Chapter 23 · Little Women

Copywork

The best of us have a spice of perversity in us, especially when we are young and in love. If Aunt March had begged Meg to accept John Brooke, she would probably have declared she couldn’t think of it; but as she was peremptorily ordered not to like him, she immediately made up her mind that she would.

Read your copy aloud. Why might Aunt March's order make Meg want the opposite?

Discussion

Narration Retell the afternoon in order: the wait at home, Meg's planned speech, Mr. Brooke's visit, Aunt March's arrival, Jo at the parlor door, and the evening.

Meg tells Jo exactly what she will say to Mr. Brooke and how she will walk out with dignity. What does her plan tell us about her? Character
When Mr. Brooke asks if she cares, Meg forgets her speech and says, “I don’t know.” What do you think she means? Inference
John smiles as if he has no doubt of success, and Meg snaps, “I don’t choose.” The narrator says the love of power woke up in her. Does that sound right to you? Moral reasoning
Aunt March forbids Meg to like John, and Meg at once decides that she will. What do you make of that? Theme
In the middle of defending John, Meg stops short, remembering she had sent him away. What do you think has just happened to her? Inference
Why might Alcott step out of the story at the end and say that the curtain falls on the four sisters? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone told you not to do something and you found you wanted to.

Vocabulary

peremptorily: as she was peremptorily ordered not to like him, In a commanding way that allows no refusal.
perversity: The best of us have a spice of perversity in us, A stubborn wish to do the opposite of what is asked.
melodramatic: seemed suddenly possessed with a melodramatic fit, Exaggerated and theatrical.
reverie: rudely shortening her sister’s little reverie. A daydream.
coquetry: Annie Moffat’s foolish lessons in coquetry came into her mind, Playful flirting to test one's power.
capricious: followed a capricious impulse, Sudden and changeable.
wistfully: he just stood looking at her so wistfully, so tenderly, With quiet longing.
resolute: nodding her head with a resolute air. Firmly determined.
dudgeon: Aunt March drove off in high dudgeon. Offended anger.
abject: wearing an expression of the most abject submission. Utterly humble; without any pride.

Critical thinking

Jo hears Meg's plan and does not believe she will carry it out. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Jo thinks Meg will do, and why.
Aunt March lays out her case against John. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Meg answers it.
Jo and Laurie talk in the corner after the engagement. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Jo is afraid of and what Laurie offers.