Little Women
4/5
()
About this ebook
Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic, set during the Civil War, follows the lives, loves, and tribulations of the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—and explores the rich nuances of family life and relationships.
This edition includes:
-A concise introduction that gives the reader important background information
-A chronology of the author's life and work
-A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context
-An outline of key themes and plot points to guide the reader's own interpretations
-Detailed explanatory notes
-Critical analysis and modern perspectives on the work
-Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction
-A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experience
Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.
Editor's Note
Delightful…
The March sisters have been delighting readers for over a century in this classic, and the recent Oscar-winning adaptation has brought them back to the forefront of our consciousness. The sisters face setbacks every day, yet the novel is so full of hope and love. A real treasure.
Louisa May Alcott
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT (1832–1888), a novelist and poet, is perhaps known as the author of the "Little Women" trilogy: Little Women, Little Men, and Jo's Boys. She was a committed abolitionist and feminist throughout her adult life.
Read more from Louisa May Alcott
A Vintage Christmas: A Collection of Classic Stories and Poems Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/520 Classic Children Stories Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Little Women & Good Wives Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Behind a Mask: Or, A Woman's Power Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Classic Children's Stories (Golden Deer Classics) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Little Women (Seasons Edition -- Winter) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Little Women Book Two Complete Text: Little Women Book 2 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Christmas Library: 250+ Essential Christmas Novels, Poems, Carols, Short Stories...by 100+ Authors Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Little Women: 150th-Anniversary Annotated Edition (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLittle Women Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Timeless Christmas: A Collection of Classic Stories and Poems Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Little Women and Werewolves: The original version of the beloved classic Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Jack and Jill Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Big Book of Christmas Tales: 250+ Short Stories, Fairytales and Holiday Myths & Legends Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJo's Boys Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Greatest Christmas Stories of All Time: Timeless Classics That Celebrate the Season Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLittle Women: Complete Series Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Civil War Memories: Nineteen Stories of Battle, Bravery, Love, and Tragedy Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/550 Feminist Masterpieces you have to read before you die (Golden Deer Classics) Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Rose in Bloom Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/520 Eternal Masterpieces Of Children Stories (Golden Deer Classics) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Christmas Stories of Louisa May Alcott Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Related to Little Women
Related ebooks
LIFE Little Women Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGood Wives Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Study Guide for Louisa May Alcott's Little Women Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMarmee & Louisa: The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Mother Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Uncle Tom's Cabin Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Little Women (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters and Journals by Ednah D. Cheney (Illustrated) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLittle Men: Life at Plumfield with Jo’s Boys Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Jo’s Boys Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Mill on the Floss Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Professor Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Collected Works of Louisa May Alcott (Illustrated Edition): Novels, Short Stories, Plays & Poems Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWuthering Heights Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Study Guide for Decoding Pride and Prejudice: With Typical Questions and Answers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLittle Women Letters to Laurie: The Alcott Family Correspondence with Alfred Whitman, 1858 - 1891 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMiddlemarch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Forbidden Journeys: Fairy Tales and Fantasies by Victorian Women Writers Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Memoirs of Civil War by Louisa May Alcott: Including Letters, Hospital Sketches & Biography of the Author Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPassionate Friends: Mary Fullerton, Mabel Singleton and Miles Franklin Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGale Researcher Guide for: Louisa May Alcott's Fiction and the Transcendentalist Movement Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Woman's Power Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLittle Women (SparkNotes Literature Guide) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMasters of Prose - Louisa May Alcott Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMiddlemarch: A Study of Provincial Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Christmas Tales and Stories (Barnes & Noble Digital Library) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLittle Women at 150 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMiddlemarch Illustrated Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSt. Elmo: Or, Saved at Last Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Classics For You
A Confederacy of Dunces Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Color Purple Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Wuthering Heights (with an Introduction by Mary Augusta Ward) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Fellowship Of The Ring: Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Flowers for Algernon Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Things They Carried Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Poisonwood Bible: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sense and Sensibility (Centaur Classics) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Silmarillion Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dune Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Odyssey: (The Stephen Mitchell Translation) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5We Have Always Lived in the Castle Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Farewell to Arms Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Count of Monte Cristo Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Old Man and the Sea: The Hemingway Library Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Jungle: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Mythos Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Rebecca Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Republic by Plato Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Master & Margarita Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Jonathan Livingston Seagull: The New Complete Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ulysses: With linked Table of Contents Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Count of Monte Cristo (abridged) (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/520000 Leagues Under the Sea Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5For Whom the Bell Tolls: The Hemingway Library Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Count of Monte-Cristo English and French Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Little Women (Seasons Edition -- Winter) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Out of the Silent Planet Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related categories
Reviews for Little Women
105 ratings81 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Third time lucky! This was the third attempt at reading this book and I finally read it and enjoyed it. It took time for me to persevere through it and really engage with the sisters and their family. I can understand how this is a must read book and it was a nice read. I think I'm probably not its real target audience and its one of those books, I read due to it being a classic.All in all, it was nice enough and I'm glad I read it!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This American classic, set in the 19th century during the Civil War, follows the lives of the March sisters as they grow up and become young ladies. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are often joined by their neighbor Laurie, who is living with his grandfather.Some how I missed reading this book as a kid but as an adult, I have had the pleasure to read it twice, this being the second time. Jo is still my favorite character. I love how she often flies in the face of what society might expect from a proper young lady. At one point she cuts off a good chunk of her hair. She learns to writes short stories that sell to newspapers, so she has a source of independent income. She’s not caught up in the latest dance or the stylish lace. Yep. She’s much how I would imagine myself if I was trapped in the 1800s.The other sisters all have their own personalities as well. Meg is the oldest and seems be a little mother in waiting. Once she falls in love, that’s exactly what she becomes – a dotting mom. Then sweet Beth embodies the tender heart of the family. She is so kind to everyone and everyone in turn is so gentle and kind with her. Amy has a flash of independence as well but she’s also rather caught up in appearances. While the Marches don’t have much money, Amy makes up for it in grace and practical kindness.Laurie is a good addition to the mix. I really like his grandfather as well. Laurie starts off as a rather shy and lonely lad but the girls draw him out pretty quickly and adopt him into their little circle of confidences and games. Marmee (Mrs. March) does her best to be a confidant to her daughters while also allowing them the privacy they need. Robert March, the dad, is seen quite a bit less in the book though he’s totally doted on by the family when he is home.The entire book is riddled with little life lessons. For the first 3/4 of the book, these are well portrayed in story form. The author shows us rather than tells us. For instance, I like how Marmee often gives her girls enough rope to hang themselves. She lets them make mistakes so that they will recall the lesson better in the future. The solitary thing I don’t care for is that the last bit of this book gets a bit preachy. I feel the author was either rushed or got a little tired of the book herself and started telling us the lessons instead of showing us. Plus, perhaps since a main character dies, religion is brought into the mix. Despite this minor let down for the ending of the book, I still really enjoy this classic.Let’s talk limes. Yes, limes. There’s a great little bit of the book that goes on about these pickled limes that were all the rage at school. In fact, the teacher banned them from his classroom since they were a distraction. One of the sisters had to borrow money from another sister just so she could buy some limes. After reading that section, I really want to try a pickled lime.One of the reasons I so like this book is that most of the characters are women and it’s not a big romance. There is romance here and there, but that isn’t the main driving force of the plot. Women have so many more freedoms and rights now than they did during the Civil War and yet here we have a well written and enjoyable book that has women actually doing things, instead of being these flowery, vague love interests. So, when someone gives me the excuse, ‘Oh, things were different back then,’ to explain why a book is lacking in relevant female characters, I can always point to Alcott and quirk an eyebrow. Yes, things were different back then, but women were still relevant. Thank you Ms. Alcott!I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.The Narration: Andrea Emmes did such a lovely job with this book. She made each sister sound unique and she also managed to make them sound young when they are little girls and like young ladies by the end of the book. She also had a variety of male voices which were quite believable.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I almost did not finish this book. I found it the storytelling a little too whimsical and old fashioned. However, I made myself finish the book by reading a chapter a day. Once I got into the rhythm of reading only a chapter a day I found myself liking the Little Marches. This is definitely not my genre of books, but I am glad I finished it. This book is about four young sisters, Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth. They are not rich in money but they are rich in love and happiness. Their mother and father have provided everything they could, but mainly taught them to be kind, generous and caring women. They each take their own path and find happiness. I want to watch the movie now!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I have long loved this book- it's one I don't remember reading the first time, even. I haven't read it for years, and included it almost reflexively in my comfort reading as I loaded my iPhone with Kindle books for a recent trip.
