# VI: New Moon explained — Emily of New Moon

> Chapter companion for Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery.

## What happens

Emily arrives at New Moon and struggles with homesickness and the sternness of Aunt Elizabeth. She finds small comforts in Cousin Jimmy's kindness, the beauty of the landscape, and the mysterious charm of the old house, while beginning to navigate her new life and the expectations placed upon her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loss and Grief

Emily's profound homesickness and father-sickness are central, as she mourns the loss of her father and her former home.

### Family and Belonging

Emily struggles to find her place at New Moon, caught between Aunt Elizabeth's coldness and Cousin Jimmy's warmth.

### Imagination and Creativity

Emily's imaginative nature is evident in her thoughts about fairies, her desire to describe the kitchen, and her inner defiance.

## Character check-ins

### Emily Byrd Starr

Feeling homesick and father-sick, but trying to be heroic and adapt to New Moon.

### Aunt Elizabeth Murray

Strict and uncomfortable with the new arrangement, she enforces rules and expects gratitude from Emily.

### Aunt Laura Murray

Shows kindness to Emily, offering comfort when she seems cold or upset.

### Cousin Jimmy Murray

Gentle and whimsical, he secretly treats Emily to ice-cream and speaks of fairies in the woods.

### Saucy Sal

Mentioned as having subsided into silence during the drive.

## Key lines

> I'm—homesick, I guess

Emily admits she is homesick.

_She clarifies that it's really 'father-sick,' missing her deceased father._

> God is good and the devil might be worse

Emily quotes her father's saying to comfort herself.

_Aunt Elizabeth is horrified and forbids her from saying it again._

> Why, you know, if a fairy was really-truly it wouldn't be a fairy

Cousin Jimmy playfully explains that real fairies can't be truly real.

_This delights Emily and reflects the whimsical side of New Moon._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/vi-new-moon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters