Chapter 30 · Little Women

Copywork

I hate such things, and though I think I’ve a right to be hurt, I don’t intend to show it. They will feel that more than angry speeches or huffy actions, won’t they, Marmee?” “That’s the right spirit, my dear; a kiss for a blow is always best, though it’s not very easy to give it sometimes,” said her mother, with the air of one who had learned the difference between preaching and practising.

Read your copy aloud, Amy's two sentences and Marmee's one. Amy says she has a right to be hurt and does not intend to show it. What does she think the Chesters will feel more than angry speeches? Then find the words the narrator adds about Marmee, and say what they admit.

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happened to Amy at Mrs. Chester's fair, and what came a week later.

Amy says she has "a right to be hurt" but does not "intend to show it." Is hiding her hurt a kind of strength, or a kind of pretending? Moral reasoning
Mrs. Chester finds her speech hard "to utter it naturally," and May says she wishes she "hadn’t asked you to speak." What do those moments tell us about them? Character
Amy sees a verse in her little book and thinks, "I ought, but I don’t." What turns that thought into action? Inference
Jo's imitation at the Lambs' started the trouble at the fair, and Jo's cheer helps end it. How should we weigh Jo's part? Plot structure
The chapter ends with Amy clinging to Laurie at the gangway, not with Jo crying in the garret. Why might the author end on Amy? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you answered unkindness with kindness, or wished you had.

Vocabulary

huffy: They will feel that more than angry speeches or huffy actions, won’t they, Marmee?” Sulky and easily offended.
blow: “That’s the right spirit, my dear; a kiss for a blow is always best, though it’s not very easy to give it sometimes,” said her mother, A hard hit.
eclipsed: Amy’s dainty pen-and-ink work entirely eclipsed May’s painted vases⁠—that was one thorn; Outshone; put in the shade.
expediency: “Now, my dear, don’t have any ill feeling, I beg; it’s merely a matter of expediency, you see; my girls will naturally take the lead, What is convenient rather than right.
retaliate: In spite of various very natural temptations to resent and retaliate, Amy adhered to her resolution all the next day, To strike back for an injury.
exonerate: She reproached herself for her share of the ill-feeling, and resolved to exonerate Amy as soon as possible; To clear of blame.
conciliatory: How does Amy get on?” asked May, with a conciliatory air, for she wanted to show that she also could be generous. Meant to make peace.
magnanimous: “The reward of merit for a magnanimous March,” as Laurie announced with a flourish. Generous and above pettiness.
docile: Amy is more docile, will make a good companion for Flo, and receive gratefully any help the trip may give her.’ Easily led and taught.
repinings: not quite as heartily as usual, perhaps, but without repinings at Amy’s good fortune. Discontented complaints.

Critical thinking

May is jealous of Amy at first, yet later sells Amy's work and kisses her good night. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what changes May.
Jo cries that it is not fair, and later sews Amy's collars with red eyes. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Jo handles the news.
Amy says she wants to be "a true gentlewoman in mind and manners." Using two pieces of evidence, explain what she means.