Lily Kaya’s Reviews > Little Women > Status Update

“Lackadaisical”

Meaning: “Lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy”

Use: He looked at Meg with such a lackadaisical expression that she laughed outright and spoiled his song.

(V)

In Chapter 10 we see the sisters’ Pickwick Portfolio. Their own weekly newspaper. The end has a weekly report in the gils that only says: Meg-Good, Jo-Bad, Beth-Very Good, Amy-Very Good. I’ve heard of a lot of people who don’t like little women because they think the characters are too simple. I think this might be Alcott anticipating that and having some fun with it. (WS)

Cont.

But then during the party Thursday night she was disappointed in herself for acting like them, and few moments later goes right back to having a great time.
I’m having trouble understanding Meg and I think she is too. She can’t decide if she wants to be a part of the high class society that she admires. She’s torn between thinking it’s too superficial and loosing herself in all the glory. (Summarize)

Chapter nine is all about Meg’s Sleepover at the Moffat house and the parties and events she attends during her time there. She often went back and forth with how she felt about the high class socialites. After hearing what they said about her dress and the tumors they were spreading about her an Laurie she was devastated but then soon forgot all about it when the girls offered to give her a fun makeover.

Cont.

At one pint, Jo gets really angry at her sister for burning her manuscript of stories that she had been working on for years. How long would it take you to forgive someone for destroying something that took so much effort and you valued greatly? (Ask)

Chapter 8 ends with Jo confiding in her mother about her temper and although I like that this reveals the similarities between Mrs.March and Jo and their relationship, two pages worth of advice from Mrs.March was just too much for me. It just got annoying. And I don’t think that Jo would have liked receiving that advice as much as she turned out to. (Argue)

Amy just burned Jo’s book. I think even for Amy, this is too far. I don’t think there’s anything she can do for Jo to forgive her. (S)

Do you agree that books from years and years ago focusing on the issues around gender stereotypes and specifically women’s role in society are still relatable today? And if yes how does that make you feel? (Ask)

Beth is very excited about being able to play the piano at the Laurence home. “She woke Amy in the night by playing the piano on her face I her sleep” this quote shows how excited she was and also just made me laugh. (Summarize, Favorites)

Why could Alcott have chosen to keep Mr. March out of the picture? He is far away at war, which is fitting for the time period, but she could have chosen to have him at home with the girls. (A)