# X: Growing Pains explained — Emily of New Moon

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

## What happens

Emily faces social rejection when she is not invited to Rhoda Stuart's birthday party, and later confronts Aunt Elizabeth's attempt to cut her hair, asserting her will with a startling resemblance to her grandfather.

## Themes in this chapter

### Pride and Social Class

Emily's Murray pride is wounded by the social slight of not being invited to Rhoda's party, and she later asserts her will against Aunt Elizabeth.

### Individuality vs. Conformity

Emily rebels against Aunt Elizabeth's demand to cut her hair and against the expectation to wear boots and stockings, asserting her individuality.

### Imagination and Creativity

Emily composes a poem about buttercups, finding solace and pride in her creative expression.

## Character check-ins

### Emily Byrd Starr

Emily experiences heartbreak over not being invited to Rhoda's party, writes a poem about buttercups, and fiercely defends her hair from being cut.

### Rhoda Stuart

Rhoda hosts a birthday party and excludes Emily, choosing instead to befriend Muriel Porter.

### Jennie Strang

Jennie taunts Emily about the party invitation but also shows some sympathy.

### Aunt Elizabeth Murray

Aunt Elizabeth decides to cut Emily's hair but is frightened by Emily's sudden display of the Murray look.

### Aunt Laura Murray

Aunt Laura is mentioned as having brought Emily a hair ribbon from Shrewsbury.

### Cousin Jimmy Murray

Cousin Jimmy retrieves the mail and is briefly mentioned.

## Key lines

> Buttercup, flower of the yellow dye, I see thy cheerful face Greeting and nodding everywhere Careless of time and place.

Emily composes a poem praising the buttercup flower for its cheerful and carefree presence.

_This poem reflects Emily's creative spirit and her connection to nature._

> Aunt Elizabeth, my hair is not going to be cut off. Let me hear no more of this.

Emily firmly tells Aunt Elizabeth that her hair will not be cut, using her grandfather's exact words.

_This moment marks a turning point where Emily channels the Murray authority to defy her aunt._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/x-growing-pains
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters