to responsibilities and feels overwhelmed by the new challenges. However,

as the war progresses, she steps up to help in any way she can. She joins the Junior Red Cross and takes care of a baby she finds abandoned by its mother, whom she calls “Jims.” Caring for Jims becomes a symbol of Rilla’s growth and maturity, as she learns to put aside her own desires and focus on helping others.

The war affects the entire Blythe family and their friends. Rilla’s brother Jem is eager to serve his country, but his decision to enlist breaks his mother Anne’s

heart. Walter, Rilla’s sensitive and poetic brother, also goes to war, though he is deeply conflicted about the violence and destruction. Sadly, Walter dies in the war, leaving the family devastated. His death is a particularly emotional moment for Rilla, as they were very close, and she feels the deep pain of his loss.

Despite the hardships, Rilla remains hopeful, especially as her relationship with Ken Ford deepens. Though Ken is away fighting, Rilla dreams of a future with him, and their love sustains her through the darkest times. However, war is unpredictable, and their future together remains uncertain.

Throughout the novel, Rilla grows from a naive girl into a determined young woman. She faces the heartbreak of war, the responsibility of caring for a baby, and the fear of losing her loved ones. Her family and community also show tremendous resilience, as they support each other through the challenges of war. Characters like Susan Baker, the Blythe family’s housekeeper, provide moments of strength and humor, while Gertrude Oliver, a friend of the family, adds a mystical touch with her dreams of the future.

By the end of the novel, Rilla has become a symbol of courage and hope, showing that even in the face of tragedy, life can continue, and love can endure. Rilla of Ingleside is a moving story about personal growth, love, and the impact of war on individuals and families.

Rilla of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery Analysis

Rilla of Ingleside explores the powerful themes of growth, love, and loss, set against the backdrop of World War I. The novel shifts focus from the more

lighthearted stories of Anne Shirley in earlier books to a more serious, emotional narrative, following Rilla Blythe, Anne’s youngest daughter. The war brings dramatic changes to Rilla’s life, and through her journey, the book emphasizes the impact of global events on personal lives.

At the beginning, Rilla is portrayed as a carefree, somewhat immature girl focused on social gatherings and romantic fantasies. She doesn’t think much about serious matters, but the onset of war forces her to grow up quickly. This theme of transformation is central to the story, as Rilla’s character development mirrors the

process of growing up during a time of crisis. As she takes on new responsibilities—joining the Junior Red Cross, caring for an abandoned baby, and dealing with the absence of her brothers—Rilla matures into a strong and compassionate young woman. Her growth reflects how war can push individuals to become more resilient and responsible.

The theme of loss also plays a key role in the novel. Rilla and her family experience the emotional toll of war firsthand. Her brothers Jem and Walter enlist, leaving a sense of emptiness in the household. Walter’s death in particular is a devastating blow, not just for the family but for the entire community. His

sensitive, poetic nature makes his loss even more tragic. His letters to Rilla before his death serve as an emotional bridge, showing his internal struggle with the violence of war. Through Walter’s death, Montgomery captures the harsh realities of war and the pain it brings to those left behind.

Montgomery also explores the theme of love, both romantic and familial. Rilla’s feelings for Ken Ford evolve throughout the story, showing a maturation in how she understands love. Initially, her thoughts of Ken are superficial, but as the war

progresses, she learns that love is about patience, sacrifice, and hope. Rilla’s care for the war baby, Jims, further symbolizes her growth. At first, she is unsure of how to take care of a baby, but as she bonds with him, her nurturing instincts develop. Jims becomes a symbol of hope for the future amidst the chaos of war, representing how love can endure even in the most difficult circumstances.

Finally, the novel reflects on how communities come together during times of crisis. The people of Glen St. Mary, including Rilla’s family, friends, and neighbors,

support one another through the hardships of war. Characters like Susan Baker, the Blythes’ housekeeper, offer strength and humor during dark times, while others, like Gertrude Oliver, provide a mystical sense of hope. Together, they show how solidarity helps people survive the worst of times.

In Rilla of Ingleside, L.M. Montgomery beautifully portrays the personal struggles and growth of a young girl during wartime, making it a touching and thoughtful exploration of human resilience, love, and loss.