Emily of New Moon · Chapter
IV: A Family Conclave explained
After her father's funeral, Emily eavesdrops on the Murray family conclave to learn her fate.
What happens
After her father's funeral, Emily eavesdrops on the Murray family conclave to learn her fate. She writes in her journal to cope with her grief and humiliation, and receives a kind gesture from Cousin Jimmy.
Themes in this chapter
Loss and Grief
Emily's private goodbye to her father and her struggle to maintain composure during the funeral.
Imagination and Creativity
Emily writes in her journal to transform pain into art, finding solace in describing the Murrays.
Family and Belonging
The Murray family conclave determines Emily's future, highlighting her uncertain place among them.
Characters to notice
- Emily Byrd Starr
Grieves her father, writes in her journal, and hides under the table to overhear the Murray family discussion.
- Aunt Elizabeth Murray
Sits stiffly at the funeral and tries to force Emily to view the coffin.
- Cousin Jimmy Murray
Guards the door while Emily says her private goodbye to her father and gives her peppermint lozenges.
- Ellen Greene
Tidies up after the funeral and sends Emily upstairs before the family discussion.
- Uncle Wallace
Mentioned as a stern Murray who plans to discuss Emily's fate.
- Aunt Ruth
Described as a 'dumpy little woman' in Emily's writing; her floral pillow covers the casket.
Key passages
“I didn’t know—I didn’t know,” she whispered. “But I’ll know after this,” she added with sudden vim, “and I’ll never, never do it again.”
Emily admits her ignorance but resolves to learn from her mistake and never repeat it.
Emily reflects on her humiliation and vows to change her behavior.
“He isn’t in heaven,” said Emily. “Good gracious! Of all the children!” Ellen could say no more. “He isn’t there yet . He’s only on the way. He said he’d wait around and go slow until I died, too, so that I could catch up with him. I hope I’ll die soon.”
Emily insists her father is not yet in heaven, believing he is waiting for her so they can go together, and expresses a wish to die soon.
Emily's childlike understanding of death and her desire to reunite with her father.
“She had never been told that it was not considered strictly honourable to eavesdrop, no occasion for such instruction ever having arisen in her life with her father; and she considered that it was a bit of pure luck that she had thought of hiding under the table.”
Emily, unaware that eavesdropping is dishonorable, considers it lucky to hide under the table to hear the family's decision.
Emily's innocence and determination to learn her fate.