Oh boy. When things get serious, they get really serious. We go from "Yay! Jo's published!" to "ACK! Father's grievously wounded!" in a couple of pages. A matter of minutes, if you don't pause between chapters. Marmee goes quite helpless for a few minutes, giving us some new insight into her -- she's becoming more and more human as the book goes on, I think. Laurie and Mr. Laurence are awesome here, stepping up to the plate as true friends and helping in any way they can. Mr. Laurence offers every help he can dream up, "from his own dressing gown to himself as an escort" (p. 144). What a sweet guy he's turned out to be. And then Jo cuts off her hair. Selfless, impetuous Jo. I think I like her better for that than I have in the whole book so far. Favorite Lines: Jo assumed an indifferent air, which did not deceive anyone a particle... (p. 145). Possible Discussion Questions: Do you find Jo more sympathetic or less after she confesses she's crying in the night over losing her hair, not over her father's peril?
I personally thought it adorable when Jo confessed she was really upset about her hair and that she could cry about it while her family was crying crying about something more important. It was so sweet and honest and right-that-s-just-how-I-am of her to admit it. I find her even more sympathetic now - people *do* cry over smaller things even when bad things are happening. (Actually, when there's something big happening, one is more prone to crying over sad things quicker, I believe - because everything is emotional.) I love how they did that in the movie, too, where she tells Beth and they kind of sit there cry-laughing about the sorry hair-business.
Yes, this is the chapter that I completely understand Jo. Like Naomi said, I think it's a very common reaction to cry over something completely little while something bigger is happening. Having her hair cut off was something tangible and in the moment, something her brain, which was obviously in shock, could address.
I think maybe it feels safer to cry over something little like hair -- huge, shocking things like the impending loss of a loved one are almost so big you can't fit your emotions around them at first, I think.
Yes, I certainly like Jo all the better for her very selfless act of devotion to her father! But my goodness...I don't think I could EVER be that brave...cut off ALL your hair?? :) So sorry for falling behind with commenting...I hope to be a bit more regular!
Kelly-Anne, don't feel bad for falling behind! That always happens with read-alongs around holidays. Catch up as you can, that's what everyone else is doing :-)
I really liked Jo's selfless act, it was very touching to read. And I agree with the above comments that when something this big happens, you are often too shocked to show any emotions, and it is much easier to cry over some little bagatelle.
I really liked the part when Marmee is looking at her children while they sleep, and then that part about the moon and God speaking to her...sigh. It was sweet:)
As a mom... I do creep into my kids' rooms and look at them while they're asleep sometimes. They're very innocent and easy to love when they're asleep :-)
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Oh look, I've got that copy of Little Women. :-P
ReplyDeleteI personally thought it adorable when Jo confessed she was really upset about her hair and that she could cry about it while her family was crying crying about something more important. It was so sweet and honest and right-that-s-just-how-I-am of her to admit it. I find her even more sympathetic now - people *do* cry over smaller things even when bad things are happening. (Actually, when there's something big happening, one is more prone to crying over sad things quicker, I believe - because everything is emotional.) I love how they did that in the movie, too, where she tells Beth and they kind of sit there cry-laughing about the sorry hair-business.
~ Naomi
Really? Very cool! I've been wondering if anyone had the covers I've been posting. There seem to be an unlimited number of different editions!
DeleteI also find it very realistic -- being on an emotional edge like they are, any little thing can set someone off.
Yes, this is the chapter that I completely understand Jo. Like Naomi said, I think it's a very common reaction to cry over something completely little while something bigger is happening. Having her hair cut off was something tangible and in the moment, something her brain, which was obviously in shock, could address.
ReplyDeleteI think maybe it feels safer to cry over something little like hair -- huge, shocking things like the impending loss of a loved one are almost so big you can't fit your emotions around them at first, I think.
DeleteYes, I certainly like Jo all the better for her very selfless act of devotion to her father! But my goodness...I don't think I could EVER be that brave...cut off ALL your hair?? :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for falling behind with commenting...I hope to be a bit more regular!
Kelly-Anne, don't feel bad for falling behind! That always happens with read-alongs around holidays. Catch up as you can, that's what everyone else is doing :-)
DeleteAnd yes, what a brave Jo!
I really liked Jo's selfless act, it was very touching to read.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with the above comments that when something this big happens, you are often too shocked to show any emotions, and it is much easier to cry over some little bagatelle.
Rose, isn't Jo heroic? Sure, it'll grow back, but back then it was such a big deal for a girl to have short hair.
DeleteEveryone is so sweet in this chapter :')
ReplyDeleteI really liked the part when Marmee is looking at her children while they sleep, and then that part about the moon and God speaking to her...sigh. It was sweet:)
As a mom... I do creep into my kids' rooms and look at them while they're asleep sometimes. They're very innocent and easy to love when they're asleep :-)
Delete