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Little Women

By Louisa May Alcott

Grades 4-9; Genre – Fiction; GRL Z; AR pts: 33.0

Growing up in New England during the Civil War, the March sisters share everything — their joys and troubles, their loves and secrets. But the four girls couldn't be more different. Meg, the oldest, is the sensible writer. Jo is funny and mischievous. Beth is the shy, dreamy one, and Amy is pretty and artistic. From dances to despairs, through weddings and funerals, the March girls stand as sisters. This is one family you will never forget.

Vocabulary

Writing Prompts

Comprehension Questions

Part I

Chapter 1

1. What is the setting, the characters’ situation and explain what they’re doing at the beginning of the story? 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 p.3
2. 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
3. How do the girls feel about their mother and what do they call her? They adore her; Marmee p.7
4. What motivated the girls to become and do better? A letter from their father p.11

Chapter 2

1. What did the girls all receive from their mother on Christmas morning? Books (possibly the Bible) p.14
2. What good deed did the March family do on Christmas morning? 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 p.17
3. How did the March family spend Christmas day? 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 p.23
4. Who brought the March family such a lovely dinner and why? Old Mr. Lawrence because he heard of the girls helping the family that morning and wanted to send them a treat p.23

Chapter 3

1. What happened to Meg’s hair as Jo curled it? The curling iron was too hot and burned her hair off p.27
2. Why was Jo destined to not enjoy the party? 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 p.28
3. Why did Joe and Laurie get along so well? Jo was comfortable to be with and Laurie had interesting things to talk about p.30
4. What happened to Meg the party? She twisted her ankle p.33
5. How did the girls get home from the party? In Laurie’s carriage p.34

Chapter 4

1. Why did the girls work and have jobs? Because their father lost his property by trying to help a friend and the girls wanted to help their parents bring in income p.39
2. Describe why Meg struggles with being poor. 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 p.39
3. Why didn’t the March’s let their Aunt March adopt the girls? 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 p.39
4. List two things that are important to Beth. Taking care of the dolls; music p.41
5. Summarize Marmee’s experience she’d had that day that she shared with the girls. 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 p.46

Chapter 5

1. Why did Jo visit Laurie? He invited her; he was sick and wanted to read to him so he wouldn’t be lonely p.50
2. Describe what happened when Mr. Laurence overheard Jo making comments to herself while looking at his picture? He liked what she said, he knew her grandfather and invited her to tea p.55
3. What medicine did Jo’s mom send to help Laurie get better? Jo p.57

Chapter 6

1. What influence did the March girls have on Laurie? Good; made him want to be better p.61
2. How did Mr. Laurence mend his relationship with Beth? Spoke kindly to her; invited girls to play his piano p.62
3. What did Mr. Laurence give to Beth as a thank you for the slippers she made him? A piano p.64
4. What did Beth do in response to receiving the piano? Walked into Mr. Laurence’s study, kissed and hugged him p.66

Chapter 7

1. What do the limes represent at the beginning of this chapter? Friendship, popularity and they were debts of honor p.69
2. Describe Mr. Davis. Amy’s teacher; didn’t like limes or any other fad the girls go through; very intelligent; fine teacher p.70
3. Explain how Amy became humiliated. Getting slapped by the ruler on the hand for bringing limes to school p.72
4. How did Mrs. March respond to Amy’s punishment? She didn’t like it and took her out of the school, but still felt Amy shouldn’t have disobeyed the rules p.73

Chapter 8

1. Where did Meg and Jo get to go that made Amy jealous and whine like a spoilt child? The theatre with Laurie p.77
2. What did Amy do to get revenge on Jo? Burned her manuscript p.79
3. What was Jo’s reaction to Amy burning her book? She said she’d never forgive her and stopped talking to her p.80
4. What helped Jo repent of her anger towards Amy? Jo didn’t stop her from ice skating to the middle of the river and Amy fell in p.82

