Little Women

What is the setting, the characters’ situation and explain what they’re doing at the beginning of the story?

Page 3 — New England during the Civil War in a home in front of the fire and it’s almost Christmas; they’re all sitting around talking and complaining about not being rich and how their father is away to war

3

Describe each character.

Meg: 16 years old, the oldest of all four sisters, good big sister who lectures them; Josephine or Jo: 15 years old, Tom-boy, bookworm, loves to write, jokester, loud; Elizabeth or Beth: peace maker, the “Mouse” or pet of the family, loves music, shy & quiet, gentle, her father calls her “Little Tranquility”; Amy: the youngest, around 12 years old, carries herself like a prim and proper young lady, artistic, feels she’s the most important out of the sisters

How do the girls feel about their mother and what do they call her?

Page 7 — They adore her; Marmee

7

What motivated the girls to become and do better?

Page 11 — A letter from their father

11

What did the girls all receive from their mother on Christmas morning?

Page 14 — Books (possibly the Bible)

14

What good deed did the March family do on Christmas morning?

Page 17 — Give breakfast to a very poor family with a sick mother; gave them wood and started a fire to warm their freezing home; Hannah the house servant stuffed the cracks of the house with old hats and her own shawl; gave them clothes

17

How did the March family spend Christmas day?

Page 23 — After serving the family down the lane, they got out their costumes and props and put on a play about Roderigo and his love Zara. Then they had a lovely dinner

23

Who brought the March family such a lovely dinner and why?

Page 23 — Old Mr. Lawrence because he heard of the girls helping the family that morning and wanted to send them a treat

23

What happened to Meg’s hair as Jo curled it?

Page 27 — The curling iron was too hot and burned her hair off

27

Why was Jo destined to not enjoy the party?

Page 28 — She had to hide and not dance because of her clothes and she’s not prim and proper like the other girls and instead would rather go talk to the boys, but isn’t able to

28

Why did Joe and Laurie get along so well?

Page 30 — Jo was comfortable to be with and Laurie had interesting things to talk about

30

What happened to Meg the party?

Page 33 — She twisted her ankle

33

How did the girls get home from the party?

Page 34 — In Laurie’s carriage

34

Why did the girls work and have jobs?

Page 39 — Because their father lost his property by trying to help a friend and the girls wanted to help their parents bring in income

39

Describe why Meg struggles with being poor.

Page 39 — She remembers when her family had wealth and knows what she’s missing out on and the family she works for is wealthy and has sisters that are her age and doing the things she wants to be doing

39

Why didn’t the March’s let their Aunt March adopt the girls?

Page 39 — They didn’t care about money, worldliness or the fortune they would have gained and know that staying all together rich or poor was more important

39

List two things that are important to Beth.

Page 41 — Taking care of the dolls; music

41

Summarize Marmee’s experience she’d had that day that she shared with the girls.

Page 46 — She was at work thinking about her husband at war, when a man came in and said two of his sons died, one was a prisoner of war and he was going to the one son he could go to. She felt rich and happy, thinking of her blessings and made him a nice bundle, gave him some money and thanked him for the lesson he had taught her

46

Why did Jo visit Laurie?

Page 50 — He invited her; he was sick and wanted to read to him so he wouldn’t be lonely

50

Describe what happened when Mr. Laurence overheard Jo making comments to herself while looking at his picture?

Page 55 — He liked what she said, he knew her grandfather and invited her to tea

55

What medicine did Jo’s mom send to help Laurie get better?

Page 57 — Jo

57

What influence did the March girls have on Laurie?

Page 61 — Good; made him want to be better

61

How did Mr. Laurence mend his relationship with Beth?

Page 62 — Spoke kindly to her; invited girls to play his piano

62

What did Mr. Laurence give to Beth as a thank you for the slippers she made him?

Page 64 — A piano

64

What did Beth do in response to receiving the piano?

Page 66 — Walked into Mr. Laurence’s study, kissed and hugged him

66

What do the limes represent at the beginning of this chapter?

Page 69 — Friendship, popularity and they were debts of honor

69

Describe Mr. Davis.

