Little Women · Chapter
II: A Merry Christmas explained
On Christmas morning, the March sisters wake to find little books from their mother, which they begin reading together.
What happens
On Christmas morning, the March sisters wake to find little books from their mother, which they begin reading together. After discovering that Amy has secretly exchanged her modest gift for a nicer one, Mrs. March returns and asks the girls to give their breakfast to a poor, starving family, the Hummels. They eagerly do so, finding joy in self-sacrifice. The day continues with gift-giving and preparations for an evening theatrical performance put on by the sisters.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Sisterhood
The sisters share their Christmas books, work together to prepare gifts, and support each other in acts of charity.
Poverty and Wealth
The March family's modest means contrast with the extreme poverty of the Hummels, highlighting the theme of giving despite scarcity.
Moral and Spiritual Growth
The girls read their mother's gift books, strive to be unselfish, and learn the joy of loving their neighbor through sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Jo March
First to wake; receives a crimson book; leads the theatrical performance, playing male roles.
- Meg March
Wakes second; receives a green book; organizes the gift basket and encourages her sisters to read daily.
- Beth March
Receives a dove-colored book; embroiders 'Mother' on handkerchiefs; eagerly helps carry food to the Hummels.
- Amy March
Receives a blue book; secretly exchanges her cheap cologne for a handsome flask; gives up muffins for the poor family.
- Marmee March
Gives the girls their books; leads the charity visit to the Hummels; receives homemade gifts from her daughters.
- Hannah Mullet
Helps with breakfast preparations and carries wood to the Hummels' home.
Key passages
“Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies.”
Jo woke first on Christmas morning and was briefly disappointed to see no stockings at the fireplace, reminding her of a childhood memory when her sock fell from being overstuffed.
Highlights Jo's initial disappointment and nostalgia, setting the tone for the chapter's focus on inner gifts.
“My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present?”
Mrs. March asks her daughters to donate their own breakfast to a starving family as a Christmas gift.
Central moral challenge of the chapter, prompting the girls' selfless act.
“That's loving our neighbor better than ourselves, and I like it," said Meg, as they set out their presents.”
Meg reflects that giving to others is a form of love she enjoys, as they arrange their gifts.
Summarizes the chapter's theme of charity and selflessness.