I’m proud to shake this good, industrious little hand,Hardworking.
Little Women
Chapter 22
Louisa May Alcott · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
A burnt-offering has been made of vanity; this hardened palm has earned something better than blisters; and I’m sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time, so much goodwill went into the stitches. Meg, my dear, I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments. I’m proud to shake this good, industrious little hand, and hope I shall not soon be asked to give it away.”
Read your copy aloud as Father, holding Meg's hand by the fire. He names three marks on the hand. What does he say each one has earned or holds? Then say what a mark on a hand can tell you and what it cannot.
Discussion
Narration Retell Christmas Day in order: the snow-maiden, Father's arrival, the dinner, what Father said to each sister, and Beth's hymn.
- Everyone says they are so full of happiness they couldn't hold one drop more, and half an hour later the drop comes. What do you make of the way Alcott arranges this? Author's choice
- Father looks at Meg's rough hand and says that in these marks he reads “a little history.” What history do you think he means? Inference
- Father says he misses his wild girl but will be satisfied with a strong, helpful woman in her place. What do you think Jo feels hearing this? Character
- Meg calls the year pleasant, Amy hard, and Beth says she is glad it is over. What is each of them looking at when she answers? Moral reasoning
- The last thing we hear is Beth's hymn: “Fullness to them a burden is, that go on pilgrimage.” Why might Alcott end a happy Christmas on those words? Theme
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone noticed a change in you that you hadn't noticed yourself.
Vocabulary
- industrious
- accomplishments
more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments.
Polished skills shown off in company.- impracticable
Laurie was equally impracticable,
Not able to be carried out.- prophetess
and she proved herself a true prophetess,
A woman who foretells.- suppressed
for his face was so full of suppressed excitement
Held down; kept from showing.- estimable
a most estimable and upright young man.
Worthy of respect.- blemishes
in these seeming blemishes I read a little history.
Marks that spoil a smooth surface.- dignified
and Amy, the dignified, tumbled over a stool,
Composed and self-respecting.- revelled
in which Amy revelled like a fly in a honeypot.
Took great delight.- contentment
quite sighing with contentment
Quiet satisfaction.
Critical thinking
- Father says Amy has learned to think of others more and herself less. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how he knows, and whether it is enough.
- Christmas morning begins with Jo and Laurie's snow-maiden. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what the gifts show about how the two friends think of Beth.
- Laurie announces another Christmas present, and Mr. March walks in leaning on Mr. Brooke. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how the family reacts.