Anne Shirley’s journey from a shorn orphan to a young woman embracing her iconic red hair is a pivotal part of Anne of Green Gables. While not depicted explicitly as a sudden, dramatic regrowth in a single episode, Anne’s hair gradually returns to its previous length across Season 2 of Anne with an E, with noticeable growth apparent from Episode 5, “I Protest Against Any Absolute Conclusion Drawn From Life.”
The Symbolic Significance of Anne’s Hair
Anne’s hair in both the books and their adaptations serves as a powerful symbol. Its fiery red color is initially a source of deep insecurity and torment for Anne, representing her perceived ugliness and setting her apart from the idealized beauty standards of Avonlea. However, as she matures and gains self-acceptance, her hair transforms into a badge of individuality and a marker of her unique spirit. Losing it due to the typhoid epidemic further emphasizes this theme, forcing Anne to confront her identity beyond her physical appearance. Its eventual return is therefore not just about aesthetics; it’s about reclaiming her sense of self and embracing the person she has become.
Tracking the Hair Growth Across Season 2
Episode 1: The Aftermath of the Fever
The beginning of Season 2, particularly Episode 1, “Youth is the Season of Hope,” finds Anne still with very short hair, a stark reminder of the typhoid epidemic that swept through Avonlea. The episode focuses primarily on the community’s recovery and Anne’s emotional healing. There is little visible change in her hair length at this point, highlighting the lingering effects of the illness.
Episode 3: Signs of Early Regrowth
By Episode 3, “What We Have Been Makes Us What We Are,” observant viewers might begin to notice the very first hints of regrowth. While still significantly shorter than her pre-typhoid locks, a faint halo of new hair is becoming apparent. This represents the beginning of Anne’s physical and emotional recovery, a symbolic sprouting mirroring her internal growth.
Episode 5: A Noticeable Difference
It’s in Episode 5, “I Protest Against Any Absolute Conclusion Drawn From Life,” that the change becomes more pronounced. Anne’s hair has demonstrably grown, allowing her to style it with slightly more volume and covering more of her neck. This is the episode where the majority of viewers begin to perceive a meaningful difference and consider it the beginning of her hair returning. The storyline focuses on Anne’s growing understanding of the complexities of life and her developing independence, mirroring the visual symbol of her returning hair.
Later Episodes: Continued Progress
Throughout the remaining episodes of Season 2, the progression of Anne’s hair growth is steady and gradual. By the season finale, while not fully restored to its original length, her hair is significantly longer and more manageable, showcasing her continuing healing and evolution. Each episode offers glimpses of this gradual transformation, emphasizing the patience and perseverance required in both physical and emotional recovery.
The Importance of Context: Beyond a Single Episode
It’s crucial to understand that Anne’s hair doesn’t magically reappear in a single episode. The showrunners deliberately chose a more realistic and gradual depiction, reflecting the natural process of hair growth and the time it takes to heal after a serious illness. This nuanced approach adds depth and authenticity to Anne’s character arc. The focus isn’t solely on the physical but the emotional and psychological recovery happening alongside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Did Anne cut her hair before the typhoid epidemic?
No, Anne never willingly cut her hair before contracting typhoid fever. Her hair was forcibly cut off by Marilla as part of the treatment to control the spread of the disease. This act was deeply distressing for Anne, who considered her hair a vital part of her identity, despite disliking its color.
FAQ 2: Why was Anne so attached to her hair?
Anne’s attachment to her hair stemmed from her desire to be beautiful and accepted. Growing up as an orphan, she often felt overlooked and undesirable. She believed that having beautiful, particularly dark hair, would make her more attractive and therefore more worthy of love and belonging. Her imagination frequently centered on elaborate hairstyles and romantic ideals of beauty, making the loss of her hair even more traumatic.
FAQ 3: How did Anne feel about having red hair?
Anne had a complex and often negative relationship with her red hair. She intensely disliked it, seeing it as a flaw that made her unattractive. She frequently lamented its color and longed for dark, flowing locks. This insecurity was a recurring theme throughout the series, driving many of her imaginative fantasies and attempts to alter its color.
FAQ 4: Does Anne ever come to terms with her red hair?
Yes, as Anne matures, she gradually learns to accept and even embrace her red hair. This acceptance is a significant part of her character development, symbolizing her growing self-confidence and appreciation for her unique qualities. She realizes that true beauty lies not in conforming to societal standards but in embracing one’s individuality.
FAQ 5: Does Anne use any dyes or treatments to change her hair color?
In the books, Anne attempts to dye her hair black, with disastrous results that turn it green. This incident is a comedic but poignant moment highlighting her insecurity and desire to conform. While Anne with an E omits this specific event, it explores her dissatisfaction with her hair color through other means.
FAQ 6: Is Anne’s hair growth accurately portrayed in Anne with an E?
While the show takes creative liberties, the gradual hair growth in Anne with an E is generally realistic. Hair growth rates vary, but the timeline presented within Season 2 aligns with a believable recovery period after a severe illness.
FAQ 7: What is the significance of Marilla cutting Anne’s hair?
Marilla’s decision to cut Anne’s hair, although painful for Anne, symbolizes Marilla’s practicality and willingness to prioritize the well-being of the community. It demonstrates her growing affection for Anne, even if expressed in a somewhat unconventional way. It also shows Marilla’s willingness to act even when it causes Anne distress, highlighting her role as a guardian.
FAQ 8: How does Gilbert Blythe react to Anne’s short hair?
Gilbert, known for his teasing and playful banter with Anne, shows sensitivity and empathy towards her during this time. He refrains from making any comments about her hair, recognizing the emotional distress it causes her. This demonstrates his growing respect and genuine affection for Anne.
FAQ 9: Does the community of Avonlea react negatively to Anne’s short hair?
While some members of the Avonlea community, particularly those focused on appearances, may have held unspoken opinions about Anne’s short hair, the show emphasizes the community’s support and care for each other during the typhoid epidemic. Focus shifts from aesthetic judgments to communal healing.
FAQ 10: Is the hair loss due to typhoid a common occurrence?
Yes, hair loss, also known as telogen effluvium, is a known side effect of typhoid fever and other severe illnesses. The stress on the body can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to shedding. The fact that Anne with an E accurately depicts this symptom adds realism to the story.
FAQ 11: What is the symbolism of Anne’s hair returning to red?
The return of Anne’s red hair is a powerful symbol of her complete healing, both physically and emotionally. It represents her self-acceptance, her embracing of her individuality, and her reclaiming of her identity. The fiery red, once a source of shame, now symbolizes her resilience and unique spirit.
FAQ 12: Will Anne have long hair again by the end of Anne with an E?
By the end of Anne with an E, while not reaching its pre-typhoid length, Anne’s hair is significantly longer and styled in a way that reflects her growing maturity and sophistication. The final visuals suggest she is well on her way to a complete return, symbolizing her hopeful future and continued personal growth.