It cost her a pang even to think of giving up the little treasuresA sudden sharp pain of feeling.
Little Women
Chapter 19
Louisa May Alcott · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
She tried to forget herself, to keep cheerful, and be satisfied with doing right, though no one saw or praised her for it. In her first effort at being very, very good, she decided to make her will, as Aunt March had done; so that if she did fall ill and die, her possessions might be justly and generously divided. It cost her a pang even to think of giving up the little treasures which in her eyes were as precious as the old lady’s jewels.
Read your copy aloud. Giving up her treasures hurts Amy. What does that tell you about her effort to do right?
Discussion
Narration Retell Amy's weeks at Aunt March's in order: the chores, Esther and the jewels, the little chapel, the will, and Laurie's visit.
- Aunt March teaches Amy the way she herself was taught sixty years ago, and Amy feels like a fly in a spider's web. Whose fault is that? Character
- Esther hints that Amy may get the turquoise ring for good behavior, and Amy says, “Oh, I’ll be a lamb.” How does that promise sound to you? Tone
- Amy prays for Beth alone in a little closet where no one sees, and the narrator calls her very sincere. What do you notice about why she goes there? Inference
- Amy's will leaves Jo a plaster rabbit “because I am sorry I burnt up her story.” What does that line tell us about her? Moral reasoning
- Amy adds a codicil that all her curls be cut off and given to her friends, though it will spoil her looks. Why do you think that is her “greatest sacrifice”? Theme
Make a Connection Tell about a time you behaved well at first for a reward, and whether it stayed that way.
Vocabulary
- pang
- generously
possessions might be justly and generously divided.
Freely and kindly, without holding back.- meekness
Amy sewed with outward meekness and inward rebellion till dusk,
Quiet, submissive patience.- rebellion
outward meekness and inward rebellion
Resistance against control.- reprehensible
and behaved in all respects like a reprehensible old bird.
Deserving blame.- hoarded
for Aunt March hoarded like a magpie.
Stored up and kept hidden away.- covet
“I, too, covet that, but not as a necklace; ah, no!
To long to have something for oneself.- meditate
to meditate and pray, as did the good mistress whom I served before Madame.
To think quietly and deeply.- complacently
and the old lady complacently admired the success of her training.
With smug, untroubled satisfaction.- codicil
“Yes; ‘codicils,’ they call them.”
An addition made to a will.
Critical thinking
- The parrot Polly is a trial to Amy. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why the narrator spends so much time on him.
- Esther fits up a chapel for Amy and lends her a rosary. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Esther treats Amy's faith.
- Amy's will gives something to nearly everyone. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what the will shows about how she sees each person.