Anne of Green Gables showcases how much society has changed in the last hundred years

One subplot is that the teacher is in love with one of his high school students and this is considered cute, funny, and many adults wish him good luck.

Another subplot is about how even though it can feel bad, sometimes a kid just needs a good spanking.

Another subplot is about how even though cats are cute, to be a responsible adult you have to drown the kittens.

This is from a book that is generally considered purely wholesome.

Other subplots are about how she mistook the sugar for salt in a cake recipe, oh dear!

Or how a little orphan girl likes to pretend she's a fairy princess.