Chapter 9

1. Where was Meg going for a fortnight and why was her mother hesitant to give permission? 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 p.89
2. What did Laurie send Meg that helped cheer her up? Flowers p.91
3. Describe the interaction between Laurie and Meg at the party? 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 p.97
4. How did MIrs. March respond to Meg’s confessions? She felt sorry that she allowed her daughter to have to deal with her experiences of overhearing the Moffat’s gossip p.101
5. What ambitions does Mrs. March have for her daughter? 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 p.103

Chapter 10

1. Why would the sisters call their private club the “Pickwick Club” if they liked Charles Dickens? It was the name of his first novel p.105
2. What was included on the “Pickwick Portfolio”? poems; stories; letters to Pickwick; news; dedications; advertisements; announcements; helps p.105
3. Why didn’t the girls want to allow Laurie into their club? They were worried he’d laugh and make fun of their paper; they’re not proper p.111
4. What did Laurie bring as a gift of joining the P.C.? a mailbox/post office to put between their homes p.112

Chapter 11

1. What’s the experiment the girl’s mom said they could try? To have all play and no work the entire week p.115
2. What happened when the girls woke up and found Hannah wasn’t working in the morning? They were a bit dismayed, but got to work and put together breakfast and tea p.118
3. What happened to Meg’s canary a result of her not doing her jobs and taking care of him? He died p.119
4. 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

Chapter 12

1. What did Laurie invite the girls to? A picnic at his house the next day p.128
2. Describe Jo’s experience playing croquet. 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 p.132
3. What was going to happen to Mr. Brooke after Laurie headed off to college? He’s to become a soldier p.142
4. What language did Miss Kate encourage Meg to continue learning? German p.142

Chapter 13

1. Why did Laurie follow the girls as they left their yard? He was anxious since he was having a bad day and wanted to spend time with them p.147
2. What’s the Celestial City spoken of? Heaven p.150
3. What plan did Jo make while spending the afternoon on Delectable Mountain? That in ten years they would all meet and see how close they were to making their castle (or dream) p.152
4. What was the result of Meg’s reprimand and motherly kindness toward Laurie? He resolved to do his duty and stay with his grandfather while he needs him p.155

Chapter 14

1. What’s a billiard saloon and why didn’t Jo want Laurie to go in one? A bar with a pool table; she’s worried he would get in bad habits of spending money, wasting time and becoming unrespectable p.159
2. What secrets did Laurie and Jo exchange? Jo had turned in two stories to the newspaper; Laurie knew where Meg’s missing glove is p.161
3. Why was Jo emotional and thrilled at her stories being published? It meant a lot to her to be independent and earn the praise of those she loved p.165

Chapter 15

1. What did the telegram say that came to the March’s home? Their father is ill and beckoned Mrs. March to come at once p.168
2. What did Jo do to contribute to Mrs. March’s travels to go help her husband? Earned $25 by cutting off her hair p.171
3. Who went from bed to bed looking at each girl and kissing each face? Mrs. March p.174

Chapter 16

1. What motto did the girls come up with to say while Mrs. March was away? “Hope and keep busy” p.177
2. Who wrote letters to Mrs. March? Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, Laurie, Hannah, Mr. Laurence p.178
3. What did the letters express? Their love for Mrs. and Mr. March; what they’re doing at home; how others are treating them p.178

Chapter 17

1. Why did Beth want the other girls or Hannah to go to the Hummels? The baby was sick and she didn’t know what to do p.186
2. Describe Beth’s experience at the Hummels when no one else would go? The baby died in her arms and now she has Scarlet Fever as the rest of the family p.188
3. Why was Amy upset she was being sent to Aunt March’s? she didn’t want to be gotten rid of; it’s dull at Aunt March’s and she’s cross p.189

Chapter 18

1. Why did the doctor send for Beth’s mom? Because Beth was getting near death p.195
2. In what ways did Laurie comfort Jo? Got her wine, held her hand, spoke encouragingly, stroking her head, telegrammed her mother about the sickness so she’d be there tonight p.196
3. What did it mean for Jo to “fly” at Laurie and how did he respond? She wrapped her arms around him and he kissed her; He liked it p.198
4. What turn did Beth take in the night as the doctor predicted? She turned for better; her fever went away p.200

