# XIII: Daughter of Eve explained — Emily of New Moon

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

## What happens

Emily, left alone at New Moon, yields to temptation and eats a poisoned apple from Lofty John's workshop, believing she is doomed to die. She writes a farewell letter to Ilse and prepares for death with Murray dignity, only to be discovered by her aunts upon their return.

## Themes in this chapter

### Secrecy and Truth

Emily hides her visits to Lofty John's workshop from her aunts, and the truth of the poisoned apple only emerges in her moment of crisis.

### Individuality vs. Conformity

Emily's desire for Lofty John's apples over her own reflects her rebellious nature against family traditions and expectations.

### Imagination and Creativity

Emily's vivid imagination leads her to compose a dramatic death scene and a farewell letter, transforming her fear into a creative act.

## Character check-ins

### Emily Byrd Starr

Emily succumbs to temptation, eats a poisoned apple, and prepares for death with a dramatic farewell letter.

### Aunt Elizabeth Murray

Elizabeth grimly recounts confronting Lofty John; she and Laura return to find Emily in a state of crisis.

### Aunt Laura Murray

Laura leaves supper for Emily; she returns with Elizabeth to discover Emily's tragic declaration.

### Lofty John

Lofty John's poisoned apple for rats is eaten by Emily; he is the unwitting cause of her terror.

### Ilse Burnley

Ilse is the recipient of Emily's farewell letter; she is away in Charlottetown with her father.

### Cousin Jimmy Murray

Cousin Jimmy is mentioned as having gone to Shrewsbury with the aunts; his saying 'tastes like more' is recalled.

## Key lines

> Life tasted good to her again—'tasted like more,' as Cousin Jimmy said.

Emily felt that life was enjoyable and promising again, using Cousin Jimmy's expression to convey a sense of wanting more.

_This reflects Emily's renewed appreciation for life after her earlier fear._

> I don't want to die but since I have to I'll die as becomes a Murray.

Emily accepts her fate with dignity, determined to face death in a manner befitting her family's proud heritage.

_This shows Emily's adoption of Murray pride and composure in the face of perceived doom._

> She had read a similar sentence in a book and it came pat to the moment.

Emily recalled a line from a book that perfectly suited her situation, using it to bolster her resolve.

_Highlights Emily's literary influences and her tendency to draw on stories in real life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/xiii-daughter-of-eve
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters