# XV explained — The Song of the Lark

> Chapter companion for The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather.

## What happens

Thea Kronborg, now fifteen, has become a music teacher in Moonstone. She enjoys her newfound independence as a wage-earner, though she struggles with impatience toward her less dedicated pupils. After a confrontation with Mrs. Livery Johnson, Thea receives reassurance from Ray Kennedy during a buggy ride to the sand hills. She shares a birthday card from her former teacher, Wunsch, who has moved to Concord, Kansas. Ray, who secretly plans to propose to Thea when she turns seventeen, provides her with steady companionship and support.

## Themes in this chapter

### Artistic Ambition and Sacrifice

Thea's intense dedication to teaching and her frustration with less committed pupils highlight her drive for artistic excellence and the sacrifices she makes.

### Community and Alienation

Thea feels alienated from her peers and the townspeople, who criticize her temper and independence, yet she finds solace in her relationship with Ray.

## Character check-ins

### Thea Kronborg

Now fifteen, established as a music teacher in Moonstone; struggles with impatience toward pupils but values her independence.

### Ray Kennedy

Provides emotional support and reassurance to Thea; secretly plans to propose when she turns seventeen.

### Herr Wunsch

Sends Thea a birthday card from Concord, Kansas; his departure is still felt by Thea and Mrs. Kohler.

### Mrs. Livery Johnson

Confronts Thea about her temper with older pupils, demanding an apology for her daughter Grace.

### Mrs. Kohler

Mentioned as missing Wunsch; attends church to hear Thea sing.

## Key lines

> By the time Thea's fifteenth birthday came round, she was established as a music teacher in Moonstone.

When Thea turned fifteen, she had already become a music teacher in Moonstone.

_Establishes Thea's early professional role and independence._

> He had the chivalry which is perhaps the proudest possession of his race.

Ray possessed a chivalrous nature, which was his most admirable trait.

_Highlights Ray's respectful and honorable behavior toward Thea._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters/xv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_song_of_the_lark_se/chapters