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Little Women
Trailblazers · 4th–6th
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?
Narration Retell the day in order: the letters, the boating, the croquet, the lunch, the games, and the ride home.
1. 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
2. Beth begs that none of the boys talk to her, yet spends the afternoon chatting with Frank. What changes for her?Character
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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.
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and declared himself out with much exultation.
Jo opened her lips to say something rude, but checked herself in time,
heartily believe in the sincerity of your resolution,
from the person whose commendation she most valued.
Feeling stronger than ever to meet and subdue her Apollyon,
Meg drew her aside, under pretence of pinning up a loose braid,
It’s simmering now, so I hope he’ll keep out of my way,
said Miss Kate, in a patronizing tone,
shut her sketchbook, saying, with condescension—
In spite of their demonstrative manners, American girls are very nice
1. Jo wears Laurie's old broad-brimmed hat to the picnic, though Meg objects. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why she does.
2. Laurie sets up camp and tells his guests who is who. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how he makes everyone welcome.
3. Meg keeps away from Ned Moffat all day. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why, and what Sallie says about her.