# Individuality vs. Conformity in Emily of New Moon

> Theme guide for Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [A Hop Out of Kin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/iii-a-hop-out-of-kin): Emily resists the Murrays' expectations and Ellen's advice, asserting her own identity and values.
- [Diamond Cut Diamond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/viii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/xiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/xvi-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.
- [Romantic but Not Comfortable](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/xxi-romantic-but-not-comfortable): Emily defies Aunt Elizabeth by cutting her own bang and reading forbidden books, asserting her personal desires against family rules.
- [A Weaver of Dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/xxviii-a-weaver-of-dreams): Emily resists Aunt Ruth's demand to be a 'different girl' and insists on being herself, while Aunt Elizabeth's refusal to let her study for the Entrance reflects societal pressures on girls.
- [XXIX: Sacrilege](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/xxix-sacrilege): Emily insists on her need to write stories despite Aunt Elizabeth's prohibition, asserting her creative individuality against family expectations.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/themes/individuality_vs_conformity
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/themes