Emily of New Moon · Chapter
Diamond Cut Diamond explained
The Murray family decides Emily's fate by drawing lots, and Aunt Elizabeth's name is drawn, making her Emily's guardian.
What happens
The Murray family decides Emily's fate by drawing lots, and Aunt Elizabeth's name is drawn, making her Emily's guardian. Emily burns her precious account book to prevent Aunt Elizabeth from reading it, then leaves her old home with Aunt Laura, Aunt Elizabeth, and Cousin Jimmy to begin a new life at New Moon.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Belonging
The chapter centers on Emily's fate being decided by her Murray relatives, highlighting her struggle to find a place within a family that views her as a duty rather than a beloved member.
Secrecy and Truth
Emily burns her account book to keep her private thoughts and writings from Aunt Elizabeth, illustrating the tension between personal expression and the demand for transparency.
Individuality vs. Conformity
Emily's defiance in protecting her creative work and her refusal to conform to Aunt Elizabeth's expectations underscore the conflict between her unique spirit and the Murray family's rigid standards.
Characters to notice
- Emily Byrd Starr
Emily draws the lot that assigns her to Aunt Elizabeth, burns her account book to protect her privacy, and bids farewell to her old home.
- Aunt Elizabeth Murray
Aunt Elizabeth presides over the drawing of lots, is chosen as Emily's guardian, and insists on seeing Emily's account book, prompting Emily to burn it.
- Aunt Laura Murray
Aunt Laura comforts Emily after the drawing, expresses gladness that Emily is coming to New Moon, and offers a kind, understanding presence during the journey.
- Cousin Jimmy Murray
Cousin Jimmy suggests settling the matter by lot, whispers encouragingly to Emily about Aunt Laura's cooking, and shares his poetry with her.
- Uncle Wallace
Uncle Wallace is present at the family conclave, comments on Aunt Elizabeth's pride, and offers to share expenses for Emily's care.
- Ellen Greene
Ellen Greene bids Emily a tearful goodbye, hugging her and calling her 'my blessed child,' though Emily remains indifferent and more concerned about her cat Mike.
Key passages
“I am her duty," thought Emily. "Father said nobody ever liked a duty. So Aunt Elizabeth will never like me.”
Emily realizes that Aunt Elizabeth sees her as an obligation, and she fears this will prevent any genuine affection.
Emily reflects on her father's wisdom, understanding that being a duty makes her unloved.
“Aunt Elizabeth is cold and hawty; and she is not fair.”
Emily mentally writes that Aunt Elizabeth is cold, haughty, and unfair.
After burning her book, Emily silently criticizes Aunt Elizabeth's harshness.
“I b'lieve you feel worse over leaving that cat than you do over leaving me," sniffed Ellen. "Why, of course I do," said Emily, amazed that there could be any question about it.”
Ellen accuses Emily of caring more about her cat than about her, and Emily honestly agrees.
Emily's blunt honesty reveals her deep attachment to her cat Mike over Ellen.