Though it came in such a very simple guise, that was the crowning moment of both their lives, when,Outward form or appearance.
Little Women
Chapter 46
Louisa May Alcott · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
Though it came in such a very simple guise, that was the crowning moment of both their lives, when, turning from the night and storm and loneliness to the household light and warmth and peace waiting to receive them, with a glad “Welcome home!” Jo led her lover in, and shut the door.
Read your copy aloud. Follow the first sentence from night and storm and loneliness to light and warmth and peace. Find what the narrator calls the crowning moment of both their lives, then read the last sentence and say who leads whom through the door.
Discussion
Narration Tell back the weeks of walks, Jo's errand in the rain, what happens under the umbrella, and how the two of them arrive at the door.
- Jo says to herself, “It’s nothing to me, of course.” Then she puts on her new bonnet and walks toward the warehouses. What are we meant to see? Inference
- Jo says, “I’m always glad to see you, sir,” and the Professor's smile vanishes. What went wrong between what she felt and what she said? Tone
- Mr. Bhaer has read Jo's face and her voice and found them saying opposite things. How does he make sense of it? Character
- Jo insists on carrying her share and earning the home, and he says, “We shall see.” Who has the better idea of what a marriage needs? Moral reasoning
- The proposal happens in mud, with bundles in both hands and a ruined bonnet. Why might Alcott choose that setting? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a time you said one thing and your face said another.
Vocabulary
- guise
- crowning
Though it came in such a very simple guise, that was the crowning moment of both their lives,
Highest; the finishing touch.- sodden
as they set their house in order, and planned a blissful future, Mr. Bhaer and Jo were enjoying promenades of a different sort, along muddy roads and sodden fields.
Soaked through.- decorous
Jo couldn’t even lose her heart in a decorous manner, but sternly tried to quench her feelings; and, failing to do so, led a somewhat agitated life.
Proper and dignified in manner.- vehement
She was mortally afraid of being laughed at for surrendering, after her many and vehement declarations of independence.
Forceful and passionate.- philandering
What business had I to put on all my best things and come philandering down here, hoping to see the Professor?
Idly chasing after love.- unavailing
Now she remembered the little umbrella, which she had forgotten to take in her hurry to be off; but regret was unavailing,
Useless; achieving nothing.- impetuously
With that she rushed across the street so impetuously that she narrowly escaped annihilation from a passing truck, and precipitated herself into the arms of a stately old gentleman,
Suddenly and rashly.- contraries
and, as he watched, his own bewilderment seemed to subside, for he was beginning to see that on some occasions women, like dreams, go by contraries.
Opposites; here, meaning the reverse of what is said.- dilapidated
The fact that a somewhat dilapidated blue one remained stationary above the unprotected bonnet, attracted her attention; and, looking up, she saw Mr. Bhaer looking down.
Worn and falling into disrepair.
Critical thinking
- Everyone at home knows what is going on but acts as if they did not. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how the family behaves.
- Mr. Bhaer sees the drops on Jo's cheeks and stoops to ask why she cries. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Jo and Mr. Bhaer each act in that moment.
- Mr. Bhaer says the poem “has done its duty,” and Jo tears it up. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how each of them feels about it.