I didn't remember the huge amount of preachifying and moralizing that imbue nearly every page of this book. There were things that made me blink and bridle in plenty. There's a lot here to be appalled at. Yet there are certainly some forward-thinking parts, especially when one takes into consideration when this was written.
The constant theme of submission is grating to my modern sensibilities. That being said, I think that Alcott's genius shines through in the ways she illuminates the inner struggles of the girls who are trying to grow into good women. Who can't find something to identify with here, if not Jo's white-hot rages, then perhaps Meg's dismay at her lack of furbelows in the face of Sally's fashionable dress or Beth's simple desire to see to her mother's comfort? Who can help loving crusty old Mr. Laurence, who is only cranky because he's lost so much? Who doesn't weep for Beth?
I know there are some of you who think Jo should have married Laurie, but you are wrong. Mr. Bhaer is perfect for Jo, as becomes even more evident as the trilogy progresses.
The girls are universal, the principles of kindness and love are as valid now as they ever were. The dated parts can be taken as historical, if you are the feminist godless sort like me. This one will be read and loved by girls forever, I think.
On to Little Men, which I like even better than this one. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Little Women, first published in 1868, is an inspiring story of 4 girls and their mother during a period of time in their lives when their father is off at war. Each of the March sisters works on her own personal struggle and is guided by a copy of Pilgrim's Progress, thier mother- Marmee and supported by each other. Through the daily occurences, we witness growth in maturity, selflessness, dealing with poverty and death. Although a little slow in parts, this story gives a good insight to the time period and brings in a tone of morality not usually seen in today's novels. This book is best introduced to girls in grades 4-7; many will revisit it several times as they grow older. The version with illustrations by Prunier gives insights in the margins and many photos and drawings. Adults may enjoy this, while younger readers most probably would prefer the original story for the story's sake.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Last time I read this (15 years ago), I was disappointed how this childhood favorite didn't stand up to adult reading & was bothered by the moralizing. This rereading has restored my love for this tale. The moralizing is a bit much but I have gotten better at just letting it wash over me without becoming so annoyed.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Summary: No words could describe what this sweet story means to me. I read it as a young girl and enjoyed it, but each time I read it as an adult it instills in me a desire to be a better woman, to cherish those things that are uniquely feminine and a tenderness for the simple things of life that are meant to be appreciated. How I relate to dear Jo as I tumble along in my own "Plumfield" filled with boys and I appreciate her wisdom and this story that teaches us how she got it.Quote: "Yes, Jo was a very happy woman there, in spite of hard work, much anxiety and perpetual racket. She enjoyed it heartily and found the applause of the boys more satisfying than any praise of the world..."
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/52011, Listening Library, Read by Kate Reading Somehow I missed reading this well-loved classic until now. When I spotted it recently in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (book nuts take note, the best-smelling book ever!), I went in search of an audiobook, and am delighted to have decided on this edition. Kate Reading is perfect as narrator.I found it impossible not to be completely charmed by Alcott’s narrative of idyllic family life as the March sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, come of age under the gentle but firm guidance of their mother. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Little Women recalls a time when life was quiet and genteel, manners impeccable, morals intrinsic, and modesty fundamental. To Alcott’s credit, I found myself longing for a quieter, simpler time. That said, I was comforted (and much humoured) to know that some things have not changed at all:“Amy’s lecture did Laurie good, though, of course, he did not own it till long afterward. Men seldom do, for when women are the advisers, the lords of creation don’t take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do. Then they act upon it, and if it succeeds, they give the weaker vessel half the credit of it. If it fails, they generously give her the whole.” (Ch 41)A worthy and deserving read. Highly recommended!
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Somehow, this book did not work for me - the March daughters were too readily faulty and the parallel with Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress' was just too...righteous. The fact that Jo and Laurie are not marrying as I thought they should was way too much; the absent father comes back to check on his daughters, only to comment that they are becoming 'perfect' women (his comments about their change of character was, in my opinion, a true reflection of the concerns of the time - the denial of the 'self' to become society's ideal woman in the civil war: charitable, selfless, sacrificing all for the greater good in the absence of men, etc...). While I may have enjoyed just reading it, I felt unease at the background ideology, I am sorry to say!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Initially, I didn't like this book because it felt rather pointless. After further reflection, it seems to me that this book is like the precursor to sitcoms; each chapter is like a new episode with new "adventures." It wasn't half bad. Not my favorite, but not too horrible.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I think maybe some of the value of this book is lost if one first reads it as an adult. I like it just fine, but I don't love it the way so many do, who re-read it a thousand times in childhood. Also, unlike virtually everyone else, I never liked Laurie all that much.
***
How awesome is it that my daughter can say, yesterday, that she'd like to read Little women, and when I discover we don't have a copy lying around I can download it to the Kindle and leave it there with her, as a little comfort on a sick day? It's really awesome, in case you were wondering. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This classic story of one year in the lives of the March sisters of New England during the American Civil War justly holds its place of honour in American literary tradition. This is really a Young Adult novel and I’m sure that each young or older!) reader identifies with one of the sisters: the eldest, Meg who is maturing into a young women preparing for marriage; Jo, the impetuous tomboy & alter ego of the author; home-loving and painfully shy Beth; and the creative & somewhat spoiled baby, Amy; and events in the book involve all sisters in turn. Each chapter of Little Women contains a gentle moral, espousing a value such as honesty, industry or thriftiness with time and money.I found this much easier to read than other 19th century novels, perhaps because it was targeting a young audience. My edition had several charming illustrated plates by Jessie Wilcox smith.Read this if: you’d like to have a glimpse of the home-front during the American Civil War; you love a story that teaches old-fashioned morals; or you enjoy gentle old-fashioned adventures. 5 starsSuggested reading companion to Little Women: March by Geraldine Brooks which follows the activities of the girls’ father, Mr. March during his enlistment. Note: March is not a YA novel.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This is an edited and abridged version of the original. Little Women is of course Louisa May Alcott's story of four sisters who each live according to their personalities. Meg wants to be the ideal, typical housewife, Jo has dreams of being a famous author, Beth wants only to help others, and Amy is a little vain and very artistic. All of them love one another despite their feuds. This version especially focuses on Jo and how she grows.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This is a great classic book about a poor family with four girls. The girls must learn certain lessons to become succesful young ladies. The book holds countless timeless morals which are easy to take into your own life.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A fun read about family and a group of sisters during their father's absence do to the American civil war. It probably would have been more enjoyable had I read this as a child, but brought back quite a few nostalgic feelings of similar novels that I read when I was that age. Perhaps I will be tempted into reading the sequels.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5(300/759) This book is about 4 girls who live with there mother and a slave. There father went off to be a soldier for the war. There family is middle class, so they can buy new things but they aren't rich like they use to be because their father was helping a friend and ended up losing a lot of their money. Later they found out there father is sick so their mother went to washington because their father was in one of the hospitals, then one of the sisters name Beth got scarlet fever. The main characters are Meg who is the oldest sister, she is discribed as beautiful and gets more beautiful with each passing day, she also loves elegant rich things. Joe the next oldest sister acts like a tome boy. Her one beauty was her hair until she cut it off to help her family get money for her mother to go to washington to help their father. Beth, the second to youngest is one of the kindest shyest people you would ever meet. Then the youngest is named Amy who loves to drawn and beautiful things. There mother Mrs. March is one of those mothers who you think is the greatest mother in the world. Then Hannah their slave is kind and an amazing nurse. I think Meg likes the material things of life too much, Joe has a short temper but I'm glad she is working to fix it. Beth has nothing wrong with her or that I think she should change about herself. if anything i think she should be more outgoing. Amy, I think she should be less selfish. I don't think i can relate to any of the things in this book, I mean so many things have changed since then, nothing is really the same. I think if anything I'm like Beth in shyness and Meg in liking elegant beautiful things. Actually so far I pretty much like everything, actually ya so far I like everything I have read. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes old victorian things, or old type of stories. For a movie I think all these parts would be hard to cast, I mean a beautiful elegant young lady, a tome boy, a shy kind girl, and one that is selfish yet loves drawing. I don't think anyone I could pick would be the right one to play the roles.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I loved this book. It was seriously one of the best books I've ever read. My AP English teacher called it "elementary", but it really wasn't. This book changed my life. For an "elementary" book it's deep. This book is also very relatable. I think everyone, both boys and girls,should read this book.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I can't understand why this book has stayed so popular for so long. It just drags on. I've tried to read it three separate occasions but I can't ever seem to finish it without being incredibly bored.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Strangely, I don't remember much about reading this book the first time. My memory was faulty and I didn't remember anything after Mr. March came home from the war.
