Little Women Group

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smithgeri
smithgeri

What are some of the lessons that Marmee imparted to her daughters?

lessons

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Posted by smithgeri on Friday August 29, 2008 at 3:39 PM and tagged with daughters, little women, maternal influence.

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  1. michael336 Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Many of Marmee's lessons were by example (helping others less fortunate, faithfulness, etc.).  The story opens with a lot of those lessons already learned by the girls.  They know to be humble, that outward appearance is not as important as inner character, that hard times are to be met with fortitude.

    An example of a specific lesson Marmee taught was when Amy fell through the ice through Jo's neglect.  She teaches Jo about patience and controlling one's anger.  She is humble, honest, and transparent as she shares with her daughter her own struggles with anger and how she conquered it.

    Another lesson was when Jo refused Laurie's offer of marriage.  She teaches her that, if she remains unmarried, she has a place in this world, that a woman's identity should not be dependent on marital status (an interesting lesson, since Alcott herself never married).  Ture beauty and attractiveness should always come from inside, through the life one lives.

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    Posted by michael336 on Sunday August 31, 2008 at 3:25 AM