Page 70 — Amy’s teacher; didn’t like limes or any other fad the girls go through; very intelligent; fine teacher

70

Explain how Amy became humiliated.

Page 72 — Getting slapped by the ruler on the hand for bringing limes to school

72

How did Mrs. March respond to Amy’s punishment?

Page 73 — She didn’t like it and took her out of the school, but still felt Amy shouldn’t have disobeyed the rules

73

Where did Meg and Jo get to go that made Amy jealous and whine like a spoilt child?

Page 77 — The theatre with Laurie

77

What did Amy do to get revenge on Jo?

Page 79 — Burned her manuscript

79

What was Jo’s reaction to Amy burning her book?

Page 80 — She said she’d never forgive her and stopped talking to her

80

What helped Jo repent of her anger towards Amy?

Page 82 — Jo didn’t stop her from ice skating to the middle of the river and Amy fell in

82

Where was Meg going for a fortnight and why was her mother hesitant to give permission?

Page 89 — To be with a girl named Sallie who has a fashionable life; her mother was worried since Meg would probably come back feeling more discontented then she already was

89

What did Laurie send Meg that helped cheer her up?

Page 91 — Flowers

91

Describe the interaction between Laurie and Meg at the party?

Page 97 — She was embarrassed to be all dressed up; Laurie disapproved of her dress and behavior; they danced and Meg asked him not to tell her mother

97

How did MIrs. March respond to Meg’s confessions?

Page 101 — She felt sorry that she allowed her daughter to have to deal with her experiences of overhearing the Moffat’s gossip

101

What ambitions does Mrs. March have for her daughter?

Page 103 — To marry for love; to be respected, happy, contended, beloved rather than to be rich and not respected; She’d rather them be old maids then to marry for the wrong reasons

103

Why would the sisters call their private club the “Pickwick Club” if they liked Charles Dickens?

Page 105 — It was the name of his first novel

105

What was included on the “Pickwick Portfolio”?

Page 105 — poems; stories; letters to Pickwick; news; dedications; advertisements; announcements; helps

105

Why didn’t the girls want to allow Laurie into their club?

Page 111 — They were worried he’d laugh and make fun of their paper; they’re not proper

111

What did Laurie bring as a gift of joining the P.C.?

Page 112 — a mailbox/post office to put between their homes

112

What’s the experiment the girl’s mom said they could try?

Page 115 — To have all play and no work the entire week

115

What happened when the girls woke up and found Hannah wasn’t working in the morning?

Page 118 — They were a bit dismayed, but got to work and put together breakfast and tea

118

What happened to Meg’s canary a result of her not doing her jobs and taking care of him?

Page 119 — He died

119

What was the lesson the girls learned that week of idleness?

Comfort depends on each doing their part; burdens are good for us and work is wholesome; it keeps everyone out of mischief; 124

What did Laurie invite the girls to?

Page 128 — A picnic at his house the next day

128

Describe Jo’s experience playing croquet.

Page 132 — She was highly competitive with Fred, who rolled his ball with his foot. Jo was angry and called him a cheater. Her ball got knocked away and she came back cool and quiet. She was patient and won her team the game

132

What was going to happen to Mr. Brooke after Laurie headed off to college?

Page 142 — He’s to become a soldier

142

What language did Miss Kate encourage Meg to continue learning?

Page 142 — German

142

Why did Laurie follow the girls as they left their yard?

Page 147 — He was anxious since he was having a bad day and wanted to spend time with them

147

What’s the Celestial City spoken of?

Page 150 — Heaven

150

What plan did Jo make while spending the afternoon on Delectable Mountain?

Page 152 — That in ten years they would all meet and see how close they were to making their castle (or dream)

152

What was the result of Meg’s reprimand and motherly kindness toward Laurie?

Page 155 — He resolved to do his duty and stay with his grandfather while he needs him

155

What’s a billiard saloon and why didn’t Jo want Laurie to go in one?

Page 159 — A bar with a pool table; she’s worried he would get in bad habits of spending money, wasting time and becoming unrespectable

159

What secrets did Laurie and Jo exchange?

