William's New Year's Day explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Childhood vs. Adulthood

  William's attempt at polite behavior contrasts with his natural childish impulses, and Mr. Moss's romantic pursuit highlights adult concerns.

• Rebellion and Authority

  William rebels against the constraints of politeness and fights with a loutish boy, while also defying his family's expectations.

• Resourcefulness and Ingenuity

  William cleverly uses his politeness resolution to gain sweets and manages the shop in Mr. Moss's absence.

Characters to notice

• William Brown

  Takes a New Year's resolution to be polite, minds Mr. Moss's shop, and gets into a fight with a loutish boy.

• Ginger

  Helps William eat sweets in the shop and joins the fight.

• Henry

  Joins William and Ginger in the sweet shop and the subsequent battle.

• Mr. Moss

  Sweet shop owner who suggests William's resolution and leaves him in charge while he proposes to his sweetheart.

• Robert Brown

  William's elder brother, who is annoyed by William's polite behavior at breakfast.

• Mr. Brown

  William's father, who is suspicious of William's politeness and asks how long the resolution will last.

Key passages

• “I'm goin' to be p'lite all day.”

  William declares his New Year's resolution to be polite for the entire day.

  William's resolution drives the chapter's plot.

• “I've been keepin' shop for you. I've done the best I could.”

  William tells Mr. Moss that he minded the shop to the best of his ability.

  William's attempt to cover up the chaos in the shop.

• “She's took me at last. I'm goin' to shut shop this afternoon and go over to her again.”

  Mr. Moss announces that his sweetheart has finally agreed to marry him, and he plans to close the shop to visit her.

  Mr. Moss's romantic success contrasts with William's childish adventures.