Paul Irving was the son of Stephen Irving and his first wife, the step-son of Lavendar Lewis and a student and kindred spirit of Anne Shirley.
Biography[]
Early life[]
After his mother´s death, Mr. Irving sent Paul to Avonlea to live with his grandmother Irving. He was also a pupil in Anne's class and was one of her favourites. Paul was a dreamy child who saw poetry and beauty in his surroundings. His imaginary friends, the Rock People, lived by the seashore. He eventually grew out of them and recounted the sad realization to 'Teacher'. He was the type of boy loved by his elders and envied by his classmates. He always held a special place in Anne's heart. He later attended her wedding.
Later life[]
He was the only one of Anne's students who becomes famous: he published a book of poetry. On one occasion, he is known to have come to Ingleside for a visit.
Paul was also Walter Blythe's hero, the little boy looked up to "Uncle Paul" (so called out of courtesy) with awe and wonder. Walter also grew up to be a great poet.
Personality[]
Polite-kind
Relationships[]
Anne Shirley[]
Paul loved and respected Anne and looked up to her as a role model. He was one of her favorite students and had an imagination that Anne admired. Even after many years, he still called her "Teacher" and although he grew out of his imaginary people, Anne still loved him and was proud when he published a book of poetry. She always held a special place in his heart and he remembered her even as he became famous and well-known for his poetry.
Lavendar Lewis[]
His step mother, Later married to his father after breaking off their engagement at a young age.
Physical apperance[]
- "He looked no more than eight. He had the most beautiful little face she had ever seen in a child... features of exquisite delicacy and refinement, framed in a halo of chestnut curls. His mouth was delicious, being full without pouting, the crimson lips just softly touching and curving into finely finished little corners that narrowly escaped being dimpled."
- —Anne of Avonlea, Chapter 5[src]
Etymology[]
Paul is a male given name of Latin origin and means 'small'. This name was very popular in late 19th century.
Behind the scenes[]
- A nearly identical character named Paul Hubert appears in one of L.M. Montgomery's short stories, "A Soul That Was Not at Home." Verbatim descriptions of the Rock People from Anne of Avonlea also occur in the short story.
Gallery[]
| Anne of Green Gables Wiki has 1 image of Paul Irving (view category). |
Appearances[]
Book appearances
- Anne of Avonlea
- Anne of the Island
- Anne of Windy Poplars (mentioned only)
- Anne's House of Dreams
- Anne of Ingleside (mentioned only)
- Rainbow Valley (mentioned only)