Little Women Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the setting of the story at the beginning of chapter 1?

Their house at the time of Christmas during the Civil War.

What were the years the Civil War was fought?

1861-1865

Who was a tomboy?

Who is the pet of the family (not the rat)?

Beth Signup and view all the answers

Who is the oldest sibling?

Meg Signup and view all the answers

Who is not gifted with dramatic power?

Amy Signup and view all the answers

Who is 15 years old?

Jo Signup and view all the answers

Who represents little tranquility within the family?

Beth Signup and view all the answers

Who is the youngest sibling?

Amy Signup and view all the answers

Who is described as very pretty, plump and fair with large eyes?

Meg Signup and view all the answers

What idea did Beth come up with regarding how to spend their money for Christmas?

She said to make something for their mother. Signup and view all the answers

What clue is there in the first chapter that might indicate the March family is not as poor as they let on?

Their house seems bigger because they have many rooms and they have a maid. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. March's role in the army, and why did he choose this occupation?

Chaplain; he was too old to fight. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think the book title given to the daughters was?

Pilgrim's Progress or a Bible. Signup and view all the answers

How did the March family prove their generosity and charitableness on Christmas morning?

Giving their breakfast and time to the poor German family down the street. Signup and view all the answers

What caused so much excitement in the March household at the beginning of chapter 3?

Meg and Jo get invited to a New Year's Eve party at Gardiner's house. Signup and view all the answers

How many children did Mrs. Gardiner have?

6 Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Meg right before the party?

Jo burnt her hair in the front. Signup and view all the answers

What did Laurie's grandfather send over to the March family on Christmas?

A dinner and a bunch of sweets. The ice cream and flowers shocked them most. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Jo wasn't jealous when Laurie complimented Meg?

He likes her family; she's not too interested in boys yet. Signup and view all the answers

What is your impression of Laurie from reading chapter 3?

Introverted boy, likes to travel, unsure of American ways, gentlemanly, nice young man. Signup and view all the answers

How did Meg's evening at the dance end on a sour note?

She sprained her ankle. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Context

The story begins in the March family's home during Christmas amid the Civil War.
The Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865.

Characters

Jo is characterized as a tomboy and is 15 years old.
Beth is referred to as the family's pet and is known for her tranquility.
Meg is the oldest sister, described as very pretty, plump, and fair with large eyes.
Amy, the youngest sister, lacks dramatic power in her personality.

Family Dynamics and Values

The March family displays generosity by giving their Christmas breakfast to a poor German family.
Beth suggests that the family should make a gift for their mother rather than spending money on themselves.
They possess a larger house with multiple rooms and a maid, hinting at a more comfortable social status than they admit.

Events and Incidents

Excitement arises when Meg and Jo receive an invitation to a New Year's Eve party at the Gardiners' house.
Mrs. Gardiner has six children.
Just before the party, Jo accidentally burns Meg's hair, causing distress.

Gifts and Relationships

Laurie’s grandfather sends a lavish Christmas dinner and sweets, which delights the March family, especially the ice cream and flowers.
Jo is not jealous of Laurie’s compliments towards Meg, possibly due to her fondness for Laurie’s family and her own ambivalence towards romance.

Character Impressions

Laurie is portrayed as an introverted and gentlemanly boy who enjoys traveling, yet struggles to adjust to American customs.
Meg's evening at the dance concludes unhappily when she sprains her ankle, providing a hint of misfortune amidst the festivities.

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Description

Explore the charming world of the March family in 'Little Women'. This quiz delves into key characters, family dynamics, and significant events set against the backdrop of the Civil War. Test your knowledge about Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, as well as their values and Christmas traditions.