Emily of New Moon · Chapter
Fancy Fed explained
In October, Emily joins Cousin Jimmy in the nightly ritual of boiling pigs' potatoes in a giant iron pot under the spruces, where he recites his poetry.
What happens
In October, Emily joins Cousin Jimmy in the nightly ritual of boiling pigs' potatoes in a giant iron pot under the spruces, where he recites his poetry. Their evenings are shared with Ilse and Teddy, who come when Teddy whistles his special call. Emily recalls how she acquired her kitten Mike II from Old Kelly the pedlar, and how she defied Aunt Elizabeth to save the kitten from being drowned, winning a second victory by summoning the Murray look.
Themes in this chapter
Imagination and Creativity
Cousin Jimmy's poetry recitations and Teddy's drawings by firelight, along with Emily's own poetic descriptions, highlight the creative spirit that flourishes in the simple, magical evenings.
Family and Belonging
Emily finds a sense of belonging at New Moon through her bond with Cousin Jimmy and the shared rituals, even as she clashes with Aunt Elizabeth over the kitten.
Friendship and Loyalty
The close friendship among Emily, Ilse, and Teddy is deepened by their shared evenings; Emily's loyalty to the kitten drives her to defy Aunt Elizabeth.
Individuality vs. Conformity
Emily's defiance of Aunt Elizabeth to keep the kitten and her unique ability to summon the Murray look underscore her struggle to assert her own will against authority.
Characters to notice
- Emily Byrd Starr
Emily revels in the magical evenings of potato-boiling, poetry, and friendship; she bravely rescues her kitten Mike II from drowning and defies Aunt Elizabeth.
- Cousin Jimmy Murray
Cousin Jimmy boils the pigs' potatoes, recites his poetry to Emily, and reluctantly obeys Aunt Elizabeth's order to drown the kitten, though he later helps Emily keep it.
- Aunt Elizabeth Murray
Aunt Elizabeth forbids keeping the kitten and orders it drowned; she is cowed into submission when Emily displays the Murray look.
- Ilse Burnley
Ilse joins the evening gatherings around the potato pot, reciting and dancing, and finds in Emily's companionship a sense of belonging.
- Teddy Kent
Teddy whistles a special three-note call for Emily, draws pictures by the firelight, and joins the group in the orchard.
- Mike II
Emily's grey kitten, given by Old Kelly, is rescued from drowning and kept at New Moon despite Aunt Elizabeth's objections.
- Old Kelly
The tin pedlar who gives Emily the grey kitten and brings her candy; he is a friendly figure who teases her about getting married.
- Aunt Laura Murray
Aunt Laura calls the children home at the end of the evening with her kind, silvery voice.
Key passages
“That call always had an odd effect on Emily; it seemed to her that it fairly drew the heart out of her body—and she had to follow it.”
Teddy's whistle had a powerful pull on Emily, making her feel compelled to go to him.
Illustrates the deep emotional connection between Emily and Teddy.
“No banquet of gods was ever as delicious as those potatoes.”
The simple roasted potatoes tasted better than any divine feast.
Highlights the magical quality of the children's shared experiences.
“Emily’s heart would have broken if anything had happened to Mike II.”
Emily would have been devastated if her kitten Mike II came to harm.
Shows Emily's deep attachment to her pet.
“When Elizabeth Murray saw her father looking at her out of Emily’s little white face, she surrendered without a struggle.”
Aunt Elizabeth gave in immediately when she saw her father's expression on Emily's face.
Demonstrates the power of the Murray look and its effect on Aunt Elizabeth.