Chapter 19

1. Describe Amy’s experience at Aunt March’s home. 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 p.203
2. What legal document did Amy write and why was it so important to her? A will; to make sure her treasures were handed out and that no ill will was caused in case she died p.208
3. What was Amy’s last and greatest sacrifice that she wanted to add to her will? Her locks cut off and given to her friends p.210

Chapter 20

1. What did Aunt March give to Amy? The turquoise ring and guard p.213
2. What was Amy’s biggest trial? Being selfish p.214
3. How does Mrs. March feel about John Brooke and why? She likes him; he spoke to her and Meg’s father about loving Meg; he’s respectable and has a good heart p.216
4. How does Meg feel about John Brooke? She doesn’t love him yet, but will learn to p.217

Chapter 21

1. What was the mischief Laurie got into and why? 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 p.220
2. Why was Laurie so upset when Jo went to go apologize to him? 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 p.224
3. How did Jo make peace with Mr. Laurence? 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 p.228
4. How did the prank from Laurie affect Meg? It made her think more about Mr. Brooke in a romantic way p.230

Chapter 22

1. What was the grandest gift on Christmas Day? Mr. March returning home p.234
2. What did the March girls’ father say about each of them? 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 p.236

Chapter 23

1. What was Meg’s original plan to tell Mr. Brooke if he asked her to marry him? That she’s too young and that they should continue to be friends p.241
2. How did Meg respond when Mr. Brooke professed his love to her? She acted strangely and said she’d choose not to learn to love him, to please go away and let her be p.243
3. What did Aunt March say to switch Meg over from acting strangely toward Mr. Brooke to defending him? If Meg married Mr. Brooke, she wouldn’t receive any money from Aunt March’s inheritance p.244
4. Why was Jo so upset with Meg’s engagement? She felt she had lost her best friend p.249

Part II

Chapter 24

1. What’s Mr. March’s line of work? He’s a minister at a parish p.253
2. Describe Meg and John’s first home. The name of it is Dovecote; small and brown with a little garden behind it and a tiny lawn p.256
3. How did Laurie come by the nickname “Mr. Toodles”? Jo named him that because every week he was bringing an “ingenious article” for Meg to help her get her home ready p.258
4. Why does Laurie spend so much money? He loans it to people p.262

Chapter 25

1. What is the metaphor on page 266 that describes Mrs. March’s feelings and what does it mean? “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 p.266
2. Describe Meg on her wedding day. 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 p.267
3. What promise did Meg press Laurie into making? That he would never accept wine from a young lady p.169
4. 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.” If Laurie ever wanted to get married, have one of the March girls help him plan it and put it together p.271

Chapter 26

1. Why does being an attractive and accomplished woman come easily to Amy? She was a happy person who could please others without effort, she could make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily p.274
2. How did Amy want to show appreciation to her friends at the art school? Having them over for a lunch and art day p.275
3. Who all came to Amy’s gathering? One young woman, Miss Eliott p.281
4. What did Amy gain from this experience? That she had been a fool p.282

Chapter 27

1. What did Jo decide to try after talking with the boy at the lecture? Writing a story that wasn’t her style for a prize p.285
2. What did Jo’s prize money pay for? Time away for Mrs. March and Beth to go to the sea-side p.287
3. How much money did Jo get for her novel? $300 p.289

Chapter 28

1. Who is the Martha the author is referring to at the beginning of this chapter? 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 p.291
2. Why was Meg crying in the kitchen as John arrived home with a friend for dinner? 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 p.295
3. What was the consequence of Meg buying the silk for the dress? She felt terrible and it haunted her since it was so expensive; made John feel bad that he didn’t make very much money p.302
4. How did this chapter end? John and Meg had twins named Margaret and John Laurence p.305

Chapter 29

1. How did Jo feel about making calls with Amy? She didn’t like it at all; she didn’t like dressing up or acting agreeable p.308
2. How did Jo act around rich people? She didn’t put on airs and felt like she could tell stories since the people knew they were poor p.311
3. What’s Jo’s reaction to boys? She’s very comfortable; casual; doesn’t care about her dress so gets it dirty; loves to share stories p.313
4. Describe the contrast between Amy’s attitude and Jo’s attitude by the time the girls called at Aunt March’s? Amy was angelic, kind and grateful; Jo was harsh, independent and negative p.317

Chapter 30

1. Why did Amy get angry at the Chester’s? 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 p.322
2. What quote did Amy read that helped her love the Chesters? “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” p.322
3. Who came and helped Amy out during the fair? her family; Laurie and his friends; Hayes by bringing lots of flowers p.324
4. What did Aunt March and Aunt Carrol invite Amy to do? Go abroad and travel p.328

Chapter 31

1. Who came to visit Amy while in London? Laurie’s friends Fred and Frank that Amy met at Camp Laurence p.335
2. Who joined Amy’s touring group in France and why was Amy grateful? Fred; he spoke French; he’s very agreeable and polite p.337
3. What does Amy assume Fred is going to ask her? To marry him p.340

Chapter 32

1. What did Jo think the matter was with Beth upon her first observation? That she was in love with Laurie p.343
2. What do you predict is wrong with Beth? Could be she’s sad to not marry; she’s in love with Lauri; she’s still very weak and sick p.349
3. Where does Jo want to go and why? New York to a boarding-house; she fears Laurie is growing too fond of her p.350
4. What did Laurie tell Jo as they said good-bye? That his eye was on her and to mind what she does, or he’ll come and bring her home p.352

Chapter 33

1. Who does Jo find interesting at Mrs. Kirke’s home? Professor Bhaer p.356
2. Who follows around the Professor? Tina p.357
3. What agreement did Jo and Mr. Bhaer come to? She would mend his things; he would teach her German p.362
4. How did Jo and the boarding-house celebrate the New Year? They had a masquerade p.364

Chapter 34

1. Why was Jo nervous to write another novel? Because of the public opinions she received the first time around p.367
2. What effect did Jo feel from writing sensational stories? She was beginning to desecrate some of the womanliest attributes of a woman’s character p.371
3. What did Jo realize about the celebrities she saw at the symposium? That they were just like everyday people p.373
4. What did Mr. Bhaer say that troubled Jo? The sensational stories in the newspapers are trash p.376

Chapter 35

1. What did Laurie finally tell Jo? That he loved her p.384
2. What made Laurie so upset about the Professor? He felt that Jo loved him or would learn to love him p.385
3. Why didn’t Laurie want to go abroad anymore? He wanted to stay home to call on Jo still; he never planned to go abroad alone p.390
4. What did Mr. Laurence plan to help Laurie get through his heartache? Traveling abroad with him p.391

Chapter 36

1. What’s Beth secret? That she’s dying p.395
2. What did Beth compare her health to? The tide of the ocean p.396
3. What did Jo’s parents know about Beth upon their arriving home from the beach? That Beth was going to die p.398

Chapter 37

1. Who came to spend Christmas with Amy in Nice? Laurie p.400
2. What did Amy notice as she first spent time with Laurie? That he had changed and seemed dispirited and indifferent p.402
3. What did Laurie notice as he spent time with Amy? That she was mature, carried herself well and was interested in and like what he saw as he looked at her p.403
4. How did the two like the new impressions they were giving and receiving? They found them agreeable p.410

Chapter 38

1. Why did John go to the neighbors in the evening? Because Meg was always busy with the babies and he felt uncomfortable and even lonely p.412
2. What’s the advice Meg’s mother gave her about John? 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 p.414
3. How did Meg’s mother’s advice help? 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 p.421
4. Why did Sallie Moffat like to be at Meg’s home? There’s a charm there with the love between Meg and John as well as the joy that comes from children p.423

