Emily of New Moon · Chapter
Father Cassidy explained
Emily and the Murrays are in turmoil because Lofty John Sullivan, offended by Aunt Elizabeth's sharp tongue, has threatened to cut down the protective bush north of New Moon.
What happens
Emily and the Murrays are in turmoil because Lofty John Sullivan, offended by Aunt Elizabeth's sharp tongue, has threatened to cut down the protective bush north of New Moon. Emily feels responsible and heartbroken at the prospect of losing the beloved grove, Cousin Jimmy's garden, and the beauty of New Moon. Teddy suggests asking Father Cassidy to intervene, but Emily doubts Aunt Elizabeth would stoop to that. Desperate, Emily decides to visit Father Cassidy herself, ostensibly to ask about a plot point in her poem, but secretly hoping to enlist his help to stop Lofty John. Father Cassidy sees through her ruse, listens to her story, and agrees to speak to Lofty John, ultimately saving the bush.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and Beauty
The threatened destruction of the bush highlights the deep emotional and aesthetic value of the natural landscape to the characters, especially Emily and Cousin Jimmy.
Family and Belonging
Emily's love for New Moon and her anguish at the thought of losing its beauty underscore her deep sense of belonging to the Murray home and its traditions.
Imagination and Creativity
Emily's visit to Father Cassidy is framed by her creative work on her poem, and she discusses inventing a new language with Ilse, showcasing her imaginative spirit.
Characters to notice
- Emily Byrd Starr
Emily is devastated by Lofty John's threat to cut down the bush, feeling responsible and heartbroken. She visits Father Cassidy under the pretense of discussing her poem but secretly hopes he will intervene.
- Aunt Elizabeth Murray
Aunt Elizabeth is cantankerous and blames Emily for the trouble, having said bitter things to Lofty John that provoked his revenge.
- Aunt Laura Murray
Aunt Laura weeps over the impending loss of the bush and the ruin of New Moon's beauty.
- Cousin Jimmy Murray
Cousin Jimmy is distracted and distressed, as his garden will be ruined if the bush is cut down.
- Teddy Kent
Teddy suggests that Father Cassidy might stop Lofty John and encourages Emily to seek his help.
- Father Cassidy
Father Cassidy is a kind and perceptive priest who listens to Emily's story and agrees to speak to Lofty John, saving the bush.
Key passages
“If she, Emily Byrd Starr, had never gone to Lofty John's she would never have eaten the Big Sweet apple, and if she had never eaten the Big Sweet apple Lofty John would not have played a joke on her and if he had not played a joke on her Aunt Elizabeth would never have gone and said bitter, Murray-like things to him; and if Aunt Elizabeth had never said bitter Murray-like things to him Lofty John would not have become offended and revengeful; and if Lofty John had not become offended and revengeful he would never have taken it into his lofty head to cut down the beautiful grove to the north of New Moon.”
Emily feels that a chain of events beginning with her visit to Lofty John's and eating an apple led to Aunt Elizabeth's harsh words, which in turn caused Lofty John to threaten to cut down the grove.
This passage illustrates Emily's sense of guilt and the cascading consequences of small actions.
“I don't see why God doesn't stop Lofty John.”
Emily wonders why divine intervention doesn't prevent Lofty John from carrying out his threat.
This shows Emily's youthful frustration and her expectation that Providence should protect New Moon.
“What you want is a dispensation from Rome.”
Father Cassidy suggests that Emily's poem needs a papal dispensation to resolve the plot.
Father Cassidy humorously engages with Emily's creative problem-solving.
