# XXIII: Deals with Ghosts explained — Emily of New Moon

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

## What happens

Emily's first night at Wyther Grange is terrifying as she hears mysterious rustles, moans, and cries in her room, believing it haunted. She demands to leave the next morning, but Great-Aunt Nancy reveals the sounds come from swallows nesting in the unused chimney. Reassured, Emily stays and begins to enjoy her visit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imagination and Creativity

Emily's vivid imagination transforms ordinary sounds into ghostly terrors, highlighting her creative and sensitive nature.

### Secrecy and Truth

The mystery of the noises is resolved when Aunt Nancy reveals the truth about the swallows, dispelling fear and restoring peace.

## Character check-ins

### Emily Byrd Starr

Emily experiences intense fear during her first night at Wyther Grange, believing the room is haunted, but later feels foolish and relieved upon learning the truth about the swallows.

### Great-Aunt Nancy Priest

Great-Aunt Nancy initially dismisses Emily's fears but later admits she forgot about the swallows in the chimney, showing a softer side by comforting Emily.

### Caroline Priest

Caroline guides Emily through the house and exchanges knowing looks with Aunt Nancy about the source of the noises, hinting at her familiarity with the household.

### Ilse Burnley

Ilse is mentioned as having warned Emily about ghosts at Wyther Grange, contributing to Emily's fear.

### Aunt Elizabeth Murray

Emily thinks of Aunt Elizabeth longingly during her fright, contrasting the strict but safe environment of New Moon with the eerie Wyther Grange.

## Key lines

> She felt horribly far away from everybody. She was lonesome⁠—homesick.

Emily felt isolated and longed for the comfort of home.

_Highlights Emily's vulnerability and yearning for familiar surroundings._

> I won't be scared,' said Emily. 'I won't think of those things, and tomorrow I'll write down all about how I feel now.'

Emily resolves to overcome her fear by documenting her experience.

_Shows Emily's coping mechanism through writing and self-reassurance._

> It was cruel of you to put me there. If⁠—' Emily gave Aunt Nancy glare for glare⁠—'if I was Salome I'd ask for your head on a charger.'

Emily accuses Aunt Nancy of cruelty and threatens her with a biblical reference.

_Demonstrates Emily's defiance and sharp wit even in distress._

> About the swallows in the chimney. That was what you heard.

Aunt Nancy explains that the noises were caused by swallows nesting in the chimney.

_Reveals the rational explanation behind the haunting, resolving the mystery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/xxiii-deals-with-ghosts
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters