Little Women Questions and Answers
Little Women
The ages of the sisters in Little Women at key moments in the novel
At the beginning of Little Women, Meg is 16, Jo is 15, Beth is 13, and Amy is 12. By the end of the first part, a year has passed. In the second part, Meg is 21 when she marries, Jo is 25 when she...
Little Women
What is the age difference between Jo and Professor Bhaer in Little Women?
The age difference between Josephine "Jo" March and Professor Friedrich "Fritz" Bhaer is approximately 15–20 years.
Little Women
Information about Amy's and Laurie's ages in Little Women
Amy March is the youngest of the March sisters in Little Women, starting the novel at around 12 years old. Laurie, whose full name is Theodore Laurence, is a few years older than Amy, beginning the...
Little Women
Why does Jo March cut her hair in Little Women?
Jo cuts her hair in order to sell it for twenty-five dollars. She gives the money to Marmee, who is going to Washington where Mr. March has taken ill. Jo considers the money her way of contributing...
Little Women
Literary devices and techniques in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women employs various literary devices and techniques, including vivid character development, symbolism, and themes of family and moral growth. Alcott uses dialogue and...
Little Women
Does Laurie truly love Amy in Little Women?
It is for the reader to decide if Laurie really loves Amy. However, the narrative suggests that, though he does not stop loving Jo, his feelings for Amy develop and become stronger over time. Laurie...
Little Women
When and where is Little Women set?
Little Women is set in rural New England, likely Concord, Massachusetts, during the early 1860s, amidst the American Civil War. The story begins around Christmas in either 1861 or 1862, with the...
Little Women
Why did Amy burn Jo's book in Little Women?
Amy burns Jo's book because she's not allowed to go with Jo and the others to the theater, and Jo is mean to her about it. Amy wants to go, but as she is still recovering from a cold it is thought...
Little Women
The financial status and history of the March family in Little Women
The March family in Little Women faces financial difficulties due to Mr. March losing their fortune by helping a friend and then serving as a chaplain in the Civil War. This leaves the family with...
Little Women
Did Jo regret not marrying Laurie in Little Women?
In Little Women, Jo does not regret not marrying Laurie.
Little Women
How did Beth die in Little Women?
Beth contracts scarlet fever after she volunteers to nurse the sick children of the Hummels, her poor German neighbors. While she initially recovers, she is permanently weakened by the illness and...
Little Women
The relationship and differences between Meg and Jo in Little Women
Meg and Jo in Little Women have a close relationship but differ significantly in personality and aspirations. Meg is traditional, nurturing, and dreams of domestic life, while Jo is independent,...
Little Women
Who does Laurie marry in Little Women?
In Little Women Laurie marries Amy, the youngest of the March sisters.
Little Women
Why was Amy, rather than Jo, a better choice to marry Laurie in Little Women?
Amy was a better choice to marry Laurie because she was more conventional and suited to his lifestyle, appreciating his wealth and personal qualities. Jo, who valued her independence and did not love...
Little Women
What is Jo's secret in Chapter 14 of Little Women?
Jo's secret in Chapter 14 of Little Women is that she has submitted two of her stories to a newspaper editor, hoping they will be published. She confides in Laurie about this because he notices her...
Little Women
What is the best moral lesson to be learned from Little Women?
The best moral lesson to be learned from Alcott's Little Women is that we become better people as we work on battling the worst flaw we each have. The introduction of an essay would state this as its...
Little Women
What Christmas gift does Beth give to Marmee in Little Women?
For Christmas, Beth gets her mother, who Beth and her sisters call "Marmee," handkerchiefs on which Beth herself has embroidered "Mother," instead of "M. March" or "M.M.," because Beth's sister Meg...
Little Women
What present does each girl in Little Women plan to buy for herself?
In Little Women, Meg plans to buy pretty things, reflecting her vanity. Jo wants a copy of Undine and Sintram, showing her love for romance and adventure. Beth hopes for new sheet music for her...
Little Women
How does the Civil War feature in Little Women and why isn't it prominent?
The Civil War in Little Women is present but not prominent, mainly depicted through Mr. March's service as a chaplain. Alcott chose to focus on the domestic lives of the March sisters, emphasizing...
Little Women
Why is the character in "Little Women" called Marmee?
They call Mrs. March Marmee most probably because it's the way that “Mommy” is pronounced in certain parts of Massachusetts, where the book is set. Like “Mommy,” it's a term of affection.
Little Women
What are some examples of good deeds in Little Women?
Examples of good deeds taking place in Little Women include the March family taking food to the poor and helping the sick. The Marches are committed to improving the lives of those less fortunate...
Little Women
In the book Little Women, what is 'rigamarole' and why is it a good game for people trying to get to know each other?
The game "Rigamarole", as described in Little Women, is one children have played (and not known this name for) for generations. Basically, to play the game one begins a story. Right before...
Little Women
The father's role and occupation in "Little Women."
In "Little Women," the father, Mr. March, serves as a chaplain in the Union Army during the Civil War. His role is significant as his absence places the responsibility of managing the household on...
Little Women
Favorite characters in Little Women
Some favorite characters in Little Women include Jo March for her independence and strong will, Beth March for her kindness and gentle nature, and Marmee for her wisdom and nurturing presence. Each...
Little Women
Compare the houses of Laurie and the March family in Little Women.
The March family lives in a home that is filled with the activities of four lively and active, growing girls and their mother. Father is away, involved in the fighting of the Civil War, but the...
Little Women
How do Marmee and her daughters assist the impoverished family in Little Women?
Marmee and her daughters help the poor family, the Hummels, by bringing them breakfast on Christmas morning. Beth also tends to the Hummels alone when their baby has scarlet fever because her sisters...
Little Women
The personality traits of Amy and Beth March in Little Women
Amy March in Little Women is artistic, vain, and ambitious, often seeking social status and refinement. In contrast, Beth March is gentle, selfless, and shy, embodying a nurturing and kind-hearted...
Little Women
What characteristics of transcendentalism are in Little Women?
Little Women reflects transcendentalist characteristics through its portrayal of progressive views on women and moral independence. The March sisters, especially Jo, pursue their own careers and...
Little Women
Why didn't Jo want Meg to marry Mr. Brooke and how was the conflict resolved?
We get some insight into this when Laurie tells Jo the "secret" of where Meg's glove is—that is, in Mr Brooke's pocket. We are told that Jo has anxiously been noticing that Meg is becoming a woman,...
Little Women
What are the hidden messages in Little Women?
"Hidden messages" is not a particularly clear literary term, but I assume what you mean by this is what messages, lessons, or values are being delivered to readers, perhaps without their fully...
Little Women
What is the relationship between the March daughters and their mother in Little Women?
In Little Women, the four March daughters have a close relationship with their mother, whom they love and respect, as Marmee is a positive leader and role model throughout their lives.
Little Women
Describe Jo's character and physical appearance in Little Women.
Jo is described as a high-spirited character who acts like a tomboy. She hates the restrictions on girls and women at the time and longs to be with her father, who is helping soldiers during the...
Little Women
How does the friendship develop and evolve between Jo and Laurie in Little Women?
In one way, the relationship between Jo March and Theodore Laurence (Laurie) in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is as simple as the relationship between any brother and sister; however, because...
Little Women
What does Amy's gift exchange reveal about her character in Little Women?
Amy's sudden decision to exchange the original gift she bought for Marmee reveals that she is unselfish and that she loves her mother deeply. It also reveals her desire to give her mother a gift that...
Little Women
The impact and examples of differing character viewpoints in Little Women
The differing character viewpoints in Little Women highlight the diverse perspectives and growth of the March sisters. For example, Jo's independent and ambitious nature contrasts with Meg's...
Little Women
How does Aunt March's response to Marmee's note develop the theme in Little Women?
Marmee's just received word from Washington that her husband is ill, so she wastes no time in packing her trunk and getting ready to head off on the long, arduous journey. Before she goes, she...
Little Women
How does the title of Little Women relate to the story?
Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women is the story of the March family: Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, and their mother Marmee. The story is about a houseful of girls living alone with their mother because...
Little Women
In Little Women, why were the March sisters upset about their financial situation?
The March sisters are incredibly unhappy about their financial position because it means that the two older sisters have to work and none of them can afford the things they want to have. Meg has to...
Little Women
How did Mr. March lose his money in Little Women?
Mr. March loses much of his money in trying to help an unfortunate friend [his unnamed son].
Little Women
Why does Laurie invite Jo to his house in Little Women?
Laurie invites Jo to his house because he's sick and alone and needs company. Jo happily obliges and goes to see him, bringing him a plate of blancmange and some kittens in the hopes of cheering him...
Little Women
What is Meg's experience with the Moffats in Little Women, and does it impact her positively or negatively?
Meg has an uncomfortable experience with the Moffats when Belle dresses her up like a "doll," but this has a positive impact on her. She learns the life lesson to be herself.
Little Women
In "Little Women," why does Alcott kill Beth and how does it align with her feminist agenda?
Beth dies because she is too good to live, and her death fulfills her life. She has no future without her family, and she has lived a life that makes it impossible to grow old.
Little Women
What is the resolution in Little Women?
After turning Laurie's marriage proposal down, it seems as if Jo has confirmed her independence. That act did come with a price though. It also seems as if Jo is destined to live a...
Little Women
What are Josephine March's religious views in Little Women?
Jo March in Little Women does not say much about her religion. Her Christianity tends to be expressed in good deeds, such as taking food to the Hummels, rather than in words. There is one section...
Little Women
What was Jo's new role after Beth's death in "Little Women", and how did she respond to it?
After Beth's death, Jo tried to assume her role as the innocent, helpful child. Especially in relation to her parents, Jo felt the need to fill the void left by Beth's goodness. Knowing...
Little Women
Who are the members of the Pickwick Club in Little Women and where do they meet?
Sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy create their own version of the Pickwick Club, based on the popular novel The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens. Each sister plays a character from the...
Little Women
In Little Women, how does Jo behave upon reaching the busy street building?
When Jo reaches the building on the busy street, she hesitates before entering. She paces in front of the building before opening the door and going inside.
Little Women
What does Marmee say before Beth's death in Little Women?
There isn't any mention in the novel of Marmee saying anything in particular before Beth dies, although the novel does state that, in her final days and hours, Beth "clung to the hand that had led...
Little Women
How did Jo reason with Amy in Little Women?
In chapter 8, called "Jo meets Apollyon," Jo does a very poor job reasoning with Amy about why she can't go to the theater with them. Jo, Meg, and Laurie have made plans to go see a play together,...
Little Women
In Little Women, how is Beth modest and humble?
The response generated is correct. Beth exemplifies the virtues of modesty and humility and is gentle and self-effacing. She avoids the spotlight, preferring to contribute quietly to the family's...