but the impulse that wrought this agreeable change was the result of one of the new impressions which both of them were unconsciously giving and receiving.Brought about; worked.
Little Women
Chapter 37
Louisa May Alcott · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
Amy did not know why he looked at her so kindly, nor why he filled up her book with his own name, and devoted himself to her for the rest of the evening, in the most delightful manner; but the impulse that wrought this agreeable change was the result of one of the new impressions which both of them were unconsciously giving and receiving.
Read your copy aloud. Find the two things the narrator says Amy did not know. Then find what the narrator says wrought the change, and say what the last word, receiving, tells you about who was doing what to whom.
Discussion
Narration Tell back Christmas Day at Nice, from the Promenade and the drive to Castle Hill through the evening ball.
- Laurie says, “mademoiselle has made good use of her time.” Amy blushes, but the compliment does not satisfy her. What do you think she misses? Tone
- Laurie says “Good evening, Diana!” and Amy answers “Good evening, Apollo!” What does that little game tell us about how they see each other tonight? Character
- Amy gives Laurie a dance, then fills her book until supper. Was that fair to him, or does he deserve it? Moral reasoning
- The narrator says Amy “deliberately ‘prinked’” and then adds “we all have our little weaknesses.” How does the narrator want us to take her dressing up? Tone
- Amy says “tulle is cheap, posies to be had for nothing,” and then regrets the sentence. Why might she worry it “wasn’t in good taste”? Inference
Make a Connection Tell about a time you saw a friend again after a long time and they seemed different.
Vocabulary
- wrought
- impulse
but the impulse that wrought this agreeable change was the result of one of the new impressions which both of them were unconsciously giving and receiving.
A sudden push to act.- listlessly
While Laurie listlessly watched the procession of priests under their canopies, white-veiled nuns bearing lighted tapers, and some brotherhood in blue,
Without energy or interest.- blasé
She didn’t like the new tone; for, though not blasé, it sounded indifferent in spite of the look.
Bored by pleasures one has had too often.- aplomb
Always mature for her age, she had gained a certain aplomb in both carriage and conversation, which made her seem more of a woman of the world than she was;
Assured self-possession.- propitious
then she thought better of it, and went away to the other end of the room, as if ashamed of the girlish desire to have the first view a propitious one.
Favorable; likely to go well.- debonair
“Good evening, Apollo!” she answered, smiling back at him, for he, too, looked unusually debonair,
Charming and easy in manner.- recreant
with assurances that he was “desolated to leave so early,” she was ready to rest, and see how her recreant knight had borne his punishment.
Faithless; failing in duty.- indefatigably
and Laurie found himself involuntarily keeping time to the rhythmic rise and fall of the white slippers as they flew by as indefatigably as if winged.
Without tiring.- gratified
Amy was gratified, but, of course, didn’t show it, and demurely answered, “Foreign life polishes one in spite of one’s self; I study as well as play;
Pleased; given satisfaction.
Critical thinking
- At the peacocks Laurie studies Amy after a year apart. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what he finds changed in her and what he finds the same.
- Amy fears for Beth, and Laurie tells her, “I think you are right, there.” Using two pieces of evidence, explain what his answer does for Amy.
- Amy pities the Davis girls and bows to them in her friendliest manner. Using two pieces of evidence, explain whether her pity is kindness, vanity, or both.