Emily of New Moon · Chapter
XIII: Daughter of Eve explained
Emily, left alone at New Moon, yields to temptation and eats a poisoned apple from Lofty John's workshop, believing she is doomed to die.
What happens
Emily, left alone at New Moon, yields to temptation and eats a poisoned apple from Lofty John's workshop, believing she is doomed to die. She writes a farewell letter to Ilse and prepares for death with Murray dignity, only to be discovered by her aunts upon their return.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Aunt Elizabeth discovers Emily’s secret writ…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Secrecy and Truth
Emily hides her visits to Lofty John's workshop from her aunts, and the truth of the poisoned apple only emerges in her moment of crisis.
- Individuality vs. Conformity
Emily's desire for Lofty John's apples over her own reflects her rebellious nature against family traditions and expectations.
- Imagination and Creativity
Emily's vivid imagination leads her to compose a dramatic death scene and a farewell letter, transforming her fear into a creative act.
Characters to notice
- Emily Byrd Starr
Emily succumbs to temptation, eats a poisoned apple, and prepares for death with a dramatic farewell letter.
- Aunt Elizabeth Murray
Elizabeth grimly recounts confronting Lofty John; she and Laura return to find Emily in a state of crisis.
- Aunt Laura Murray
Laura leaves supper for Emily; she returns with Elizabeth to discover Emily's tragic declaration.
- Lofty John
Lofty John's poisoned apple for rats is eaten by Emily; he is the unwitting cause of her terror.
- Ilse Burnley
Ilse is the recipient of Emily's farewell letter; she is away in Charlottetown with her father.
- Cousin Jimmy Murray
Cousin Jimmy is mentioned as having gone to Shrewsbury with the aunts; his saying 'tastes like more' is recalled.
Key passages
“Life tasted good to her again—'tasted like more,' as Cousin Jimmy said.”
Emily felt that life was enjoyable and promising again, using Cousin Jimmy's expression to convey a sense of wanting more.
This reflects Emily's renewed appreciation for life after her earlier fear.
“I don't want to die but since I have to I'll die as becomes a Murray.”
Emily accepts her fate with dignity, determined to face death in a manner befitting her family's proud heritage.
This shows Emily's adoption of Murray pride and composure in the face of perceived doom.
“She had read a similar sentence in a book and it came pat to the moment.”
Emily recalled a line from a book that perfectly suited her situation, using it to bolster her resolve.
Highlights Emily's literary influences and her tendency to draw on stories in real life.
