Emily of New Moon · Chapter
XI: Ilse explained
Emily is punished by Aunt Elizabeth and locked in the spare-room, where her fear of the dark and the eerie surroundings overwhelms her.
What happens
Emily is punished by Aunt Elizabeth and locked in the spare-room, where her fear of the dark and the eerie surroundings overwhelms her. She escapes through a window and meets Ilse Burnley, with whom she forms a close friendship. They play together during a thunderstorm, discuss God and belief, and share their ambitions. Emily returns home to find Aunt Laura lenient, and reflects on her new friendship with Ilse.
Themes in this chapter
Imagination and Creativity
Emily's vivid imagination amplifies her terror in the spare-room, and she later shares her poetry with Ilse, affirming her identity as a poetess.
Friendship and Loyalty
Emily and Ilse form a deep, honest friendship, contrasting with Emily's earlier superficial bond with Rhoda Stuart.
Family and Belonging
Emily's punishment by Aunt Elizabeth and the kindness of Aunt Laura highlight the complex dynamics of her new family at New Moon.
Characters to notice
- Emily Byrd Starr
Locked in the spare-room as punishment, she escapes and befriends Ilse Burnley, sharing her poetry and forming a new bond.
- Aunt Elizabeth Murray
Punishes Emily by locking her in the spare-room, acting out of duty and smothered resentment.
- Ilse Burnley
Becomes Emily's new chum; she is bold, honest, and shares her troubled home life and ambitions to be an elocutionist.
- Aunt Laura Murray
Secretly lets Emily out of the spare-room, shows kindness, and advises Emily to hide her boots to avoid punishment.
- Cousin Jimmy Murray
Mentioned as the source of the tradition that family members are moved to the spare-room to die.
Key passages
“Oh, don’t shut me up alone there, Aunt Elizabeth,” she implored. “I know I was naughty—but don’t put me in the spare-room.”
Emily begged Aunt Elizabeth not to lock her in the spare-room, admitting her wrongdoing but pleading for a different punishment.
Emily's fear of the spare-room is established early in the chapter.
“I want you for my chum. I’d go to school regular if I could sit with you.”
Ilse declares she wants Emily as her best friend and would attend school regularly if they could be desk mates.
Ilse's direct and earnest offer of friendship marks a turning point in Emily's social life.
“Emily Byrd Starr, you didn’t make that out of your own head?” “I did.” “Cross your heart?” “Cross my heart.” “Well”—Ilse drew a long breath—“I guess you are a poetess all right.”
Ilse is amazed that Emily composed a poem herself, and after Emily confirms it, Ilse acknowledges her as a true poetess.
This moment validates Emily's creative identity and strengthens their bond.