Okay, for the first couple of CCs, I just gave you the friendly types. Cinna's cool and admirable, Stefan has a bit of the dreamy, but really I just want him as a friend. Well, no more. Today I give you who I believe to be my first (among many) literary crush: Gilbert Blythe.
If you just said 'Who?' then hold out your hand so that I may first slap it, and then turn it over and place a copy of Anne of Green Gables into it. Gilbert Blythe is Anne Shirley's brainy, somewhat arrogant arch-nemesis turned love of her life.
Now, whether you watched Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert tug on Anne's (Megan Follows) hair and call her "Carrots!" in the brilliant mini-series, or you read along as "Gilbert Blythe was trying to make Anne Shirley look at him and failing utterly....she should look at him, that redhaired Shirley girl with the pointed chin and the big eyes that weren't like the eyes of any other girl in Avonlea school..." I think you'll agree with me that, from that moment on, Gil had our hearts. It was maybe not the most auspicious of beginnings, but to be fair, he did later pass her some heart candies to make up for it.
There's just something about Gilbert. He's smart and challenges Anne, but he doesn't overdo it. He's patient, but he's not a martyr and won't be walked all over. He has great, stomach-fluttering lines that you have to reread a few times to get the full swoon.I have read Anne more times than nearly any other book (1 exception), and though I love Anne and Marilla and Diana Barry, I looove Gilbert. Sometimes on my rereads, I do a Gilbert Only version where I skip around to my favorite Gil scenes (#1 = Gil and Anne in the rowboat, just after the Lady of Shallot incident. Also my favorite scene in the movie). I wait on tenterhooks for him to pull through his sickness every. time. I know he's going to live, and still I worry for him.
There were many reasons I wanted to be Anne, but I think Gil tops the list.
(I mean, I was able to love him in spite of the fact that his name is Gilbert. That says it all. ;p)
I didn't say "Who?" I yelled "Me too!!!". I LOVED Gilbert Blythe when I was a kid and he continues to hold a special place in my heart. That mini-series has to go down as one of the best literary adaptations ever. The casting was so perfect!
ReplyDelete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a swoon-worthy character! I'm surprised Anne was able to hold off for as long as she did.
Great choice! =)
Gilbert is my first (and still head) literary crush also <333 LOVE him. I get all warm and fuzzy just thinking about him.
ReplyDeleteI am holding out my hand to be slapped. I just wasn't a big Anne of Green Gables growing up; but this post makes him sound quite dreamy.
ReplyDeleteOk, slap me! But I must say in my defense that I'm not American.
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved Gilbert! I could read the books over and over just for him! Haven't read them since I was a kid though. Wonder if I would still feel the same way?
ReplyDeleteAh, Gilbert. I believe he was probably my first crush ever.
ReplyDeleteI love what you say about him sticking up for himself. No one wants a doormat. Yup, I love Gilbert, even through all the later books when he doesn't show up so much. He's still always there for Anne and the community, just quietly taking care of and watching over everyone.
ReplyDeleteWhat have you read more than Anne? That entire series is my number 1 re-read. I've been itching to tackle it again, but I can't get my mom and sister to give it back. I should have listened to that little voice that said, "These are your favorites. You should never loan them out."
It's been SO long since I've read Anne of Green Gables that I can barely remember any of it (don't worry, I remember Gilbert)! I think I need to re-read this one sometime soon. :)
ReplyDeleteOh how true! I love Gilbert-he was my first lit crush and remains my #1! You're right-he challenges Anne without overdoing it-I think that's what makes him so charming. And the fact that he puts up with Anne's antics and loves her no matter what.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, Gilbert. I love that he gave up the Avonlea school for Anne, that he encouraged her writing, and that he was just so CUTE! Those two certainly had chemistry.
ReplyDeleteLove this post :) I read Anne of Green Gables a couple of weeks back and I loved Gilbert!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to watch the movies and read the other books to see more of him and Anne :)
Oh wow! He sounds perfect. I am ashamed to say I have not read this book or if I have I can't remember doing so. Anyway I feel I should do something about this in your honour.
ReplyDeleteI've always been a big fan of Gilbert Blythe, and loved how jealous Anne became of Christine in Anne of the Island. Definitely a literary crush of the first order.
ReplyDeleteI was stuck at the language on the first few pages and when I decided to have a dictionary handy I'm glad I did because the rest of the book was awesome! I loved Anne and of course Gilbert!
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