Page 161 — Jo had turned in two stories to the newspaper; Laurie knew where Meg’s missing glove is

161

Why was Jo emotional and thrilled at her stories being published?

Page 165 — It meant a lot to her to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved

165

What did the telegram say that came to the March’s home?

Page 168 — Their father is ill and beckoned Mrs. March to come at once

168

What did Jo do to contribute to Mrs. March’s travels to go help her husband?

Page 171 — Earned $25 by cutting off her hair

171

Who went from bed to bed looking at each girl and kissing each face?

Page 174 — Mrs. March

174

What motto did the girls come up with to say while Mrs. March was away?

Page 177 — “Hope and keep busy”

177

Who wrote letters to Mrs. March?

Page 178 — Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, Laurie, Hannah, Mr. Laurence

178

What did the letters express?

Page 178 — Their love for Mrs. and Mr. March; what they’re doing at home; how others are treating them

178

Why did Beth want the other girls or Hannah to go to the Hummels?

Page 186 — The baby was sick and she didn’t know what to do

186

Describe Beth’s experience at the Hummels when no one else would go?

Page 188 — The baby died in her arms and now she has Scarlet Fever as the rest of the family

188

Why was Amy upset she was being sent to Aunt March’s?

Page 189 — she didn’t want to be gotten rid of; it’s dull at Aunt March’s and she’s cross

189

Why did the doctor send for Beth’s mom?

Page 195 — Because Beth was getting near death

195

In what ways did Laurie comfort Jo?

Page 196 — Got her wine, held her hand, spoke encouragingly, stroking her head, telegrammed her mother about the sickness so she’d be there tonight

196

What did it mean for Jo to “fly” at Laurie and how did he respond?

Page 198 — She wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her; He liked it

198

What turn did Beth take in the night as the doctor predicted?

Page 200 — She turned for better; her fever went away

200

Describe Amy’s experience at Aunt March’s home.

Page 203 — Difficult; the dog and bird made things difficult; Aunt March desires to bring her up properly; Esther is kind and helpful to her and lets her look through the jewelry in the Indian cabinet

203

What legal document did Amy write and why was it so important to her?

Page 208 — A will; to make sure her treasures were handed out and that no ill will was caused in case she died

208

What was Amy’s last and greatest sacrifice that she wanted to add to her will?

Page 210 — Her locks cut off and given to her friends

210

What did Aunt March give to Amy?

Page 213 — The turquoise ring and guard

213

What was Amy’s biggest trial?

Page 214 — Being selfish

214

How does Mrs. March feel about John Brooke and why?

Page 216 — She likes him; he spoke to her and Meg’s father about loving Meg; he’s respectable and has a good heart

216

How does Meg feel about John Brooke?

Page 217 — She doesn’t love him yet, but will learn to

217

What was the mischief Laurie got into and why?

Page 220 — Jo wouldn’t tell him her secret and he figured it was about Mr. Brooke and Meg, so he wrote love letters from Mr. Brooke to Meg

220

Why was Laurie so upset when Jo went to go apologize to him?

Page 224 — His grandfather wanted to know why Jo’s mother wanted to talk with him and he wouldn’t say since he’d promised Mrs. March, so his grandfather got angry and shook him for not telling

224

How did Jo make peace with Mr. Laurence?

Page 228 — Told him that Laurie had already gone through the process and really wasn’t able to tell on account of someone else involved and that Mr. Laurence should write a letter apologizing to Laurie

228

How did the prank from Laurie affect Meg?

Page 230 — It made her think more about Mr. Brooke in a romantic way

230

What was the grandest gift on Christmas Day?

Page 234 — Mr. March returning home

234

What did the March girls’ father say about each of them?

Page 236 — How proud he is of them; complimented and noticed how each of them is maturing and growing in the areas they’ve been working on

236

What was Meg’s original plan to tell Mr. Brooke if he asked her to marry him?

Page 241 — That she’s too young and that they should continue to be friends

241

How did Meg respond when Mr. Brooke professed his love to her?

