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.”Serious and sincere, not pretend.
Little Women
Chapter 1
Louisa May Alcott · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
“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.”
Read your copy aloud once. Which words in Marmee's speech turn the old game into something serious, and what exactly is she asking the girls to begin?
Discussion
Narration Retell the evening in order: the complaints by the fire, the slippers, Father's letter, each sister's promise, and Marmee's plan.
- When Beth sets the old slippers down to warm, the room changes. Why might such a small thing matter so much? Inference
- Jo thinks keeping her temper at home is harder than facing a rebel or two down South. What would make her say that, and do you agree? Moral reasoning
- After Father's letter, Meg, Jo, and Amy speak their promises. Beth says nothing and starts to knit. What does her answer tell us about her? Character
- Marmee says the pilgrim game is “a play we are playing all the time in one way or another.” What do you think she means? Theme
- Why might Alcott end the chapter with sheets sewn without grumbling and a bedtime song, instead of ending on Marmee's speech? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a time you turned a chore into a game.
Vocabulary
- earnest
- burdens
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.
Heavy loads to carry; here, troubles and faults.- grumbled
It was uninteresting sewing, but tonight no one grumbled.
Complained in a low, unhappy voice.- faithfully
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.
Steadily and loyally, keeping a promise.- conquered
the dangers faced, or the homesickness conquered;
Overcame or mastered something hard.- fancy
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.
A playful idea from the imagination.- resolved
while she resolved in her quiet little soul to be all that father hoped to find her
Made up her mind firmly.- literal
Where are our bundles?” asked Amy, who was a very literal young lady.
Taking words exactly as said, without imagination.- capitally
and in that way got on capitally, especially when they talked about the different countries
Very well; splendidly.- sacrifices
We can’t do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly.
Things given up for the sake of others.
Critical thinking
- Each sister says her own work is the hardest. Using two pieces of evidence from the start of the chapter, explain whose complaint seems fairest to you, and why.
- Jo writes and acts in the girls' plays. Using two pieces of evidence from the rehearsal, explain what Jo loves about make-believe.
- Meg says the Marches are a happier set than the Kings. Using two pieces of evidence from the opening scene, explain whether the sisters prove her right.