Little Women · Chapter
Playing Pilgrims explained
The March sisters and their mother discuss a letter from father, who is away serving in the war.
What happens
The March sisters and their mother discuss a letter from father, who is away serving in the war. Mrs. March encourages the girls to think of their daily struggles as a modern Pilgrim's Progress, each carrying their own burden and striving to improve themselves before father returns. The chapter establishes the family's close bond, their modest circumstances, and their commitment to self-improvement.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Sisterhood
The March sisters and their mother gather around the fire to read father's letter, plan Christmas gifts for Marmee, and support each other in their daily duties.
Moral and Spiritual Growth
Mrs. March reframes their struggles as a modern Pilgrim's Progress, encouraging the girls to carry their burdens and strive for goodness as a lifelong journey.
Poverty and Wealth
The family's poverty is evident in the worn-out slippers, the need to sew for Aunt March, and the girls' decision to sacrifice their own Christmas wishes to buy gifts for their mother.
Characters to notice
- Jo March
Leans on the back of the chair to hide emotion while the letter is read; declares herself 'the man of the family' and vows to provide slippers for Marmee; proposes the play rehearsal.
- Meg March
Sits on the arm of the mother's chair; admits she thinks too much of her looks and hates to work; suggests giving gloves for Christmas.
- Beth March
Asks when father will come home; knits with all her might after the letter; confesses her burden is dishes, dusters, and envy of nice pianos; plays the old piano for the family singing.
- Amy March
Hides her face on mother's shoulder and sobs; wants to buy cologne for Marmee and pencils for herself; struggles with the fainting scene in the play rehearsal.
- Marmee March
Reads the father's letter aloud; proposes the Pilgrim's Progress game as a real-life guide; suggests the girls find their guidebook under their pillows on Christmas morning.
Key passages
“Give them all my dear love and a kiss. Tell them I think of them by day, pray for them by night, and find my best comfort in their affection at all times.”
Send my love and a kiss to each girl. I think of them constantly, pray for them every night, and their love is my greatest comfort.
Father's closing words in his letter, expressing his deep love and longing for his family.
“Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City.”
Our difficulties are real, our path lies ahead, and our desire to be good and happy will guide us through hardships and errors to a peaceful, heavenly state.
Mrs. March's allegorical interpretation of Pilgrim's Progress, applying it to the girls' daily lives.
“I'm the man of the family now papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of mother while he was gone.”
Since Father is gone, I am the man of the house, and I will buy the slippers because he asked me to look after Mother.
Jo asserts her role as the family's protector and provider in her father's absence.