Page 243 — She acted strangely and said she’d choose not to learn to love him, to please go away and let her be

243

What did Aunt March say to switch Meg over from acting strangely toward Mr. Brooke to defending him?

Page 244 — If Meg married Mr. Brooke, she wouldn’t receive any money from Aunt March’s inheritance

244

Why was Jo so upset with Meg’s engagement?

Page 249 — She felt she had lost her best friend

249

What’s Mr. March’s line of work?

Page 253 — He’s a minister at a parish

253

Describe Meg and John’s first home.

Page 256 — The name of it is Dovecote; small and brown with a little garden behind it and a tiny lawn

256

How did Laurie come by the nickname “Mr. Toodles”?

Page 258 — Jo named him that because every week he was bringing an “ingenious article” for Meg to help her get her home ready

258

Why does Laurie spend so much money?

Page 262 — He loans it to people

262

What is the metaphor on page 266 that describes Mrs. March’s feelings and what does it mean?

Page 266 — “there was a secret sorrow hidden in the motherly heart, at the flight of the first bird from the nest”; it means her mother was sorrowing for her first daughter leaving home

266

Describe Meg on her wedding day.

Page 267 — She wore a dress she made herself; didn’t want to be made up to be a show, but wanted to be herself; kind and loving; thoughtful; didn’t care if people saw her in her wedding dress before the wedding

267

What promise did Meg press Laurie into making?

Page 169 — That he would never accept wine from a young lady

169

What did Mr. Laurence mean when he said, “Laurie, my lad, if you ever want to indulge in this sort of thing, get one of those little girls to help you, and I shall be perfectly satisfied.”

Page 271 — If Laurie ever wanted to get married, have one of the March girls help him plan it and put it together

271

Why does being an attractive and accomplished woman come easily to Amy?

Page 274 — She was a happy person who could please others without effort, she could make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily

274

How did Amy want to show appreciation to her friends at the art school?

Page 275 — Having them over for a lunch and art day

275

Who all came to Amy’s gathering?

Page 281 — One young woman, Miss Eliott

281

What did Amy gain from this experience?

Page 282 — That she had been a fool

282

What did Jo decide to try after talking with the boy at the lecture?

Page 285 — Writing a story that wasn’t her style for a prize

285

What did Jo’s prize money pay for?

Page 287 — Time away for Mrs. March and Beth to go to the sea-side

287

How much money did Jo get for her novel?

Page 289 — $300

289

Who is the Martha the author is referring to at the beginning of this chapter?

Page 291 — Martha the sister of Mary in the Bible who Jesus told was “careful and troubled about many things” as she was cumbered about much serving

291

Why was Meg crying in the kitchen as John arrived home with a friend for dinner?

Page 295 — She had tried all day to make the jelly become thick and wasn’t able to and the house was a mess and she was exhausted

295

What was the consequence of Meg buying the silk for the dress?

Page 302 — She felt terrible and it haunted her since it was so expensive; made John feel bad that he didn’t make very much money

302

How did this chapter end?

Page 305 — John and Meg had twins named Margaret and John Laurence

305

How did Jo feel about making calls with Amy?

Page 308 — She didn’t like it at all; she didn’t like dressing up or acting agreeable

308

How did Jo act around rich people?

Page 311 — She didn’t put on airs and felt like she could tell stories since the people knew they were poor

311

What’s Jo’s reaction to boys?

Page 313 — She’s very comfortable; casual; doesn’t care about her dress so gets it dirty; loves to share stories

313

Describe the contrast between Amy’s attitude and Jo’s attitude by the time the girls called at Aunt March’s?

Page 317 — Amy was angelic, kind and grateful; Jo was harsh, independent and negative

317

Why did Amy get angry at the Chester’s?

Page 322 — May was jealous of Amy and found out about the things Jo had said about her, so told her mother and they made Amy leave the table she had been given

322

What quote did Amy read that helped her love the Chesters?

Page 322 — “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”

322

Who came and helped Amy out during the fair?

Page 324 — her family; Laurie and his friends; Hayes by bringing lots of flowers

324

What did Aunt March and Aunt Carrol invite Amy to do?