Chapter 39

1. Why did Amy get easily frustrated with Laurie? Because he was lazy and indifferent p.428
2. Why doesn’t Amy want to be an artist anymore? She realized how insignificant she was after going to Rome and seeing the wonders there p.429
3. What did Amy figure out after seeing the old ring Jo gave Laurie? That Laurie loved Jo and she rejected him p.433
4. What was Amy’s advice to Laurie and how did she show him who he used to be? Find another task that will make him happy; by showing him a picture of the past when he was taming a horse p.435

Chapter 40

1. How did Beth’s family show their love to her as she came closer to death? 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 p.439
2. How was Beth preparing for death? Praying, reading the Bible and singing songs p.441
3. Why did Jo’s poem comfort Beth? She realized she had done good and helped someone p.444
4. What’s the “valley of the shadow”? death p.444

Chapter 41

1. Why did Laurie begin to wish he had to work for his daily bread? He needed something purposeful to do and it wasn’t easy to do this being rich p.448
2. How was Mozart an example to Laurie? When he couldn’t have one sister, he married the other p.450
3. What did Laurie do once Jo had responded and left him no hope of her loving him? He took of the ring, put it in the box with Jo’s letters and locked them all up. Then he started writing Amy p.451
4. How did Laurie propose to Amy? 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?” p.457

Chapter 42

1. What was Jo trying so hard to do? Her duty; devote her life to her parents as she promised Beth and cheerfully live for others p.461
2. Explain why Jo’s heartfelt stories were now accepted and paid for? Jo put her heart into it and didn’t write for fame or money, so it was good and true p.462
3. Why didn’t Marmee tell Jo her suspicions about Amy and Laurie? 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 p.463
4. Who did Jo wish would come to her? The professor p.465

Chapter 43

1. Who did Jo see as she woke up from her nap? Laurie p.468
2. Why were Amy and Laurie married before coming home? 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 p.470
3. What kind of relationship will Laurie and Jo continue to have? A brother, sister relationship p.471
4. Who arrived after Amy and Laurie and how did Jo feel about it? Mr. Bhaer; she was thrilled and so happy p.476

Chapter 44

1. What are Laurie’s plans now that he’s married and back at home? He wants to start his own business p.483
2. How does Laurie feel about Jo marrying Mr. Bhaer? He’s happy for her though he does wish he was younger and richer p.485
3. What’s Amy’s dream come true now that she’s married to Laurie? She has the power to give freely p.485
4. What bargain did Amy and Laurie make with each other at the end of the chapter? They would help other people in need p.487

Chapter 45

1. Describe Daisy. Rosy, chubby, sunshiny, everyone was a friend and she offered kisses to them p.489
2. Describe Demi. Very inquisitive, philosopher, wanted to know everything p.490
3. Who did Mr. Bhaer call on when he visited? Mr. March p.492
4. Why did Jo squeeze Demi in the china closet and give him a slice of bread with jelly instead of punishing him? She was happy to learn Mr. Bhaer was referring to her in his answer to Demi asking about great boys liking great girls p.494

Chapter 46

1. How did Jo feel about Mr. Bhaer not visiting for three days in a row? Cross; agitated p.496
2. How did the shopping go with Mr. Bhaer? Her shopping didn’t go well, but when she shopped for things he needed it went really well p.500
3. What happened under the umbrella? Friedrich asked Jo to marry him p.502
4. What did Jo call the Professor and how did he respond? Friedrich; he was grateful p.503

Chapter 47

1. What did Jo decide to do with Plumfield that was left to her by Aunt March? She wants to open a boys’ school p.511
2. Why did she want to open a boys’ school? She loves boys and wants to help them p.513
3. How many children did Jo and Fritz have? Two boys p.515
4. Describe Amy and Laurie’s daughter and how she is similar to Amy’s sister Beth. She’s frail and sickly p.519