Comments | littlewomen_fic: Little Women

lillian_raven in littlewomen_fic

Little Women - Read-a-Long

Feb 12, 2012 10:57

Hello and welcome,

to this read-a-long where we can discuss every minor fact about Little Women I. Every chapter has its own discussion under thread and you can post everything you want about this chapter.
What you love, like or hate.
What you find curious or cute.
Whatever you find worth discussing in this chapter.

( Read more... )

book: little women, discussion, read-a-long

Comments 62

Chapter 4 - BURDENS lillian_raven February 12 2012, 10:02:38 UTC

In this chapter, the reader learns a great deal about each of the personalities of the little women. The narrator tells the reader that Mr. March lost his property while trying to help an unfortunate friend and because of this, Meg and Jo had found work outside the home to help support the family. Meg spends her days teaching small children as a governess, but could not help but yearn for a life in which she could go to parties, concerts, and spend her time in gossip. Jo spends time reading and caring for her Aunt March and wished that she could read all the books in her Aunt's library. Beth, the shy one, wishes that she could spent more time playing the piano instead of doing housework. Finally, Amy simply wishes that her nose was less flat. The narrator also shares that Meg was Amy's close friend and mother, while Beth and Jo were equally as close.

Re: Chapter 4 - BURDENS lillian_raven February 20 2012, 17:00:41 UTC

This chapter is so... lalala. Nothing big happens. Personally I always thought Amys burden is cute and fitting for a young girl who wants to be a lady. It reminds me of all these girls who wants to be superstar or model or something similar.

Re: Chapter 4 - BURDENS chiana606 February 21 2012, 13:22:44 UTC

The story that Mrs. March tells the girls at the end of the chapter is very much like a story that the mother in Jack and Jill (another Alcott book that I've just read) tells.

Re: Chapter 4 - BURDENS lillian_raven February 21 2012, 15:48:30 UTC

It is really such a story where you only need to change the names but the moral is the same...

Chapter 5 - BEING NEIGHBORLY lillian_raven February 12 2012, 10:03:09 UTC

Jo can barely stand still and wishes to go next door and visit Laurie. She feels terrible that she has such wonderful sisters to keep her company and that Laurie has no one. She ventures next door in order to read to the sick Laurie but ends up talking with him for hours. She tells him all about her sisters and the adventurous things they do, she wishes that he could join in their fun.

Re: Chapter 5 - BEING NEIGHBORLY chiana606 February 21 2012, 13:20:39 UTC

Another group of hints into Laurie's troubled past. And the last ones we really get of it, I believe. I like how smoothly Alcott works these aspects which may color his character into the story, while still keeping it only a very subtle part of him. There needs to be fic on the topic. :)

I enjoy Laurie and Jo trying to be polite to each other.

Re: Chapter 5 - BEING NEIGHBORLY lillian_raven February 21 2012, 15:49:47 UTC

Yes I also think these hints are the last one which is really bad. I really would love to read a more roguer Laurie but okay for this we need fics.

Re: Chapter 5 - BEING NEIGHBORLY lillian_raven February 21 2012, 15:50:23 UTC

I love the first real meeting of Lauries grandfather and how Jo is first afraid and then likes him. :D

Chapter 6 - BETH FINDS THE PLACE BEAUTIFUL lillian_raven February 12 2012, 10:03:38 UTC

The girls spend much time over at the Laurence's home. Beth, however, fearing old man Laurence refuses to visit. Mr. Laurence speaks privately with Mrs. March about the possibility of Beth visiting the house and playing the piano, alone and undisturbed. Eventually Beth is able to visit the house and plays wonderful music for all to hear. In gratitude for Mr. Laurence's generosity she makes him a pair of slippers. Touched by her sincerity, Mr. Laurence gives Beth a small piano which once belonged to his deceased granddaughter. From this point on Beth and Mr. Lawrence shared a special bond.

Chapter 7 - AMY'S VALLEY OF HUMILIATION lillian_raven February 12 2012, 10:04:03 UTC

Amy explains to her sisters that she is deeply in debt with her classmates. It seems that a popular pastime of Amy and her classmates is the trading of pickled limes and Amy has not been able to provide her fair share. Meg gives Amy some money to purchase limes and Amy proudly announces to her classmates that she has 24 limes. After refusing to share her limes with the young Jenny Snow, Amy's secret stash of limes is discovered by Mr. Davis and she is punished before the class. When Mrs. March learns that her youngest daughter was smacked with a ruler and humiliated in front of the class she sends Jo with a note to Mr. Davis and decides that Amy will be taught at home. Laurie gives Beth a great compliment on her piano abilities.

Chapter 8 - JO MEETS APOLLYON lillian_raven February 12 2012, 10:04:36 UTC

Laurie invites Jo and Meg to watch The Seven Castles of the Diamond Lake and Amy wishes to come along. Jo is angered and annoyed at Amy and tells her that she cannot come. As Jo leaves Amy swears revenge on her. Upon arriving home Jo learns that Amy has burned a book that she has been working on for many years. Jo is so hurt and crushed that she cannot ever forgive Amy. The next day Jo and Laurie go skating and Amy follows behind them in the hopes of telling her sister how sorry she is. As Jo and Laurie are racing on the ice, Amy slips through and Laurie rescues her. Jo feels terrible for not forgiving her sister sooner and the two sisters make up. Jo and her mother discuss their tempers and Jo vows to try to control hers more.