Davy’s Moral Experiments

This flow traces Davy Keith’s mischievous testing of rules and his gradual discovery of conscience, responsibility, and tenderness.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Missing the Fun

Missing the Fun A mischievous confession Davy Keith cries after Dora Keith falls down the cellar steps, then admits he is upset because he missed seeing the accident. His response turns concern into a comic display of his appetite for excitement. Anne’s patient response makes the kitchen a place where Davy can speak without fearing immediate condemnation. Their bond gives his mischief room to be understood as well as corrected. Testing adult life Davy insists that adulthood will let him do whatever he wants. Anne gently points out that adult responsibilities will still require people to do things they dislike.

A Forbidden Word

A Forbidden Word Fear brought into the open Davy tells Anne that he wants to say a bad word he has learned from a hired boy. He has avoided prayer because he is ashamed of the desire. Anne invites him to say the word in her presence, allowing him to test its power rather than remain fascinated by it. Once he does, Davy feels that its ugliness has lost its appeal. Trust as correction Anne does not shame Davy for his confession. She explains why he should avoid influences that fill his mind with harmful language, and he returns to prayer with relief.

Sunday School Rebellion

Sunday School Rebellion Defying Rachel’s rules Angry at Rachel Lynde’s restrictions, Davy Keith skips Sunday School and church to fish with the Cotton children. He throws away his collection money and takes Dora Keith along under threat of exposing her embarrassment. The day is exciting at first, but Davy’s pleasure weakens as his conscience returns. His earlier feeling that rule-breaking would be fun proves incomplete. Lies compound the choice At dinner, Davy lies to Rachel Lynde about attending services. The lie makes him more miserable than the fishing trip and sends him into private reflection.

Confession in the Night

Confession in the Night Naming the wrong Unable to sleep, Davy tells Anne about skipping church, lying, and speaking disrespectfully. He fears that she will stop loving him if she knows what he has done. Anne listens without adding punishment, helping him recognize that his unhappiness is already the work of conscience. Davy asks what conscience is and begins to understand it as an inward guide. Repair rather than fear Anne encourages him to ask God for forgiveness, and Davy does so with relief. He admits that he may misbehave in other ways, but understands that this particular choice was not worth its cost.

A Tender Return

A Tender Return Growing, but still questioning Davy greets Anne with news of his growth and his missing tooth, showing the passage of time through a child’s ordinary milestones. He remains curious and energetic, but now recognizes that being good can feel tiring. Anne reminds him that regret does not erase consequences. Davy listens while still imagining a future full of adventures, marriage, and questions. Care that continues Their conversation shows that moral growth does not end mischief or curiosity. Anne’s trust lets Davy keep asking questions while learning to consider the effects of his choices.

The autumn before Anne begins college

Anne’s first Christmas homecoming

A Sunday during Anne’s second summer home

The night after Davy skips church

Anne’s final spring homecoming