If Stranger Things were only about Demogorgons and the Upside Down, it would be an impressive horror series, but the Duffer Brothers have consistently reminded us that the heart of the show lies in human connection. In Chapter 8: “The Upside Down,” this principle is on full display. Amid the eerie fog and distorted landscape of the Upside Down, Chief Jim Hopper, portrayed with his usual mix of toughness and vulnerability by David Harbour, stumbles upon a child’s stuffed animal. A simple, innocuous object, yet it becomes a vessel for profound memory.
Hopper recalls reading L.M. Montgomery’s 1908 masterpiece, Anne of Green Gables, to his dying daughter. The memory is bittersweet: the innocence of Anne Shirley’s escapades, the comfort of a bedtime story, and the love of a father all collide with the starkly terrifying present. When Hopper remembers the line, “It just makes me feel glad to be alive - it’s such an interesting world,” viewers are reminded of what drives him: a relentless pursuit of connection, protection, and meaning in a world that has become frighteningly unpredictable.
This literary reference enriches the narrative on multiple levels. Firstly, it humanises Hopper, giving audiences a glimpse into his past, his grief, and the tender spaces of his heart that exist beneath the gruff exterior. Secondly, it heightens the emotional stakes of the series by connecting the terror of the Upside Down to the fragility and wonder of human life. Even as Hawkins is beset by supernatural forces, the memory of literature acts as a compass, grounding the series in empathy and nostalgia.
The choice of Anne of Green Gables is deliberate. Montgomery’s novel celebrates imagination, resilience, and the ability to find joy in a complex world. These are exactly the qualities that Hopper needs as he navigates the horrors around him, and by extension, qualities the audience is invited to embrace. The juxtaposition between the surreal, threatening landscape of the Upside Down and the whimsical, heartwarming world of Avonlea creates a poignant emotional counterpoint, emphasising that even amid darkness, hope and memory endure.
The brilliance of this Easter egg extends beyond nostalgia; it speaks to the shared thematic DNA between Montgomery’s classic and Stranger Things. Both works grapple with growing up, confronting loss, and finding joy and resilience in the face of adversity. Anne Shirley, with her imaginative adventures and unyielding optimism, mirrors the courage and creativity of characters like Will Byers and his friends. Just as Anne navigates social and emotional challenges in Avonlea, Hopper and the children of Hawkins confront unimaginable threats with resourcefulness and bravery.
For Hopper, revisiting memories of reading Anne of Green Gables is more than a sentimental nod—it’s a reminder of the emotional truths that anchor him. The line, “It just makes me feel glad to be alive - it’s such an interesting world,” resonates across both narratives. In Montgomery’s novel, it captures the wonder of discovery and the celebration of life’s complexities; in Stranger Things, it underscores the bittersweet tension between innocence and danger. Even when faced with a parallel dimension of monstrous entities, Hopper’s humanity—and by extension, the audience’s empathy—is foregrounded.
The literary parallel also magnifies the stakes for viewers. While Hawkins’ children are grappling with the Upside Down, and Hopper navigates personal loss, these struggles are framed against a backdrop of enduring hope and imagination. It reminds the audience that even in the darkest moments, connections to the past, to loved ones, and to cultural touchstones like Anne of Green Gables provide both solace and guidance.
Interestingly, this nod also positions Stranger Things as a bridge between generations. Older viewers familiar with Montgomery’s work may feel a pang of nostalgia, while younger audiences are introduced to literary history, even if subtly. The interplay between past and present, horror and hope, reinforces the show’s unique narrative identity: it’s a tapestry of references, emotions, and genre-savvy storytelling.
The use of Anne of Green Gables within the Upside Down highlights Stranger Things’ capacity to weave nostalgia, literature, and emotional resonance into a cohesive storytelling experience. Hopper’s moment with the stuffed toy exemplifies how small details—seemingly minor props or lines of dialogue—carry disproportionate weight in shaping audience empathy and narrative depth.
Nostalgia in Stranger Things functions on multiple levels. On one hand, it appeals to the audience’s love for 1980s culture, but on the other, it reflects universal experiences of childhood wonder, loss, and the search for meaning. The Easter egg works because it situates a personal, literary memory amid supernatural chaos, showing that human emotion is the constant even in worlds filled with monstrous anomalies.
Moreover, the inclusion of literature like Montgomery’s masterpiece allows the series to explore the psychology of grief and resilience. Hopper’s recollection of his daughter and the reading of Anne of Green Gables serves as an emotional compass, guiding his decisions and reinforcing his motivations. It’s a reminder that in Hawkins, where supernatural forces distort reality, the grounding influence of memory, love, and imagination remains vital.
For fans, spotting such references adds layers of satisfaction and invites reflection. It’s not merely an Easter egg for the sake of nostalgia; it’s a storytelling tool that rewards attention, knowledge, and emotional engagement. The choice of Anne of Green Gables, a story celebrated for its exploration of hope and resilience, underscores that Stranger Things thrives on blending suspense, horror, and deeply human narratives.
As the series hurtles toward its fifth and final season, these literary nods gain even more significance. They remind audiences that the supernatural struggles are inseparable from human experience. Every confrontation with the Upside Down is an emotional journey, every monster an allegory for loss or fear, and every nostalgic reference a thread linking the characters—and viewers—to a shared cultural and emotional heritage.
Stranger Things excels because it recognises that horror is most compelling when anchored in emotion. The Anne of Green Gables Easter egg exemplifies this approach, merging literary homage, character development, and emotional resonance into a single, unforgettable moment. Hopper’s memory of reading to his daughter transforms an otherwise terrifying scenario into a deeply moving reflection on love, loss, and the wonder of life.
This careful layering of narrative, literary reference, and emotional depth is part of what makes the series so compelling. It’s why fans dissect frames, rewatch episodes, and eagerly anticipate the nuances of the next season. By embedding Easter eggs like Anne of Green Gables, the Duffer Brothers reward both casual viewers and die-hard fans, creating a rich viewing experience that encourages multiple layers of engagement.
Furthermore, these references bridge generational gaps. Younger audiences may first encounter Montgomery’s work through Hopper’s reflection, while older viewers are reminded of the enduring impact of classic literature. It situates Stranger Things within a broader cultural context, where horror, nostalgia, and literature coexist to create storytelling that resonates across age groups and interests.
Finally, the Easter egg underscores a central tenet of the series: that amidst chaos, darkness, and the unknown, human connection remains paramount. Hopper’s memory of Anne Shirley, a child’s stuffed toy, and his bond with his daughter serve as emotional anchors. They remind viewers that while monsters and the Upside Down may threaten, love, memory, and hope endure—making every suspenseful encounter meaningful beyond the immediate thrills.
As the countdown to Season 5 continues, moments like these hint at a show that is as intelligent and emotionally resonant as it is thrilling. Stranger Things continues to elevate pop culture, literary homage, and storytelling craft, offering a world where horror and heart coexist, and where Easter eggs are windows into the soul of the series. For fans, it’s a tantalising promise: the next chapter will be filled with both supernatural terrors and tender human moments, reminding us that Hawkins’ story is always as much about people as it is about monsters.