Page 328 — Go abroad and travel

328

Who came to visit Amy while in London?

Page 335 — Laurie’s friends Fred and Frank that Amy met at Camp Laurence

335

Who joined Amy’s touring group in France and why was Amy grateful?

Page 337 — Fred; he spoke French; he’s very agreeable and polite

337

What does Amy assume Fred is going to ask her?

Page 340 — To marry him

340

What did Jo think the matter was with Beth upon her first observation?

Page 343 — That she was in love with Laurie

343

What do you predict is wrong with Beth?

Page 349 — Could be she’s sad to not marry; she’s in love with Lauri; she’s still very weak and sick

349

Where does Jo want to go and why?

Page 350 — New York to a boarding-house; she fears Laurie is growing too fond of her

350

What did Laurie tell Jo as they said good-bye?

Page 352 — That his eye was on her and to mind what she does, or he’ll come and bring her home

352

Who does Jo find interesting at Mrs. Kirke’s home?

Page 356 — Professor Bhaer

356

Who follows around the Professor?

Page 357 — Tina

357

What agreement did Jo and Mr. Bhaer come to?

Page 362 — She would mend his things; he would teach her German

362

How did Jo and the boarding-house celebrate the New Year?

Page 364 — They had a masquerade

364

Why was Jo nervous to write another novel?

Page 367 — Because of the public opinions she received the first time around

367

What effect did Jo feel from writing sensational stories?

Page 371 — She was beginning to desecrate some of the womanliest attributes of a woman’s character

371

What did Jo realize about the celebrities she saw at the symposium?

Page 373 — That they were just like everyday people

373

What did Mr. Bhaer say that troubled Jo?

Page 376 — The sensational stories in the newspapers are trash

376

What did Laurie finally tell Jo?

Page 384 — That he loved her

384

What made Laurie so upset about the Professor?

Page 385 — He felt that Jo loved him or would learn to love him

385

Why didn’t Laurie want to go abroad anymore?

Page 390 — He wanted to stay home to call on Jo still; he never planned to go abroad alone

390

What did Mr. Laurence plan to help Laurie get through his heartache?

Page 391 — Traveling abroad with him

391

What’s Beth secret?

Page 395 — That she’s dying

395

What did Beth compare her health to?

Page 396 — The tide of the ocean

396

What did Jo’s parents know about Beth upon their arriving home from the beach?

Page 398 — That Beth was going to die

398

Who came to spend Christmas with Amy in Nice?

Page 400 — Laurie

400

What did Amy notice as she first spent time with Laurie?

Page 402 — That he had changed and seemed dispirited and indifferent

402

What did Laurie notice as he spent time with Amy?

Page 403 — That she was mature, carried herself well and was interested in and like what he saw as he looked at her

403

How did the two like the new impressions they were giving and receiving?

Page 410 — They found them agreeable

410

Why did John go to the neighbors in the evening?

Page 412 — Because Meg was always busy with the babies and he felt uncomfortable and even lonely

412

What’s the advice Meg’s mother gave her about John?

Page 414 — Children should draw you nearer to each other than separate you; let John help her in the nursery with the babies; Let John take care of Demi and let Hannah come and help her

414

How did Meg’s mother’s advice help?

Page 421 — John was pleased; he helped with Demi and Meg was glad for it; he read to her what he was interested in and he asked in return about the bonnet she was sewing

421

Why did Sallie Moffat like to be at Meg’s home?

Page 423 — There’s a charm there with the love between Meg and John as well as the joy that comes from children

423

Why did Amy get easily frustrated with Laurie?

Page 428 — Because he was lazy and indifferent

428

Why doesn’t Amy want to be an artist anymore?

Page 429 — She realized how insignificant she was after going to Rome and seeing the wonders there

429

What did Amy figure out after seeing the old ring Jo gave Laurie?

Page 433 — That Laurie loved Jo and she rejected him

433

What was Amy’s advice to Laurie and how did she show him who he used to be?

