# XI: Ilse explained — Emily of New Moon

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/xi-ilse
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters