Laurie colored up, but answered frankly, “Why, you see, I often hear you calling to one another, and when I’m alone up here, I can’t help looking over at your house, you always seem to be having such good times.Openly and honestly.
Little Women
Chapter 5
Louisa May Alcott · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
Laurie colored up, but answered frankly, “Why, you see, I often hear you calling to one another, and when I’m alone up here, I can’t help looking over at your house, you always seem to be having such good times.
Read your copy aloud. Why might Laurie blush before telling Jo that he watches her house?
Discussion
Narration Retell the afternoon in order: Jo at the hedge, the visit upstairs, the library, Mr. Laurence, the conservatory, and the piano.
- Before Jo crosses the hedge, Alcott describes the two houses side by side. What do you think she wants us to notice about each? Author's choice
- Jo thinks Laurie needs “a party of jolly boys to play with.” What does he actually seem to want? Inference
- Jo tells Laurie to make an effort and stop being bashful, and he is not offended. Why does her bluntness work on him? Character
- Mr. Laurence says Jo has her grandfather's spirit, if not his face. What do you think he values in a person? Theme
- Mr. Laurence stops Jo's praise of Laurie's playing: “Too many sugarplums are not good for him.” Is he caring for the boy or being unfair to him? Moral reasoning
Make a Connection Tell about a time a visit from a friend or neighbor made your day better.
Vocabulary
- frankly
- colored
Laurie colored up, but answered frankly, “Why, you see, I often hear you calling to one another, and when I’m alone up here, I can’t help looking over at your house, you always seem to be having such good times.
Blushed; turned red in the face.- wistfully
looking wistfully down into their garden,
With quiet longing for something out of reach.- listless
showing a face which lost its listless look in a minute,
Without energy or interest.- sociable
Laurie forgot his bashfulness, and grew sociable at once.
Friendly and ready to talk.- elated
Much elated with her success, Jo did “tell on,”
Very happy and proud.- goodwill
there was so much goodwill in Jo,
A kind and friendly wish to help.- courtesy
“Shouldn’t ask you, if I didn’t;” and Mr. Laurence offered her his arm with old-fashioned courtesy.
Polite, respectful manners.- vivacity
vivacity in his manner, and genuine merriment in his laugh.
Lively, bright energy.- solitary
The solitary, hungry look in his eyes went straight to Jo’s warm heart.
Alone; without company.
Critical thinking
- Jo says she knew Laurie would laugh at Beth's kittens. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why they turned out to be just the thing.
- Jo tidies Laurie's room in two minutes while she talks. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Laurie takes it.
- Mr. Laurence says little at tea but watches the young people. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what he notices and what he decides.