This book is much more religious than I remembered. Not that there is anything wrong with that. The time period sought morality books for children (and adults). This book delivered that in spades.
I enjoyed re-reading it. I might go and read Jo's Boys and Little Men too. I seem to be on a 19th cent kick. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Little Women is so preachy in places that it's a wonder I loved it as much as I did, when I was younger. Reading it now, the preaching is more obvious than ever -- though, I still love it. That's part nostalgia, and part Jo. She's my favourite character of them all. Her faults, her temper, is like mine, and she's a writer, and she's by far the most interesting of the girls. Meg is just irritating, to me, and likewise Amy; Beth is sweet, but we keep getting told how sweet and perfect she is, which is somewhat trying. Jo's mistakes are funny and endearing -- salt instead of sugar on berries, indeed -- and she's no saint.
Must confess, I wept a little, reading this again. Even at points which I've never cried at before. There was something about the family feeling and the way the children try so very hard that got to me extremely, this time.
One thing I don't like very much is the relationship between Meg and Brooke. I mean, it doesn't come out of nowhere, but I'm just not that invested in it and so the time spent on it bores me.
I was never that interested in reading the sequels to this. I was content in the picture of the family we get at the end -- the parents reunited, Meg and Brooke together, Beth getting better, etc, etc. So don't plague me with tales of Beth's death! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Still one of my favorite books.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Enjoyable, well-written story overall, but characters could be a bit goody-goody. For the time period though, it is remarkably unpreachy.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A lovely and lively vignette of girls growing up. I don't know what else I can say about it. The story is so well known, all I can say is that I enjoyed it to it's last classic page.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I bought this book at "The Orchard House" in Concord, Massachusetts where Louisa May Alcott lived while she wrote "Little Women". I didn't enjoy this book as a girl, but I appreciate it more now. It was a pleasure to read about young women who are more interested in developing their character than their appearance. The writing style is lively enough to carry the reader through plotlines that are credible to the point of banal. It is also a wonderful depiction of daily life of its time. It is also a feminist novel -- the home is the core of a woman's responsibility, but the home is also seen as absolutely crucial for society. Oddly, I think the denigration of the role of women in the world belongs to a later era.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It's impossible to pinpoint the year I first read this. Probably the year I learned to read in sentences. Classic, indeed. A book I'd recommend to all little girls.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I remember when I was teaching in the 2nd grade. I would tell my students that this was my favorite books and my students would reply that I had a lot of favorite books. Well this one is one of my favorits because of the independent spirits of the girls. Well writen and a joy to read.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5This book isn't written poorly, and the stories aren't bad, but I still find it really annoying and hard to read. The characters are just very unbelievable. You can tell it's a children's story because all the girls always burst out in unison "Yes Mother!!" and things like that. They're just way too goody-goody to be interesting.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5As a non-reading child, I had tried to get through Little Women and failed, although I always loved the movie (the June Allyson version specifically). So, I finally decided to "read" it by listening to the audio. While I thoroughly enjoyed this classic story, aspects of it are very dated - thus the 1/2 star off my rating. Beth's tragedy is still striking, and I found Jo and Laurie as likeable as ever. I actually liked Amy a bit better than I thought I might and disliked Meg more.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How odd to be reading this for the first time as an adult! Somehow, growing up, I missed out on reading Little Women, but the PBS Great American Reads program piqued my curiousity. What it is about this book that, 150 years later, still earns it a place among America's top 100 novels? And now that I've read it, I get it. This coming-of-age tale about four sisters growing up relative poverty in the years following the civil war is charming, sentimental, entertaining, romantic, and profoundly moral. There's a temptation to judge the tale by 21st moral values, which scrutiny might raise some hackles. For instance, Alcott's chapters - each a little morality tale in itself - resolutely preach that the ultimate life's goal of all women should be marriage, that women should be dutiful to men, that poverty and humility are more honorable than wealth and striving. Through the lens of today's standards, it's hard not to cringe a little when Meg saves her marriage by pretending to be interested in things that interest her husband, when the sisters consistently suffer humiliation every time they make the mistake of craving something material, or when Jo gives up her writing career rather than risk offending the sensibilities of a man. But there are also many moral lessons in here that have stood the test of time - such as honoring your mother/father, marrying for love rather than money, allowing men to take a part in the rearing of their children, and treating people the way you'd wish to be treated - and, besides, there's something inherently unfair in judging a book written over 150 years ago by modern standards, right?What Alcott does best is create a lovely, nostalgic portrait of childhood the way we all want to believe it used to be, full of tree-climbing and apple-picking, wise mothers, moral fathers, picnics and family parties, flirting and fooling and make-believe, with just enough work to thrown in to teach responsibility, just enough mischief added to inculcate morality, just enough sorrow endured to sweeten satisfaction, just enough heartbreak suffered to invest wisdom, and just enough hardship endured to guarantee appropriate appreciation of the blessings of friendship and love. In other words, Little Women is like comfort food for the soul: it's not so much about maximizing nutrition as about evoking memories of a happier and simpler time when morality was a little less complicated and we were all a lot more innocent.
- Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5I was given this book when I was a child by my aunt. I absolutely hated it. If I had been a boy, I would have received something like Jules Verne, Gulliver's Travels or The treasure Island. Instead I had to settle for this crap and similar books about nice proper idle stupid girls. No wonder I hated being a girl. I still do. To be precise, now I hate being a woman.
Book preview
Little Women - Louisa May Alcott
PREFACE
"Go then, my little Book, and show to all
That entertain and bid thee welcome shall,
What thou dost keep close shut up in thy breast;
And wish what thou dost show them may be blest
To them for good, may make them choose to be
Pilgrims better, by far, than thee or me.
Tell them of Mercy; she is one
Who early hath her pilgrimage begun.
Yea, let young damsels learn of her to prize
The world which is to come, and so be wise;
For little tripping maids may follow God
Along the ways which saintly feet have trod."
—Adapted from JOHN BUNYAN¹
PART I
I
PLAYING PILGRIMS
"CHRISTMAS WON’T be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.
It’s so dreadful to be poor!
sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.
I don’t think it’s fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all,
added little Amy, with an injured sniff.
We’ve got Father and Mother and each other,
said Beth contentedly from her corner.
The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly, We haven’t got Father, and shall not have him for a long time.
She didn’t say perhaps never,
but each silently added it, thinking of Father far away, where the fighting was.¹
Nobody spoke for a minute; then Meg said in an altered tone, You know the reason Mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas was because it is going to be a hard winter for everyone; and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the army. We can’t do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly. But I am afraid I don’t.
And Meg shook her head, as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted.
"But I don’t think the little we should spend would do any good. We’ve each got a dollar, and the army wouldn’t be much helped by our giving that. I agree not to expect anything from Mother or you, but I do want to buy Undine and Sintram²
for myself. I’ve wanted it so long," said Jo, who was a bookworm.
I planned to spend mine in new music,
said Beth, with a little sigh, which no one heard but the hearth brush and kettle holder.
I shall get a nice box of Faber’s drawing pencils. I really need them,
said Amy decidedly.
Mother didn’t say anything about our money, and she won’t wish us to give up everything. Let’s each buy what we want, and have a little fun. I’m sure we work hard enough to earn it,
cried Jo, examining the heels of her shoes in a gentlemanly manner.
"I know I do—teaching those tiresome children nearly all day, when I’m longing to enjoy myself at home," began Meg, in the complaining tone again.
You don’t have half such a hard time as I do,
said Jo. How would you like to be shut up for hours with a nervous, fussy old lady, who keeps you trotting, is never satisfied, and worries you till you’re ready to fly out of the window or cry?
It’s naughty to fret, but I do think washing dishes and keeping things tidy is the worst work in the world. It makes me cross, and my hands get so stiff, I can’t practice well at all.
And Beth looked at her rough hands with a sigh that any one could hear that time.
I don’t believe any of you suffer as I do,
cried Amy, for you don’t have to go to school with impertinent girls, who plague you if you don’t know your lessons, and laugh at your dresses, and label your father if he isn’t rich, and insult you when your nose isn’t nice.
"If you mean libel, I’d say so, and not talk about labels, as if Papa was a pickle bottle," advised Jo, laughing.
"I know what I mean, and you needn’t be statirical about it. It’s proper to use good words, and improve your vocabilary," returned Amy, with dignity.
Don’t peck at one another, children. Don’t you wish we had the money Papa lost when we were little, Jo? Dear me! how happy and good we’d be, if we had no worries!
said Meg, who could remember better times.
You said the other day you thought we were a deal happier than the King children, for they were fighting and fretting all the time, in spite of their money.
So I did, Beth. Well, I think we are; for, though we do have to work, we make fun for ourselves, and are a pretty jolly set, as Jo would say.
Jo does use such slang words!
observed Amy, with a reproving look at the long figure stretched on the rug. Jo immediately sat up, put her hands in her pockets, and began to whistle.
Don’t, Jo, it’s so boyish!
That’s why I do it.
I detest rude, unladylike girls!
I hate affected, niminy-piminy chits!
‘Birds in their little nests agree,’
sang Beth, the peacemaker, with such a funny face that both sharp voices softened to a laugh, and the pecking
ended for that time.
Really, girls, you are both to blame,
said Meg, beginning to lecture in her elder-sisterly fashion. You are old enough to leave off boyish tricks, and to behave better, Josephine. It didn’t matter so much when you were a little girl; but now you are so tall, and turn up your hair, you should remember that you are a young lady.
I’m not! And if turning up my hair makes me one, I’ll wear it in two tails till I’m twenty,
cried Jo, pulling off her net, and shaking down a chestnut mane. "I hate to think I’ve got to grow up, and be Miss March, and wear long gowns, and look as prim as a China aster!³
It’s bad enough to be a girl, anyway, when I like boys’ games and work and manners! I can’t get over my disappointment in not being a boy; and it’s worse than ever now, for I’m dying to go and fight with Papa, and I can only stay at home and knit, like a poky old woman!" And Jo shook the blue army sock till the needles rattled like castanets, and her ball bounded across the room.
Poor Jo! It’s too bad, but it can’t be helped. So you must try to be contented with making your name boyish, and playing brother to us girls,
said Beth, stroking the rough head at her knee with a hand that all the dishwashing and dusting in the world could not make ungentle in its touch.
As for you, Amy,
continued Meg, you are altogether too particular and prim. Your airs are funny now, but you’ll grow up an affected little goose, if you don’t take care. I like your nice manners and refined ways of speaking, when you don’t try to be elegant. But your absurd words are as bad as Jo’s slang.
If Jo is a tomboy and Amy a goose, what am I, please?
asked Beth, ready to share the lecture.
You’re a dear, and nothing else,
answered Meg warmly; and no one contradicted her, for the Mouse
was the pet of the family.
As young readers like to know how people look,
we will take this moment to give them a little sketch of the four sisters, who sat knitting away in the twilight, while the December snow fell quietly without, and the fire crackled cheerfully within. It was a comfortable old room, though the carpet was faded and the furniture very plain; for a good picture or two hung on the walls, books filled the recesses, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows, and a pleasant atmosphere of home peace pervaded it.
Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft, brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands, of which she was rather vain. Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt, for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decided mouth, a comical nose, and sharp, gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and were by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net, to be out of her way. Round shoulders had Jo, big hands and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn’t like it. Elizabeth—or Beth, as everyone called her—was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her Little Tranquillity,
and the name suited her excellently, for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person—in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. What the characters of the four sisters were we will leave to be found out.
The clock struck six and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for Mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing, and lighted the lamp, Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze.
They are quite worn out. Marmee must have a new pair.
I thought I’d get her some with my dollar,
said Beth.
No, I shall!
cried Amy.
I’m the oldest,
began Meg, but Jo cut in with a decided—"I’m the man of the family now Papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone."
I’ll tell you what we’ll do,
said Beth, let’s each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves.
That’s like you, dear! What will we get?
exclaimed Jo.
Everyone thought soberly for a minute, then Meg announced, as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands, I shall give her a nice pair of gloves.
Army shoes, best to be had,
cried Jo.
Some handkerchiefs, all hemmed,
said Beth.
I’ll get a little bottle of cologne. She likes it, and it won’t cost much, so I’ll have some left to buy my pencils,
added Amy.
How will we give the things?
asked Meg.
Put them on the table, and bring her in and see her open the bundles. Don’t you remember how we used to do on our birthdays?
answered Jo.
"I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the big chair with the crown on, and see you all come marching round to give the presents, with a kiss. I liked the things and the kisses, but it was dreadful to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles," said Beth, who was toasting her face and the bread for tea at the same time.
Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg. There is so much to do about the play for Christmas night,
said Jo, marching up and down, with her hands behind her back and her nose in the air.
I don’t mean to act any more after this time. I’m getting too old for such things,
observed Meg, who was as much a child as ever about dressing-up
frolics.
You won’t stop, I know, as long as you can trail round in a white gown with your hair down, and wear gold-paper jewelry. You are the best actress we’ve got, and there’ll be an end of everything if you quit the boards,
said Jo. We ought to rehearse tonight. Come here, Amy, and do the fainting scene, for you are as stiff as a poker in that.
I can’t help it; I never saw anyone faint, and I don’t choose to make myself all black and blue, tumbling flat as you do. If I can go down easily, I’ll drop; if I can’t, I shall fall into a chair and be graceful. I don’t care if Hugo does come at me with a pistol,
returned Amy, who was not gifted with dramatic power, but was chosen because she was small enough to be borne out shrieking by the villain of the piece.
Do it this way: clasp your hands so, and stagger across the room, crying frantically, ‘Roderigo! save me! save me!’
and away went Jo, with a melodramatic scream which was truly thrilling.
Amy followed, but she poked her hands out stiffly before her, and jerked herself along as if she went by machinery, and her Ow!
was more suggestive of pins being run into her than of fear and anguish. Jo gave a despairing groan, and Meg laughed outright, while Beth let her bread burn as she watched the fun with interest.
It’s no use! Do the best you can when the time comes, and if the audience laughs, don’t blame me. Come on, Meg.
Then things went smoothly, for Don Pedro defied the world in a speech of two pages without a single break; Hagar, the witch, chanted an awful incantation over her kettleful of simmering toads, with weird effect; Roderigo rent his chains asunder manfully, and Hugo died in agonies of remorse and arsenic, with a wild Ha! ha!
It’s the best we’ve had yet,
said Meg, as the dead villain sat up and rubbed his elbows.
I don’t see how you can write and act such splendid things, Jo. You’re a regular Shakespeare!
exclaimed Beth, who firmly believed that her sisters were gifted with wonderful genius in all things.
Not quite,
replied Jo modestly. "I do think The Witch’s Curse, an Operatic Tragedy is rather a nice thing, but I’d like to try Macbeth, if we only had a trapdoor for Banquo. I always wanted to do the killing part. ‘Is that a dagger that I see before me?’ " muttered Jo, rolling her eyes and clutching at the air, as she had seen a famous tragedian do.⁴
No, it’s the toasting fork, with mother’s shoe on it instead of the bread. Beth’s stage-struck!
cried Meg, and the rehearsal ended in a general burst of laughter.
Glad to find you so merry, my girls,
said a cheery voice at the door, and actors and audience turned to welcome a tall, motherly lady with a can-I-help-you
look about her which was truly delightful. She was not elegantly dressed, but a noble-looking woman, and the girls thought the gray cloak and unfashionable bonnet covered the most splendid mother in the world.
Well, dearies, how have you got on today? There was so much to do, getting the boxes ready to go tomorrow, that I didn’t come home to dinner. Has anyone called, Beth? How is your cold, Meg? Jo, you look tired to death. Come and kiss me, baby.
While making these maternal inquiries Mrs. March got her wet things off, her warm slippers on, and sitting down in the easy chair, drew Amy to her lap, preparing to enjoy the happiest hour of her busy day. The girls flew about, trying to make things comfortable, each in her own way. Meg arranged the tea table, Jo brought wood and set chairs, dropping, overturning, and clattering everything she touched, Beth trotted to and fro between parlor and kitchen, quiet and busy, while Amy gave directions to everyone, as she sat with her hands folded.
As they gathered about the table, Mrs. March said, with a particularly happy face, I’ve got a treat for you after supper.
A quick, bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine. Beth clapped her hands, regardless of the biscuit she held, and Jo tossed up her napkin, crying, A letter! a letter! Three cheers for Father!
Yes, a nice long letter. He is well, and thinks he shall get through the cold season better than we feared. He sends all sorts of loving wishes for Christmas, and an especial message to you girls,
said Mrs. March, patting her pocket as if she had got a treasure there.
"Hurry and get done! Don’t stop to quirk your little finger and simper⁵
over your plate, Amy," cried Jo, choking in her tea and dropping her bread, butter side down, on the carpet in her haste to get at the treat.
Beth ate no more, but crept away to sit in her shadowy corner and brood over the delight to come, till the others were ready.
I think it was so splendid in Father to go as a chaplain when he was too old to be drafted, and not strong enough for a soldier,
said Meg warmly.
"Don’t I wish I could go as a drummer, a vivan—what’s its name? or a nurse, so I could be near him and help him," exclaimed Jo, with a groan.
It must be very disagreeable to sleep in a tent, and eat all sorts of bad-tasting things, and drink out of a tin mug,
sighed Amy.
When will he come home, Marmee?
asked Beth, with a little quiver in her voice.
Not for many months, dear, unless he is sick. He will stay and do his work faithfully as long as he can, and we won’t ask for him back a minute sooner than he can be spared. Now come and hear the letter.
They all drew to the fire, Mother in the big chair with Beth at her feet, Meg and Amy perched on either arm of the chair, and Jo leaning on the back, where no one would see any sign of emotion if the letter should happen to be touching. Very few letters were written in those hard times that were not touching, especially those which fathers sent home. In this one little was said of the hardships endured, the dangers faced, or the homesickness conquered. It was a cheerful, hopeful letter, full of lively descriptions of camp life, marches, and military news, and only at the end did the writer’s heart overflow with fatherly love and longing for the little girls at home.
Give them all my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times. A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women.
Everybody sniffed when they came to that part; Jo wasn’t ashamed of the great tear that dropped off the end of her nose, and Amy never minded the rumpling of her curls as she hid her face on her mother’s shoulder and sobbed out, "I am a selfish girl! but I’ll truly try to be better, so he mayn’t be disappointed in me by-and-by."
We all will!
cried Meg. I think too much of my looks and hate to work, but won’t any more, if I can help it.
I’ll try and be what he loves to call me, ‘a little woman,’ and not be rough and wild, but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else,
said Jo, thinking that keeping her temper at home was a much harder task than facing a rebel or two down South.
Beth said nothing, but wiped away her tears with the blue army sock and began to knit with all her might, losing no time in doing the duty that lay nearest her, while she resolved in her quiet little soul to be all that Father hoped to find her when the year brought round the happy coming home.
Mrs. March broke the silence that followed Jo’s words, by saying in her cheery voice, Do you remember how you used to play Pilgrim’s Progress when you were little things? Nothing delighted you more than to have me tie my piece bags on your backs for burdens, give you hats and sticks and rolls of paper, and let you travel through the house from the cellar, which was the City of Destruction, up, up, to the housetop, where you had all the lovely things you could collect to make a Celestial City.
"What fun it was, especially going by the lions, fighting Apollyon, and passing through the Valley⁶
where the hobgoblins were!" said Jo.
I liked the place where the bundles fell off and tumbled downstairs,
said Meg.
My favorite part was when we came out on the flat roof where our flowers and arbors and pretty things were, and all stood and sung for joy up there in the sunshine,
said Beth, smiling, as if that pleasant moment had come back to her.
I don’t remember much about it, except that I was afraid of the cellar and the dark entry, and always liked the cake and milk we had up at the top. If I wasn’t too old for such things, I’d rather like to play it over again,
said Amy, who began to talk of renouncing childish things at the mature age of twelve.
We never are too old for this, my dear, because it is a play we are playing all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City. Now, my little pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play, but in earnest, and see how far on you can get before Father comes home.
Really, Mother? Where are our bundles?
asked Amy, who was a very literal young lady.
Each of you told what your burden was just now, except Beth. I rather think she hasn’t got any,
said her mother.
Yes, I have. Mine is dishes and dusters, and envying girls with nice pianos, and being afraid of people.
Beth’s bundle was such a funny one that everybody wanted to laugh, but nobody did, for it would have hurt her feelings very much.
Let us do it,
said Meg thoughtfully. It is only another name for trying to be good, and the story may help us; for though we do want to be good, it’s hard work and we forget, and don’t do our best.
"We were in the Slough of Despond tonight, and Mother came and pulled us out as Help did⁷
in the book. We ought to have our roll of directions, like Christian. What shall we do about that?" asked Jo, delighted with the fancy which lent a little romance to the very dull task of doing her duty.
Look under your pillows Christmas morning, and you will find your guidebook,
replied Mrs. March.
They talked over the new plan while old Hannah cleared the table, then out came the four little workbaskets, and the needles flew as the girls made sheets for Aunt March. It was uninteresting sewing, but tonight no one grumbled. They adopted Jo’s plan of dividing the long seams into four parts, and calling the quarters Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, and in that way got on capitally, especially when they talked about the different countries as they stitched their way through them.
At nine they stopped work, and sang, as usual, before they went to bed. No one but Beth could get much music out of the old piano, but she had a way of softly touching the yellow keys and making a pleasant accompaniment to the simple songs they sang. Meg had a voice like a flute, and she and her mother led the little choir. Amy chirped like a cricket, and Jo wandered through the airs at her own sweet will, always coming out at the wrong place with a croak or a quaver that spoiled the most pensive tune. They had always done this from the time they could lisp
Crinkle, crinkle, ’ittle ’tar,
and it had become a household custom, for the mother was a born singer. The first sound in the morning was her voice as she went about the house singing like a lark, and the last sound at night was the same cheery sound, for the girls never grew too old for that familiar lullaby.
II
A MERRY CHRISTMAS
JO WAS the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother’s promise and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guidebook for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a Merry Christmas,
and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke to rummage and find their little books also—one dove-colored, the other blue—and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.
In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given.
Girls,
said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little nightcapped ones in the room beyond, "Mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it, but since Father went away and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things. You can do as you please, but I shall keep my book on the table here and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good and help me through the day."
Then she opened her new book and began to read. Jo put her arm round her and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face.
How good Meg is! Come, Amy, let’s do as they do. I’ll help you with the hard words, and they’ll explain things if we don’t understand,
whispered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters’ example.
I’m glad mine is blue,
said Amy. And then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.
Where is Mother?
asked Meg, as she and Jo ran down to thank her for their gifts, half an hour later.
"Goodness only knows. Some poor creeter come a-beggin’, and your ma went straight off to see what was needed. There never was such a woman for givin’ away vittles and drink, clothes and firin’," replied Hannah, who had lived with the family since Meg was born, and was considered by them all more as a friend than a servant.
She will be back soon, I think, so fry your cakes, and have everything ready,
said Meg, looking over the presents which were collected in a basket and kept under the sofa, ready to be produced at the proper time. Why, where is Amy’s bottle of cologne?
she added, as the little flask did not appear.
She took it out a minute ago, and went off with it to put a ribbon on it, or some such notion,
replied Jo, dancing about the room to take the first stiffness off the new army slippers.
How nice my handkerchiefs look, don’t they? Hannah washed and ironed them for me, and I marked them all myself,
said Beth, looking proudly at the somewhat uneven letters which had cost her such labor.
Bless the child! She’s gone and put ‘Mother’ on them instead of ‘M. March.’ How funny!
cried Jo, taking up one.
Isn’t it right? I thought it was better to do it so, because Meg’s initials are M. M., and I don’t want anyone to use these but Marmee,
said Beth, looking troubled.
It’s all right, dear, and a very pretty idea—quite sensible, too, for no one can ever mistake now. It will please her very much, I know,
said Meg, with a frown for Jo and a smile for Beth.
There’s Mother. Hide the basket, quick!
cried Jo, as a door slammed and steps sounded in the hall.
Amy came in hastily, and looked rather abashed when she saw her sisters all waiting for her.
Where have you been, and what are you hiding behind you?
asked Meg, surprised to see, by her hood and cloak, that lazy Amy had been out so early.
"Don’t laugh at me, Jo! I didn’t mean anyone should know till the time came. I only meant to change the little bottle for a big one, and I gave all my money to get it, and I’m truly trying not to be selfish any more."
As she spoke, Amy showed the handsome flask which replaced the cheap one, and looked so earnest and humble in her little effort to forget herself that Meg hugged her on the spot, and Jo pronounced her a trump,
while Beth ran to the window, and picked her finest rose to ornament the stately bottle.
"You see I felt ashamed of my present, after reading and talking about being good this morning, so I ran round the corner and changed it the minute I was up: and I’m so glad, for mine is the handsomest now."
Another bang of the street door sent the basket under the sofa, and the girls to the table, eager for breakfast.
Merry Christmas, Marmee! Many of them! Thank you for our books; we read some, and mean to every day,
they cried, in chorus.
Merry Christmas, little daughters! I’m glad you began at once, and hope you will keep on. But I want to say one word before we sit down. Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby. Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing, for they have no fire. There is nothing to eat over there, and the oldest boy came to tell me they were suffering hunger and cold. My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present?
They were all unusually hungry, having waited nearly an hour, and for a minute no one spoke—only a minute, for Jo exclaimed impetuously, I’m so glad you came before we began!
May I go and help carry the things to the poor little children?
asked Beth eagerly.
"I shall take the cream and the muffins," added Amy, heroically giving up the articles she most liked.
Meg was already covering the buckwheats, and piling the bread into one big plate.
I thought you’d do it,
said Mrs. March, smiling as if satisfied. You shall all go and help me, and when we come back we will have bread and milk for breakfast, and make it up at dinnertime.
They were soon ready, and the procession set out. Fortunately it was early, and they went through back streets, so few people saw them, and no one laughed at the queer party.
A poor, bare, miserable room it was, with broken windows, no fire, ragged bedclothes, a sick mother, wailing baby, and a group of pale, hungry children cuddled under one old quilt, trying to keep warm.
How the big eyes stared and the blue lips smiled as the girls went in!
"Ach, mein Gott! It is good angels come to us!" said the poor woman, crying for joy.
Funny angels in hoods and mittens,
said Jo, and set them laughing.
In a few minutes it really did seem as if kind spirits had been at work there. Hannah, who had carried wood, made a fire, and stopped up the broken panes with old hats and her own cloak. Mrs. March gave the mother tea and gruel, and comforted her with promises of help, while she dressed the little baby as tenderly as if it had been her own. The girls meantime spread the table, set the children round the fire, and fed them like so many hungry birds—laughing, talking, and trying to understand the funny broken English.
Das ist gut!
Die Engel-kinder!
cried the poor things as they ate and warmed their purple hands at the comfortable blaze.
The girls had never been called angel children before, and thought it very agreeable, especially Jo, who had been considered a Sancho
¹
ever since she was born. That was a very happy breakfast, though they didn’t get any of it; and when they went away, leaving comfort behind, I think there were not in all the city four merrier people than the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfasts and contented themselves with bread and milk on Christmas morning.
That’s loving our neighbor better than ourselves, and I like it,
said Meg, as they set out their presents while their mother was upstairs collecting clothes for the poor Hummels.
Not a very splendid show, but there was a great deal of love done up in the few little bundles, and the tall vase of red roses, white chrysanthemums, and trailing vines, which stood in the middle, gave quite an elegant air to the table.
She’s coming! Strike up, Beth! Open the door, Amy! Three cheers for Marmee!
cried Jo, prancing about while Meg went to conduct Mother to the seat of honor.
Beth played her gayest march, Amy threw open the door, and Meg enacted escort with great dignity. Mrs. March was both surprised and touched, and smiled with her eyes full as she examined her presents and read the little notes which accompanied them. The slippers went on at once, a new handkerchief was slipped into her pocket, well scented with Amy’s cologne, the rose was fastened in her bosom, and the nice gloves were pronounced a perfect fit.
There was a good deal of laughing and kissing and explaining, in the simple, loving fashion which makes these home festivals so pleasant at the time, so sweet to remember long afterward, and then all fell to work.
The morning charities and ceremonies took so much time that the rest of the day was devoted to preparations for the evening festivities. Being still too young to go often to the theater, and not rich enough to afford any great outlay for private performances, the girls put their wits to work, and—necessity being the mother of invention—made whatever they needed. Very clever were some of their productions—pasteboard guitars, antique lamps made of old-fashioned butter boats covered with silver paper, gorgeous robes of old cotton, glittering with tin spangles from a pickle factory, and armor covered with the same useful diamond-shaped bits left in sheets when the lids of tin preserve pots were cut out. The furniture was used to being turned topsy-turvy, and the big chamber was the scene of many innocent revels.
No gentlemen were admitted, so Jo played male parts to her heart’s content and took immense satisfaction in a pair of russet-leather boots given her by a friend, who knew a lady who knew an actor. These boots, an old foil, and a slashed doublet once used by an artist for some picture, were Jo’s chief treasures and appeared on all occasions. The smallness of the company made it necessary for the two principal actors to take several parts apiece, and they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work they did in learning three or four different parts, whisking in and out of various costumes, and managing the stage besides. It was excellent drill for their memories, a harmless amusement, and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle, lonely, or spent in less profitable society.
On Christmas night, a dozen girls piled onto the bed which was the dress circle, and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains in a most flattering state of expectancy. There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain, a trifle of lamp smoke, and an occasional giggle from Amy, who was apt to get hysterical in the excitement of the moment. Presently a bell sounded, the curtains flew apart, and the Operatic Tragedy began.
A gloomy wood,
according to the one playbill, was represented by a few scrubs in pots, green baize on the floor, and a cave in the distance. This cave was made with a clotheshorse for a roof, bureaus for walls, and in it was a small furnace in full blast, with a black pot on it and an old witch bending over it. The stage was dark and the glow of the furnace had a fine effect, especially as real steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover. A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside, then Hugo, the villain, stalked in with a clanking sword at his side, a slouched hat, black beard, mysterious cloak, and the boots. After pacing to and fro in much agitation, he struck his forehead, and burst out in a wild strain, singing of his hatred to Roderigo, his love for Zara, and his pleasing resolution to kill the one and win the other. The gruff tones of Hugo’s voice, with an occasional shout when his feelings overcame him, were very impressive, and the audience applauded the moment he paused for breath. Bowing with the air of one accustomed to public praise, he stole to the cavern and ordered Hagar to come forth with a commanding, What ho, minion! I need thee!
