I remember in Emily Climbs there's a mention of a relative or neighbor or whatever (I mean, being a close knit rural community, probably both) of Emily's who makes a vow that she will never wear silk until "all the heathens of the world become Christians" and this is portrayed as a very noble thing; and I was just left sort of ":\" about it. I think it demonstrates the stance of the novel though- it's not like. Frothing hatred of outsiders and there's a definite disapproval of the fire and brimstone attitude, but there's also a definite assumption of We Are The Right Sort And They Are The Wrong Sort.

I had to look up The Blue Castle but once I did I sort of remembered it! Never read that one, of course, but I'd heard a bit about the plot and that it's aimed at an older audience than her usual novels. Although based on what I know about Montgomery and the era I am assuming that doesn't necessarily mean it's filled with SEX DRUGS N' ROCK N'ROLL :V Might be interesting to see how much contrast there is though.

(For similar reasons I'd like to check out Louisa May Alcott's A Long Fatal Love Chase someday. Just hearing the plot summary with the context of having already read Little Women was astonishing.)

(On a side note I imagine an Emily AU where Dr. Burnley is the parent who's not in the picture for mysterious and tragic reasons would be fun.)