Movie
Description
Matthew Cuthbert, a lifelong resident of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, is the elder brother of Marilla Cuthbert. They reside together at their family farm, Green Gables. Pathologically shy, Matthew avoids social interactions, especially with women, maintaining a quiet and reserved manner. His appearance features a tall, ungainly frame, stooped shoulders, iron-grey hair, and a full brown beard, traits consistent since youth into his sixties. Years of farm work have tanned his skin.
Seeking help for the farm due to his age and heart troubles, Matthew goes to the train station expecting an orphan boy. Instead, he finds Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan girl sent by mistake. Despite initial shock and his typical fear of females, Matthew softens during the carriage ride home, captivated by Anne's talkative imagination and vulnerability. He advocates for her to stay, persuading the reluctant Marilla by arguing they could offer Anne a better life.
As Anne's adoptive father, Matthew forms a deep bond with her, considering her a "kindred spirit." While Marilla handles Anne's upbringing, Matthew quietly supports Anne through small acts of kindness, often countering Marilla's stricter methods. He encourages Anne's studies and imagination, advising her to keep "a little" romance after she vows to abandon it. He notably buys her a dress with puffed sleeves after overhearing her wish, despite Marilla's disapproval. He also mediates conflicts, convincing Anne to apologize to Rachel Lynde.
Matthew and Marilla share mutual respect but experience occasional friction over Anne's care, though both take pride in her achievements. Financial hardship strikes when the Cuthberts lose their savings in a bank failure. The strain worsens Matthew's heart condition, leading to a severe heart attack. In one adaptation, he briefly considers suicide for insurance money for Anne and Marilla but collapses before acting and is discovered. He later dies of another heart attack, devastating Anne and Marilla. His final words to Anne express his pride in her, stating he would choose her over "a dozen boys."
Matthew's legacy endures through Anne, who names her first son James Matthew in his honor. His influence is remembered as a foundational source of unconditional love and stability in her life.
Seeking help for the farm due to his age and heart troubles, Matthew goes to the train station expecting an orphan boy. Instead, he finds Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan girl sent by mistake. Despite initial shock and his typical fear of females, Matthew softens during the carriage ride home, captivated by Anne's talkative imagination and vulnerability. He advocates for her to stay, persuading the reluctant Marilla by arguing they could offer Anne a better life.
As Anne's adoptive father, Matthew forms a deep bond with her, considering her a "kindred spirit." While Marilla handles Anne's upbringing, Matthew quietly supports Anne through small acts of kindness, often countering Marilla's stricter methods. He encourages Anne's studies and imagination, advising her to keep "a little" romance after she vows to abandon it. He notably buys her a dress with puffed sleeves after overhearing her wish, despite Marilla's disapproval. He also mediates conflicts, convincing Anne to apologize to Rachel Lynde.
Matthew and Marilla share mutual respect but experience occasional friction over Anne's care, though both take pride in her achievements. Financial hardship strikes when the Cuthberts lose their savings in a bank failure. The strain worsens Matthew's heart condition, leading to a severe heart attack. In one adaptation, he briefly considers suicide for insurance money for Anne and Marilla but collapses before acting and is discovered. He later dies of another heart attack, devastating Anne and Marilla. His final words to Anne express his pride in her, stating he would choose her over "a dozen boys."
Matthew's legacy endures through Anne, who names her first son James Matthew in his honor. His influence is remembered as a foundational source of unconditional love and stability in her life.