Out came Meg, with gray horsehair hanging about her face, a red and black robe, a staff, and cabalistic signs upon her cloak. Hugo demanded a potion to make Zara adore him, and one to destroy Roderigo. Hagar, in a fine dramatic melody, promised both, and proceeded to call up the spirit who would bring the love philter:²
Hither, hither, from thy home,
Airy sprite, I bid thee come!
Born of roses, fed on dew,
Charms and potions canst thou brew?
Bring me here, with elfin speed,
The fragrant philter which I need;
Make it sweet and swift and strong,
Spirit, answer now my song!
A soft strain of music sounded, and then at the back of the cave appeared a little figure in cloudy white, with glittering wings, golden hair, and a garland of roses on its head. Waving a wand, it sang,
Hither I come,
From my airy home,
Afar in the silver moon.
Take the magic spell,
And use it well,
Or its power will vanish soon!
And dropping a small, gilded bottle at the witch’s feet, the spirit vanished. Another chant from Hagar produced another apparition—not a lovely one, for with a bang an ugly black imp appeared and, having croaked a reply, tossed a dark bottle at Hugo and disappeared with a mocking laugh. Having warbled his thanks and put the potions in his boots, Hugo departed, and Hagar informed the audience that, as he had killed a few of her friends in times past, she has cursed him, and intends to thwart his plans, and be revenged on him. Then the curtain fell, and the audience reposed and ate candy while discussing the merits of the play.
A good deal of hammering went on before the curtain rose again, but when it became evident what a masterpiece of stage carpentering had been got up, no one murmured at the delay. It was truly superb! A tower rose to the ceiling; halfway up appeared a window with a lamp burning at it, and behind the white curtain appeared Zara in a lovely blue and silver dress, waiting for Roderigo. He came in gorgeous array, with plumed cap, red cloak, chestnut lovelocks, a guitar, and the boots, of course. Kneeling at the foot of the tower, he sang a serenade in melting tones. Zara replied and, after a musical dialogue, consented to fly. Then came the grand effect of the play. Roderigo produced a rope ladder, with five steps to it, threw up one end, and invited Zara to descend. Timidly she crept from her lattice, put her hand on Roderigo’s shoulder, and was about to leap gracefully down when Alas! alas for Zara!
she forgot her train—it caught in the window, the tower tottered, leaned forward, fell with a crash, and buried the unhappy lovers in the ruins!
A universal shriek arose as the russet boots waved wildly from the wreck and a golden head emerged, exclaiming, I told you so! I told you so!
With wonderful presence of mind, Don Pedro, the cruel sire, rushed in, dragged out his daughter, with a hasty aside—
Don’t laugh! Act as if it was all right!
—and, ordering Roderigo up, banished him from the kingdom with wrath and scorn. Though decidedly shaken by the fall of the tower upon him, Roderigo defied the old gentleman and refused to stir. This dauntless example fired Zara: she also defied her sire, and he ordered them both to the deepest dungeons of the castle. A stout little retainer came in with chains and led them away, looking very much frightened and evidently forgetting the speech he ought to have made.
Act third was the castle hall, and here Hagar appeared, having come to free the lovers and finish Hugo. She hears him coming and hides, sees him put the potions into two cups of wine and bid the timid little servant, Bear them to the captives in their cells, and tell them I shall come anon.
The servant takes Hugo aside to tell him something, and Hagar changes the cups for two others which are harmless. Ferdinando, the minion,
carries them away, and Hagar puts back the cup which holds the poison meant for Roderigo. Hugo, getting thirsty after a long warble, drinks it, loses his wits, and after a good deal of clutching and stamping, falls flat and dies, while Hagar informs him what she has done in a song of exquisite power and melody.
This was a truly thrilling scene, though some persons might have thought that the sudden tumbling down of a quantity of long hair rather marred the effect of the villain’s death. He was called before the curtain, and with great propriety appeared, leading Hagar, whose singing was considered more wonderful than all the rest of the performance put together.
Act fourth displayed the despairing Roderigo on the point of stabbing himself because he has been told that Zara has deserted him. Just as the dagger is at his heart, a lovely song is sung under his window, informing him that Zara is true but in danger, and he can save her if he will. A key is thrown in, which unlocks the door, and in a spasm of rapture he tears off his chains and rushes away to find and rescue his ladylove.
Act fifth opened with a stormy scene between Zara and Don Pedro. He wishes her to go into a convent, but she won’t hear of it and, after a touching appeal, is about to faint when Roderigo dashes in and demands her hand. Don Pedro refuses, because he is not rich. They shout and gesticulate tremendously but cannot agree, and Roderigo is about to bear away the exhausted Zara, when the timid servant enters with a letter and a bag from Hagar, who has mysteriously disappeared. The latter informs the party that she bequeaths untold wealth to the young pair and an awful doom to Don Pedro, if he doesn’t make them happy. The bag is opened, and several quarts of tin money shower down upon the stage till it is quite glorified with the glitter. This entirely softens the stern sire.
He consents without a murmur, all join in a joyful chorus, and the curtain falls upon the lovers kneeling to receive Don Pedro’s blessing in attitudes of the most romantic grace.
Tumultuous applause followed but received an unexpected check, for the cot bed, on which the dress circle
was built, suddenly shut up and extinguished the enthusiastic audience. Roderigo and Don Pedro flew to the rescue, and all were taken out unhurt, though many were speechless with laughter. The excitement had hardly subsided when Hannah appeared, with Mrs. March’s compliments, and would the ladies walk down to supper.
This was a surprise even to the actors, and when they saw the table, they looked at one another in rapturous amazement. It was like Marmee to get up a little treat for them, but anything so fine as this was unheard of since the departed days of plenty. There was ice cream—actually two dishes of it, pink and white—and cake and fruit and distracting French bonbons and, in the middle of the table, four great bouquets of hothouse flowers!
It quite took their breath away; and they stared first at the table and then at their mother, who looked as if she enjoyed it immensely.
Is it fairies?
asked Amy.
It’s Santa Claus,
said Beth.
Mother did it.
And Meg smiled her sweetest, in spite of her gray beard and white eyebrows.
Aunt March had a good fit and sent the supper,
cried Jo, with a sudden inspiration.
All wrong. Old Mr. Laurence sent it,
replied Mrs. March.
The Laurence boy’s grandfather! What in the world put such a thing into his head? We don’t know him!
exclaimed Meg.
Hannah told one of his servants about your breakfast party. He is an odd old gentleman, but that pleased him. He knew my father years ago, and he sent me a polite note this afternoon, saying he hoped I would allow him to express his friendly feeling toward my children by sending them a few trifles in honor of the day. I could not refuse, and so you have a little feast at night to make up for the bread-and-milk breakfast.
That boy put it into his head, I know he did! He’s a capital fellow, and I wish we could get acquainted. He looks as if he’d like to know us but he’s bashful, and Meg is so prim she won’t let me speak to him when we pass,
said Jo, as the plates went round, and the ice began to melt out of sight, with ohs and ahs of satisfaction.
You mean the people who live in the big house next door, don’t you?
asked one of the girls. My mother knows old Mr. Laurence, but says he’s very proud and doesn’t like to mix with his neighbors. He keeps his grandson shut up, when he isn’t riding or walking with his tutor, and makes him study very hard. We invited him to our party, but he didn’t come. Mother says he’s very nice, though he never speaks to us girls.
Our cat ran away once, and he brought her back, and we talked over the fence, and were getting on capitally—all about cricket, and so on—when he saw Meg coming, and walked off. I mean to know him some day, for he needs fun, I’m sure he does,
said Jo decidedly.
I like his manners, and he looks like a little gentleman; so I’ve no objection to your knowing him, if a proper opportunity comes. He brought the flowers himself, and I should have asked him in, if I had been sure what was going on upstairs. He looked so wistful as he went away, hearing the frolic and evidently having none of his own.
It’s a mercy you didn’t, Mother!
laughed Jo, looking at her boots. "But we’ll have another play sometime that he can see. Perhaps he’ll help act. Wouldn’t that be jolly?"
