Emily of New Moon · Question
How does Emily of New Moon develop the theme of Individuality vs. Conformity?
Answer
Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery develops Individuality vs. Conformity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Emily's artistic nature and independent spirit constantly clash with the rigid expectations of her aunts and the community, who demand she suppress her writing and unconventional behavior.
Emily resists the Murrays' expectations and Ellen's advice, asserting her own identity and values.
Emily's defiance in protecting her creative work and her refusal to conform to Aunt Elizabeth's expectations underscore the conflict between her unique spirit and the Murray family's rigid standards.
Emily's refusal to be cowed by the school's hostility and her proud declaration of writing poetry exemplify her struggle to maintain her unique identity against the pressure to conform.
Evidence in the book
- A Hop Out of Kin
Emily resists the Murrays' expectations and Ellen's advice, asserting her own identity and values.
- Diamond Cut Diamond
Emily's defiance in protecting her creative work and her refusal to conform to Aunt Elizabeth's expectations underscore the conflict between her unique spirit and the Murray family's rigid standards.
- Trial by Fire
Emily's refusal to be cowed by the school's hostility and her proud declaration of writing poetry exemplify her struggle to maintain her unique identity against the pressure to conform.
- X: Growing Pains
Emily rebels against Aunt Elizabeth's demand to cut her hair and against the expectation to wear boots and stockings, asserting her individuality.
- XIII: Daughter of Eve
Emily's desire for Lofty John's apples over her own reflects her rebellious nature against family traditions and expectations.
- Fancy Fed
Emily's defiance of Aunt Elizabeth to keep the kitten and her unique ability to summon the Murray look underscore her struggle to assert her own will against authority.
- XV: Various Tragedies
Perry's bold, unconventional behavior contrasts with Aunt Elizabeth's strict expectations, and Emily navigates her own creative ambitions against societal norms.
- Check for Miss Brownell
Emily's defiance in writing poetry instead of doing sums, and her refusal to apologize fully, underscore her struggle against the conformist expectations of school and family.
