Little Women · Chapter
The Laurence Boy explained
Meg receives an invitation to a New Year's Eve party at the Gardiners', and the March sisters excitedly prepare with their limited wardrobes.
What happens
Meg receives an invitation to a New Year's Eve party at the Gardiners', and the March sisters excitedly prepare with their limited wardrobes. At the party, Jo meets Laurie Laurence for the first time, and they bond over dancing and conversation. Meg sprains her ankle, and Laurie graciously offers his grandfather's carriage to take them home, solidifying a new friendship.
Themes in this chapter
Poverty and Wealth
The March sisters' anxiety over their limited wardrobes—mended poplins, stained gloves, and borrowed accessories—highlights their modest means compared to wealthier families like the Gardiners and Laurences.
Coming of Age and Self-Improvement
Jo and Meg navigate social expectations at the party, learning to manage their appearances and behavior, while Jo's budding friendship with Laurie marks a step in her social development.
Characters to notice
- Jo March
Jo is found reading in the garret, helps Meg prepare for the party, meets and dances with Laurie, and assists Meg after her injury.
- Meg March
Meg receives the party invitation, worries about her dress, enjoys the party despite spraining her ankle, and accepts Laurie's help to get home.
- Laurie Laurence
Laurie meets Jo at the party, dances with her, offers his grandfather's carriage to take the March sisters home, and shows himself to be polite and kind.
- Beth March
Beth is present during the pre-party preparations, observing the curling of Meg's hair.
- Amy March
Amy is present during the pre-party preparations, smoothing her own curls with a superior air.
Key passages
“Jo! Jo! where are you?”
Meg called out for Jo at the bottom of the attic stairs.
Meg seeks Jo to share the exciting party invitation.
“If I only had a silk!”
Meg wished she owned a silk dress.
Meg laments their lack of fine clothing for the party.
“I'll be as prim as I can, and not get into any scrapes, if I can help it.”
Jo promised to behave properly and avoid trouble.
Jo reassures Meg about her conduct at the party.
“I have a bad trick of standing before the fire, and so I burn my frocks, and I scorched this one; and, though it's nicely mended, it shows, and Meg told me to keep still, so no one would see it.”
Jo explained that she often stands too close to the fire and burned her dress, so Meg told her to stay still to hide the scorch mark.
Jo confesses her mishap to Laurie, who responds kindly.
“I'll ask Laurie; he will go.”
Jo suggested asking Laurie to fetch a carriage.
Jo thinks of Laurie as a helpful resource when Meg is injured.