Anne may or may not be the sort of woman a modern day feminist might approve of, but even if she isn't, so what? Has literary criticism become so didactic that a book's worth is based on to what degree it promotes contemporary North American values?

If it explains the appeal of a character over a long period of time (and I think century counts, don't you?), then yes.

I should have read your post first; I just top-posted more or less the same thing, only less succintly stated than yours.

I think that what defines a heroine is degree of self-actualization....not degree of alignment to a cultural paradigm upheld by late-twentieth century literary snobs.

florentine:

Anne may or may not be the sort of woman a modern day feminist might approve of, but even if she isn't, so what? Has literary criticism become so didactic that a book's worth is based on to what degree it promotes contemporary North American values?

Well said. The hero or heroine of a novel is someone who brings about the best in their surroundings despite hardships and perceived injustices, and brings about resolution of conflict. It is not necessary that social or moral or spiritual change results; only that the conflict itself is resolved in some measure. To paraphrase from the Wizard of Oz: The measure of one's heart is not judged only by how much one loves, but also by how much one is loved by others. I would say that Anne of Green Gables is blessed with a love that is timeless...

Does every heroine have to be a feminist?

Yes.

Has literary criticism become so didactic that a book's worth is based on to what degree it promotes contemporary North American values?

Yes.

Florentine: Please carefully consider your future posts on this topic; advertising deviance from the one true faith is grounds for re-education.

That was exactly my question while reading the article. I love the book for what it is at face value: a fun, touching read about a great girl (I always, always cry when Matthew dies at the end). Also, I don't see the book as un-feminist. Anne works hard to be number one in her class and Gilbert gives his plum job to Anne so she can stay closer to her family. If after all her struggles she chooses to have a family, does that somehow erase her past accomplishments and make her less of a champion of women? I mean, isn't part of the feminist movement about having choices?

Dave in VA:

Does every heroine have to be a feminist?

Yes.

Has literary criticism become so didactic that a book's worth is based on to what degree it promotes contemporary North American values?

Yes.

Florentine: Please carefully consider your future posts on this topic; advertising deviance from the one true faith is grounds for re-education.

Dave, you don't give any reasoning for your answers. WTF?

And, similarly, is there only one kind of feminist? Has there only been one kind throughout history--even throughout the short period in which we have used the word "feminist"? Of course not, to both. There are simply too many people for either to be--or have been--true.