for often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome.A holding back of what one feels.
Little Women
Chapter 36
Louisa May Alcott · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
They did feel it, yet neither spoke of it; for often between ourselves and those nearest and dearest to us there exists a reserve which it is very hard to overcome. Jo felt as if a veil had fallen between her heart and Beth’s; but when she put out her hand to lift it up, there seemed something sacred in the silence, and she waited for Beth to speak.
Read your copy aloud. The narrator says the reserve is hardest between those nearest and dearest. Find the picture Jo has for the silence, and find the word she uses that stops her hand. Then say what Jo decides to do instead of lifting the veil.
Discussion
Narration Tell back Jo's return home, the weeks at the seashore, what the sisters say on the rocks, and what Jo finds when they get home.
- Jo sees a "strange, transparent look" in Beth's face, yet soon "forgot her fear." How can a person see something so plainly and then lose hold of it? Inference
- Beth says, "I've tried to tell you, but I couldn't." What might have made telling so hard for her? Character
- Beth says it "would have been selfish to frighten you all." Do you hear that as kindness, as fear, or both? Moral reasoning
- Jo cries, "I'll work and pray and fight against it." Beth can only say, "I try to be willing." What is each sister holding on to? Theme
- Beth names each sister a bird: Jo the gull, Meg the turtledove, Amy the lark, herself the sand-bird. Why might the author give Beth birds to talk with here? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a time it was hard to say something out loud to someone you love.
Vocabulary
- reserve
- sacred
but when she put out her hand to lift it up, there seemed something sacred in the silence, and she waited for Beth to speak.
Set apart and not to be touched.- transparent
It was no paler and but little thinner than in the autumn; yet there was a strange, transparent look about it,
Letting light show through.- wistful
Jo thought she was asleep, she lay so still; and, putting down her book, sat looking at her with wistful eyes,
Full of quiet longing.- solitary
and her heart ached to think of the solitary struggle that must have gone on while Beth learned to say goodbye to health, love,
Borne alone.- submissive
for her spirit was far less piously submissive than Beth’s.
Yielding without resistance.- homilies
it shows itself in acts, rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies or protestations.
Little sermons.- serenity
By and by Beth said, with recovered serenity—
Calm and untroubled peace.- confiding
I like peeps better than the gulls: they are not so wild and handsome, but they seem happy, confiding little things.
Trusting; unafraid.- tranquil
Jo leaned down to kiss the tranquil face; and with that silent kiss, she dedicated herself soul and body to Beth.
Calm and still.
Critical thinking
- Jo thought Beth loved Laurie, and Beth is amazed at the idea. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Jo could have read her so wrongly.
- Beth asks Jo to tell the family if they do not see it. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why she asks.
- At home "there was no need of any words." Using two pieces of evidence, explain how the chapter shows that Father and Mother already know.