Chapter 16 · Little Women

Copywork

Hannah wisely allowed them to relieve their feelings, and, when the shower showed signs of clearing up, she came to the rescue, armed with a coffeepot. “Now, my dear young ladies, remember what your ma said, and don’t fret. Come and have a cup of coffee all round, and then let’s fall to work, and be a credit to the family.”

Read your copy aloud. The narrator calls the crying a shower. What does Hannah wait for before she comes in, and what does she bring first: the work, or the coffee? Why that order?

Discussion

Narration Retell the week in order: the goodbye at the gate, the pile of mended hose, Hannah's coffeepot, and the letters that went to Washington.

At the gate no one cries, but a pile of mended stockings on Mother's table breaks them all down. Why might something so small do what the goodbye could not? Inference
Hannah lets the girls cry and only then arrives with a coffeepot and a call to work. Was that the right way to handle them? Moral reasoning
In her letter, Jo says she and Laurie were both too proud to beg pardon, yet met at the gate to say sorry. What finally moved them? Character
Alcott lets us read the girls' letters and does not just tell us about the week. Why might she do that? Author's choice
Almost every letter says the girls are well and busy, and also says they miss their mother. Why might they tell Marmee both? Theme

Make a Connection Tell about a time you wrote to, or called, someone far away, and what you chose to say.

Vocabulary

relieve: Hannah wisely allowed them to relieve their feelings, To ease by letting out.
credit: Come and have a cup of coffee all round, and then let’s fall to work, and be a credit to the family.” A source of honor or good name.
earnestness: read their chapter with an earnestness never felt before; Deep, serious sincerity.
lamentation: no one ran away or uttered a lamentation, A loud expression of grief.
solace: for work is a blessed solace. Comfort in sorrow.
prudent: “Meg, dear, be prudent, watch over your sisters, Careful and sensible.
omen: she saw it shining on the group at the gate, like a good omen. A sign of what is to come.
forlornly: added Meg forlornly. In a sad, abandoned way.
tact: Hannah showed great tact in making it that morning. Skill in handling people gently.
persuasive: No one could resist her persuasive nods, Able to win someone over.

Critical thinking

Beth's letter is the shortest, yet it tells Marmee a lot. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Beth is getting through the week.
Hannah's letter sums up each girl in a line or two. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how she sees Jo.
Colonel Teddy and Mr. Laurence both write to Mrs. March. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how each shows he is looking after the girls.