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Little Women
Trailblazers · 4th–6th
But Laurie didn’t laugh; he only looked down a minute, and the expression of his face puzzled Jo, when he said very gently— “Never mind that; I’ll tell you how we can manage: there’s a long hall out there, and we can dance grandly, and no one will see us. Please come?”
Read your copy aloud. Laurie has just heard Jo's secret about the scorched dress. Which words show what he does not do, and which show what he does instead?
Narration Retell the night of the party in order, from the gloves to the ride home.
1. Jo admits her scorched frock and says “You may laugh, if you want to.” Laurie does not laugh. What might he be thinking in that moment?Inference
2. Meg dances all evening in slippers that hurt, though she “would not own it.” What is she trying to protect?Character
3. Laurie offers his grandfather's carriage and says “I always go early.” Do you believe him, and does it matter?Moral reasoning
4. The narrator jokes “let us be elegant or die!” and ends by saying “I think Jo was quite right.” What does the narrator seem to feel about the sisters' efforts?Tone
5. Jo and Meg share their gloves: each wears one good one and carries one stained one. How much do appearances matter to each sister at this party?Theme
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone helped you without making a fuss about it.
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But Laurie didn’t laugh; he only looked down a minute, and the expression of his face puzzled Jo, when he said very gently—
But Laurie didn’t laugh; he only looked down a minute, and the expression of his face puzzled Jo, when he said very gently—
“Gloves are more important than anything else; you can’t dance without them, and if you don’t I should be so mortified.”
She could not roam about and amuse herself, for the burnt breadth would show, so she stared at people rather forlornly till the dancing began.
Unfortunately, another bashful person had chosen the same refuge; for, as the curtain fell behind her, she found herself face to face with the “Laurence boy.”
Laurie’s bashfulness soon wore off; for Jo’s gentlemanly demeanor amused and set him at his ease, and Jo was her merry self again, because her dress was forgotten, and nobody lifted their eyebrows at her.
Jo led the way; and, as if used to waiting on ladies, Laurie drew up a little table, brought a second instalment of coffee and ice for Jo, and was so obliging that even particular Meg pronounced him a “nice boy.”
You can’t mean to go yet?” began Jo, looking relieved, but hesitating to accept the offer.
Meg’s high-heeled slippers were very tight, and hurt her, though she would not own it, and Jo’s nineteen hairpins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable; but, dear me, let us be elegant or die!
I wish I’d let my hair alone,” cried Meg petulantly.
1. Amy and Beth both comfort Meg after the burnt hair. Using two pieces of evidence, explain whose comfort helps Meg more.
2. Jo and Laurie meet behind a curtain and soon feel like old acquaintances. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why they get on so easily.
3. In the side-room, Meg sends Jo for coffee and Jo would rather stay. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Jo shows she cares about Meg.