they found that he considered them the benefactors,People who give help or kindness to others.
Little Women
Chapter 6
Louisa May Alcott · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
But, after a while, they found that he considered them the benefactors, and could not do enough to show how grateful he was for Mrs. March’s motherly welcome, their cheerful society, and the comfort he took in that humble home of theirs. So they soon forgot their pride, and interchanged kindnesses without stopping to think which was the greater.
Read your copy aloud. Who is called the benefactor here, and what three things is Laurie grateful for? Then say in your own words what the families stopped doing when they forgot their pride.
Discussion
Narration Retell the chapter in order: the two lions, Beth's fright, the offer of the piano, the secret practising, the slippers, and the letter.
- Mr. Laurence talks about music and ignores Beth, then suggests someone practise on his piano “as if the idea had just occurred to him.” What do you make of the way he goes about it? Inference
- Jo jokes that Beth will have to go and thank him, never thinking she would. What lets timid Beth walk through the hedge that day? Character
- Mr. Laurence listens at his study door, Laurie guards the hall, and new songs appear in the rack, all without Beth knowing. Is it good to help someone in secret? Moral reasoning
- The Marches are shy of favors they cannot return, yet soon trade kindnesses “without stopping to think which was the greater.” Is that a good way for friends to live? Theme
- Beth starts her thank-you speech, forgets it, and kisses Mr. Laurence instead. Why might Alcott have her do that? Author's choice
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone did something kind for you so quietly that you almost missed it.
Vocabulary
- benefactors
- interchanged
interchanged kindnesses without stopping to think which was the greater.
Gave and received in turn.- yearning
But Beth, though yearning for the grand piano,
Longing deeply for something.- infirmity
the old gentleman, not being aware of her infirmity, stared at her so hard
A weakness; here, painful shyness.- fascinated
Beth found it impossible to stay in her distant corner, but crept nearer and nearer, as if fascinated.
Drawn in and held by interest.- temptation
for this was an irresistible temptation;
Something that strongly tempts one to act.- artfully
During one of the brief calls he made, he artfully led the conversation to music,
Cleverly and skillfully, with a hidden aim.- crotchety
she was beginning to fear she had offended her crotchety friend.
Grumpy and easily annoyed.- confiding
was so touched and pleased by that confiding little kiss that all his crustiness vanished;
Trusting and open.- cordially
he walked with her to her own gate, shook hands cordially,
Warmly and in a friendly way.
Critical thinking
- Laurie is always playing truant to visit the Marches. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how the Marches change him.
- On her first visit Beth runs away, saying her feet chattered on the floor. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what frightened her.
- Mr. Laurence lets Laurie run off to the Marches instead of study. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why he allows it.