# Pride and Social Class in Emily of New Moon

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

The Murray family's pride and social standing in Blair Water are a constant force, influencing how Emily is treated by others and creating conflicts, such as the feud with Lofty John.

## Where it surfaces

- [A Watch in the Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/ii-a-watch-in-the-night): The Murray pride is a central conflict, as it caused a rift over Juliet's marriage to a poor journalist and influences their treatment of Emily.
- [The Book of Yesterday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/vii-the-book-of-yesterday): Cousin Jimmy discusses the Murray pride and the family's exclusivity in having their own graveyard.
- [Trial by Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/viii-trial-by-fire): The Murray family's reputation for pride is a central point of conflict. Emily is taunted for being 'one of the proud Murrays' and for living on 'charity,' highlighting class tensions.
- [X: Growing Pains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emily_of_new_moon_se/chapters/x-growing-pains): Emily's Murray pride is wounded by the social slight of not being invited to Rhoda's party, and she later asserts her will against Aunt Elizabeth.

## Links

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