I never had such a fine bouquet before! How pretty it is!
And Meg examined her flowers with great interest.
"They are lovely! But Beth’s roses are sweeter to me," said Mrs. March, smelling the half-dead posy in her belt.
Beth nestled up to her, and whispered softly, I wish I could send my bunch to Father. I’m afraid he isn’t having such a merry Christmas as we are.
III
THE LAURENCE BOY
"JO! JO! where are you?" cried Meg at the foot of the garret stairs.
Here!
answered a husky voice from above, and, running up, Meg found her sister eating apples and crying over the Heir of Redclyffe,¹
wrapped up in a comforter on an old three-legged sofa by the sunny window. This was Jo’s favorite refuge; and here she loved to retire with half a dozen russets and a nice book, to enjoy the quiet and the society of a pet rat who lived near by and didn’t mind her a particle. As Meg appeared, Scrabble whisked into his hole. Jo shook the tears off her cheeks and waited to hear the news.
Such fun! Only see! A regular note of invitation from Mrs. Gardiner for tomorrow night!
cried Meg, waving the precious paper and then proceeding to read it with girlish delight.
" ‘Mrs. Gardiner would be happy to see Miss March and Miss Josephine at a little dance on New Year’s Eve.’ Marmee is willing we should go, now what shall we wear?"
What’s the use of asking that, when you know we shall wear our poplins, because we haven’t got anything else?
answered Jo with her mouth full.
If I only had a silk!
sighed Meg. Mother says I may when I’m eighteen perhaps, but two years is an everlasting time to wait.
I’m sure our pops look like silk, and they are nice enough for us. Yours is as good as new, but I forgot the burn and the tear in mine. Whatever shall I do? The burn shows badly, and I can’t take any out.
You must sit still all you can and keep your back out of sight; the front is all right. I shall have a new ribbon for my hair, and Marmee will lend me her little pearl pin, and my new slippers are lovely, and my gloves will do, though they aren’t as nice as I’d like.
Mine are spoiled with lemonade, and I can’t get any new ones, so I shall have to go without,
said Jo, who never troubled herself much about dress.
"You must have gloves, or I won’t go, cried Meg decidedly.
Gloves are more important than anything else; you can’t dance without them, and if you don’t I should be so mortified."
Then I’ll stay still. I don’t care much for company dancing. It’s no fun to go sailing round. I like to fly about and cut capers.
²
You can’t ask Mother for new ones, they are so expensive, and you are so careless. She said when you spoiled the others that she shouldn’t get you any more this winter. Can’t you make them do?
asked Meg anxiously.
I can hold them crumpled up in my hand, so no one will know how stained they are; that’s all I can do. No! I’ll tell you how we can manage—each wear one good one and carry a bad one. Don’t you see?
Your hands are bigger than mine, and you will stretch my glove dreadfully,
began Meg, whose gloves were a tender point with her.
Then I’ll go without. I don’t care what people say!
cried Jo, taking up her book.
You may have it, you may! Only don’t stain it, and do behave nicely. Don’t put your hands behind you, or stare, or say ‘Christopher Columbus!’ will you?
Don’t worry about me. I’ll be as prim as I can and not get into any scrapes, if I can help it. Now go and answer your note, and let me finish this splendid story.
So Meg went away to accept with thanks,
look over her dress, and sing blithely as she did up her one real lace frill, while Jo finished her story, her four apples, and had a game of romps with Scrabble.
On New Year’s Eve the parlor was deserted, for the two younger girls played dressing maids and the two elder were absorbed in the all-important business of getting ready for the party.
Simple as the toilets were, there was a great deal of running up and down, laughing and talking, and at one time a strong smell of burned hair pervaded the house. Meg wanted a few curls about her face, and Jo undertook to pinch the papered locks with a pair of hot tongs.
Ought they to smoke like that?
asked Beth from her perch on the bed.
It’s the dampness drying,
replied Jo.
What a queer smell! It’s like burned feathers,
observed Amy, smoothing her own pretty curls with a superior air.
There, now I’ll take off the papers and you’ll see a cloud of little ringlets,
said Jo, putting down the tongs.
She did take off the papers, but no cloud of ringlets appeared, for the hair came with the papers, and the horrified hairdresser laid a row of little scorched bundles on the bureau before her victim.
"Oh, oh, oh! What have you done? I’m spoiled! I can’t go! My hair, oh, my hair!" wailed Meg, looking with despair at the uneven frizzle on her forehead.
Just my luck! You shouldn’t have asked me to do it. I always spoil everything. I’m so sorry, but the tongs were too hot, and so I’ve made a mess,
groaned poor Jo, regarding the black pancakes with tears of regret.
It isn’t spoiled; just frizzle it, and tie your ribbon so the ends come on your forehead a bit, and it will look like the last fashion. I’ve seen many girls do it so,
said Amy consolingly.
Serves me right for trying to be fine. I wish I’d let my hair alone,
cried Meg petulantly.
So do I, it was so smooth and pretty. But it will soon grow out again,
said Beth, coming to kiss and comfort the shorn sheep.
After various lesser mishaps, Meg was finished at last, and by the united exertions of the family Jo’s hair was got up and her dress on. They looked very well in their simple suits—Meg in silvery drab, with a blue velvet snood, lace frills, and the pearl pin; Jo in maroon, with a stiff, gentlemanly linen collar, and a white chrysanthemum or two for her only ornament. Each put on one nice light glove, and carried one soiled one, and all pronounced the effect quite easy and fine.
Meg’s high-heeled slippers were very tight and hurt her, though she would not own it, and Jo’s nineteen hairpins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable; but, dear me, let us be elegant or die!
Have a good time, dearies!
said Mrs. March, as the sisters went daintily down the walk. Don’t eat much supper, and come away at eleven when I send Hannah for you.
As the gate clashed behind them, a voice cried from a window—
"Girls, girls! have you both got nice pocket handkerchiefs?"
Yes, yes, spandy nice, and Meg has cologne on hers,
cried Jo, adding with a laugh as they went on, I do believe Marmee would ask that if we were all running away from an earthquake.
It is one of her aristocratic tastes, and quite proper, for a real lady is always known by neat boots, gloves, and handkerchief,
replied Meg, who had a good many little aristocratic tastes
of her own.
"Now don’t forget to keep the bad breadth out of sight, Jo. Is my sash right? And does my hair look very bad?" said Meg, as she turned from the glass in Mrs. Gardiner’s dressing room after a prolonged prink.
I know I shall forget. If you see me doing anything wrong, just remind me by a wink, will you?
returned Jo, giving her collar a twitch and her head a hasty brush.
No, winking isn’t ladylike. I’ll lift my eyebrows if anything is wrong, and nod if you are all right. Now hold your shoulders straight, and take short steps, and don’t shake hands if you are introduced to anyone: it isn’t the thing.
"How do you learn all the proper ways? I never can. Isn’t that music gay?"
Down they went, feeling a trifle timid, for they seldom went to parties, and, informal as this little gathering was, it was an event to them. Mrs. Gardiner, a stately old lady, greeted them kindly and handed them over to the eldest of her six daughters. Meg knew Sallie and was at her ease very soon, but Jo, who didn’t care much for girls or girlish gossip, stood about, with her back carefully against the wall, and felt as much out of place as a colt in a flower garden. Half a dozen jovial lads were talking about skates in another part of the room, and she longed to go and join them, for skating was one of the joys of her life. She telegraphed her wish to Meg, but the eyebrows went up so alarmingly that she dared not stir. No one came to talk to her, and one by one the group near her dwindled away till she was left alone. She could not roam about and amuse herself, for the burned breadth would show, so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began. Meg was asked at once, and the tight slippers tripped about so briskly that none would have guessed the pain their wearer suffered smilingly. Jo saw a big redheaded youth approaching her corner, and fearing he meant to engage her, she slipped into a curtained recess, intending to peep and enjoy herself in peace. Unfortunately, another bashful person had chosen the same refuge, for, as the curtain fell behind her, she found herself face to face with the Laurence boy.
"Dear