Before I get into this chapter, let me mention that Heidi has posted a review of the 1949 Little Women movie here on her blog, just in time for the end of the read-along! It's a charming review, so please go read it.
Now, on to the final chapter.
I really love the Bhaers' school at Plumfield, and reading this chapter is like a wonderful lead-in to Little Men, which I love since I like that book even better.
Did you catch the fact that they admitted a black student? Alcott uses the word "quadroon," which was another word for someone who is a quarter black (I know cuz I Googled it, you see). The notes in my copy say that Alcott's father ran a private school that had to close because they enrolled a black student, and white families pulled their children out of the school in protest. So I'd say this is Alcott's way of fictionally righting that wrong.
Favorite Lines:
For a year Jo and her Professor worked and waited, hoped and loved, met occasionally, and wrote such voluminous letters that the rise in the price of paper was accounted for, Laurie said (p. 431).
"Think what luxury -- Plumfield my own, and a wilderness of boys to enjoy it with me" (p. 432).
"I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world!" burst out Jo, who was in an unusually up-lifted frame of mind just then (p. 434).
Possible Discussion Questions:
Have you read Little Men and/or Jo's Boys? Which is your favorite of the three?
I love "Harvest Time"--so satisfying :)
ReplyDeleteI've actually read all three books, and I have to say Little Women is my favorite, because it's so . . . well, epic. I mean, it covers a span of fifteen years and gives you a detailed history of the maturity process for five very different characters (Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, Laurie). Plus, the writing is just so beautifully done throughout.
To be honest, I would also say that I don't like Little Men and Jo's Boys as much because I feel like in those books, Alcott gets a lot more "preachy" than in Little Women. And because I often find myself disagreeing with her ideas, it sort of turns me off . . . But I'll also admit I find the end of Jo's Boys (you know, the thing with Dan and Bess) pretty inspiring. And I am happy that the books exist, even if they aren't my favorites overall, because it's good to know what happens to everybody in the end.
Jessica, I do think Little Women is the best of the three, from a literary standpoint, I just enjoy Little Men more. You're right, it does get preachy, though. Jo's Boys makes me sad and I've only read it twice.
DeleteYay! It was a fun read-along (well, at least the parts I actually partook in. I had to read like every spare moment to get caught up, haha!)
ReplyDeleteI am in the middle of Little Men. It's really good so far, but I do agree with Jessica on that it's a little preachy. But it's still really good. :D
~Lydia~ <3
Lydia, yes! It's been so fun :-) I'm glad you're enjoying Little Men next. My favorite character was always Dan, the rascal.
DeleteI've read Little Men!! It's adorable. I've also read Jo's Boys. It made me sad. :(
ReplyDeleteCorinne -- that's exactly my thoughts on them. One adorable, one sad.
DeleteSuch a fun read along! I absolutely loved reading it. Little Men is fantastic. In fact, I think I'll start re-reading right now!
ReplyDeleteCGrace, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Have fun reading Little Men!
DeleteFinally, we reach the end. This is the longest read along I've ever joined, and I enjoy it. Thanks for hosting this, Hamlette.
ReplyDeleteBzee, it did get a bit long, didn't it? Not quite the 9 months it took to get through The Lord of the Rings, but of course that's 3 long books smooshed together. Thanks for participating!
DeleteOh...I can't believe are done! What an enjoyable read-along this has been - thanks so much for hosting, Hamlette:)
ReplyDeleteMy mom read Little Men to us years ago...I have always preferred Good Wives and Little Women, probably because I have five sisters and can relate to all the girly topics, etc... But I loved Little Men too and want to read Jo's Boys as well as some time!
I love this last chapter...everything is ended off so beautifully, and don't you think it is sweet how Amy and Laurie named their daughter Beth?
Blessings!
Kelly-Anne
Kelly-Anne, I know! All of a sudden, done.
DeleteAmy and Laurie's daughter being named Beth is one of the most perfect things ever.
Thanks for all your charming comments, encouragement, and guest post!
I did it I did it I DID IT!!!! I know. It's been a while, but I was determined to do it.... I FINISHED!!!!! ;D
ReplyDeleteAnd.... I think that's really all I had to say. :) Oh! Besides answering your question, of course. Yes, I have read both Little Men and Jo's Boy's -- multiple times!
(And now I'd best head off to chores. ;))
Hurrah! Good for you.
Delete(That Silmarillion read-along I'm doing -- I am 9 chapters behind right now. So I know just how you felt. Determined!)
Oh dear. There was a type there in Jo's Boys.... Sigh. I'm afraid my brain's a little sizzled. ;P
ReplyDeleteTsk tsk. Just kidding! I probably wouldn't even have noticed, cuz... it's Friday night, I've been on my feet doing all kinds of cleaning all day, and yeah... it's Friday!
DeleteWithout reading your review of every chapter, it's obvious you liked it. How could you not. Such a charming story.
ReplyDeleteJoseph, I definitely did! I was so happy to find that I liked it just as much as I did when I was a girl -- and possibly more!
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