Chapter 12 · Little Women

Copywork

Jo opened her lips to say something rude, but checked herself in time, colored up to her forehead, and stood a minute, hammering down a wicket with all her might, while Fred hit the stake, and declared himself out with much exultation. She went off to get her ball, and was a long time finding it, among the bushes; but she came back, looking cool and quiet, and waited her turn patiently.

Read your copy aloud. Jo stops herself from speaking, but where can you still see her anger?

Discussion

Narration Retell the day in order: the letters, the boating, the croquet, the lunch, the games, and the ride home.

Marmee writes that she has watched Jo's efforts to control her temper, though Jo thought no one saw. Why might that note mean so much to Jo? Inference
Beth begs that none of the boys talk to her, yet spends the afternoon chatting with Frank. What changes for her? Character
In the game of Truth, Laurie whispers, “Let’s give it to him,” and Jo asks Fred if he cheated at croquet. Was that a fair way to settle it? Moral reasoning
Kate reads Schiller in a “perfectly correct but perfectly expressionless manner,” and then timid Meg reads it. Why might Alcott set the two readings side by side? Author's choice
When Meg says she is a governess, Kate says, “Oh, indeed!” and Mr. Brooke speaks up at once. What does each of them think work says about a person? Theme

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone noticed a private effort of yours.

Vocabulary

exultation: and declared himself out with much exultation. Loud, triumphant joy.
checked: Jo opened her lips to say something rude, but checked herself in time, Stopped or held back suddenly.
sincerity: heartily believe in the sincerity of your resolution, Honest, genuine intention.
commendation: from the person whose commendation she most valued. Praise; approval.
subdue: Feeling stronger than ever to meet and subdue her Apollyon, To bring under control; to overcome.
pretence: Meg drew her aside, under pretence of pinning up a loose braid, A show put on to hide the real purpose.
simmering: It’s simmering now, so I hope he’ll keep out of my way, Bubbling just below the boil.
patronizing: said Miss Kate, in a patronizing tone, Kind in a way that looks down on someone.
condescension: shut her sketchbook, saying, with condescension⁠— A superior, looking-down manner.
demonstrative: In spite of their demonstrative manners, American girls are very nice Showing feelings openly.

Critical thinking

Jo wears Laurie's old broad-brimmed hat to the picnic, though Meg objects. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why she does.
Laurie sets up camp and tells his guests who is who. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how he makes everyone welcome.
Meg keeps away from Ned Moffat all day. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why, and what Sallie says about her.