Page 435 — Find another task that will make him happy; by showing him a picture of the past when he was taming a horse

435

How did Beth’s family show their love to her as she came closer to death?

Page 439 — Gave her the most pleasant room in the house; surrounded her with the things she loved; all put their work things in there to be with her consistently

439

How was Beth preparing for death?

Page 441 — Praying, reading the Bible and singing songs

441

Why did Jo’s poem comfort Beth?

Page 444 — She realized she had done good and helped someone

444

What’s the “valley of the shadow”?

Page 444 — death

444

Why did Laurie begin to wish he had to work for his daily bread?

Page 448 — He needed something purposeful to do and it wasn’t easy to do this being rich

448

How was Mozart an example to Laurie?

Page 450 — When he couldn’t have one sister, he married the other

450

What did Laurie do once Jo had responded and left him no hope of her loving him?

Page 451 — He took of the ring, put it in the box with Jo’s letters and locked them all up. Then he started writing Amy

451

How did Laurie propose to Amy?

Page 457 — During the day when they were on the lake and were sitting side by side rowing together. Laurie said that he wished they might always pull in the same boat, then asked, “will you, Amy?”

457

What was Jo trying so hard to do?

Page 461 — Her duty; devote her life to her parents as she promised Beth and cheerfully live for others

461

Explain why Jo’s heartfelt stories were now accepted and paid for?

Page 462 — Jo put her heart into it and didn’t write for fame or money, so it was good and true

462

Why didn’t Marmee tell Jo her suspicions about Amy and Laurie?

Page 463 — Jo might be jealous; she might congratulate them before things were finalized; since Jo was so lonely, she might have said yes if Laurie came back and asked again

463

Who did Jo wish would come to her?

Page 465 — The professor

465

Who did Jo see as she woke up from her nap?

Page 468 — Laurie

468

Why were Amy and Laurie married before coming home?

Page 470 — The Carrol’s were staying another winter and Mr. Laurence wanted to come home and Laurie was to join him, but the Carrol’s wouldn’t let Amy go without a chaperone

470

What kind of relationship will Laurie and Jo continue to have?

Page 471 — A brother, sister relationship

471

Who arrived after Amy and Laurie and how did Jo feel about it?

Page 476 — Mr. Bhaer; she was thrilled and so happy

476

What are Laurie’s plans now that he’s married and back at home?

Page 483 — He wants to start his own business

483

How does Laurie feel about Jo marrying Mr. Bhaer?

Page 485 — He’s happy for her though he does wish he was younger and richer

485

What’s Amy’s dream come true now that she’s married to Laurie?

Page 485 — She has the power to give freely

485

What bargain did Amy and Laurie make with each other at the end of the chapter?

Page 487 — They would help other people in need

487

Describe Daisy.

Page 489 — Rosy, chubby, sunshiny, everyone was a friend and she offered kisses to them

489

Describe Demi.

Page 490 — Very inquisitive, philosopher, wanted to know everything

490

Who did Mr. Bhaer call on when he visited?

Page 492 — Mr. March

492

Why did Jo squeeze Demi in the china closet and give him a slice of bread with jelly instead of punishing him?

Page 494 — She was happy to learn Mr. Bhaer was referring to her in his answer to Demi asking about great boys liking great girls

494

How did Jo feel about Mr. Bhaer not visiting for three days in a row?

Page 496 — Cross; agitated

496

How did the shopping go with Mr. Bhaer?

Page 500 — Her shopping didn’t go well, but when she shopped for things he needed it went really well

500

What happened under the umbrella?

Page 502 — Friedrich asked Jo to marry him

502

What did Jo call the Professor and how did he respond?

Page 503 — Friedrich; he was grateful

503

What did Jo decide to do with Plumfield that was left to her by Aunt March?

Page 511 — She wants to open a boys’ school

511

Why did she want to open a boys’ school?

Page 513 — She loves boys and wants to help them

513

How many children did Jo and Fritz have?

Page 515 — Two boys

515

Describe Amy and Laurie’s daughter and how she is similar to Amy’s sister Beth.

Page 519 — She’s frail and sickly

519