Emily of New Moon · Question
How does Emily of New Moon develop the theme of Secrecy and Truth?
Answer
Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery develops Secrecy and Truth across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative is driven by hidden truths, such as the mystery of Ilse's mother's disappearance and the family secrets of the Murrays, which Emily must grapple with as she matures.
Emily burns her account book to keep her private thoughts and writings from Aunt Elizabeth, illustrating the tension between personal expression and the demand for transparency.
The epitaph 'Here I stay' reveals old Hugh's lingering resentment toward his wife, a hidden truth in family history.
Emily hides her true feelings about the slap from her family and secretly writes to her father, underscoring the theme of secrecy versus the truth of her inner life.
Evidence in the book
- Diamond Cut Diamond
Emily burns her account book to keep her private thoughts and writings from Aunt Elizabeth, illustrating the tension between personal expression and the demand for transparency.
- The Book of Yesterday
The epitaph 'Here I stay' reveals old Hugh's lingering resentment toward his wife, a hidden truth in family history.
- A Special Providence
Emily hides her true feelings about the slap from her family and secretly writes to her father, underscoring the theme of secrecy versus the truth of her inner life.
- The Tansy Patch
Mrs. Kent's hidden jealousy and the secret of Teddy's drawings (hidden from his mother) underscore the theme of hidden truths and unspoken tensions.
- XIII: Daughter of Eve
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.
- Check for Miss Brownell
Emily's secret poems are exposed by Miss Brownell, and the truth of her creative nature is used against her, while Cousin Jimmy reveals the truth of Miss Brownell's unfairness.
- Friends Again
Emily's secret visit to Father Cassidy and the hidden understanding between them create a theme of secrecy, while Aunt Elizabeth's discovery forces a confrontation with the truth.
- Romantic but Not Comfortable
Emily confesses to reading a novel and a medical book, revealing hidden actions; the letter from Great-Aunt Nancy contains secrets about family history.
