Little Women · Chapter
Being Neighborly explained
On a snowy afternoon, Jo March decides to make the acquaintance of the lonely Laurence boy, Laurie, who has been ill and confined to his house.
What happens
On a snowy afternoon, Jo March decides to make the acquaintance of the lonely Laurence boy, Laurie, who has been ill and confined to his house. After clearing paths in the garden, she throws a snowball to get his attention, and they strike up a conversation. Jo visits Laurie in his home, explores the library, and eventually meets his grandfather, old Mr. Laurence, who is charmed by her frankness. The chapter ends with the March sisters reflecting on their own 'Pilgrim's Progress' and the possibility that the Laurence house might be their 'Palace Beautiful.'
Themes in this chapter
Coming of Age and Self-Improvement
Jo's bold neighborly visit and her frank conversation with Mr. Laurence mark a step in her personal growth and social confidence.
Family and Sisterhood
The March sisters' interactions—Meg's caution, Jo's adventure, Beth's reflection, Amy's pride—highlight their close-knit bond and differing personalities.
Characters to notice
- Jo March
Initiates a neighborly visit to Laurie, showing her adventurous and daring nature; she is unafraid of old Mr. Laurence and wins his approval.
- Laurie Laurence
Recovering from a cold and feeling lonely; he eagerly welcomes Jo's company and shows her his grandfather's library.
- Meg March
Advises Jo to stay indoors by the fire, but Jo ignores her; Meg represents the more cautious, domestic sister.
- Beth March
Mentioned as the one for whom Jo clears a path in the snow; later she reflects on 'Pilgrim's Progress' and the idea of the Laurence house as 'Palace Beautiful.'
- Amy March
Seen snowballing with Beth; later asserts she is not a child, showing her precociousness.
- Old Mr. Laurence
Returns home during Jo's visit; initially gruff, he is won over by Jo's honesty and compliments her grandfather.
Key passages
“What in the world are you going to do now, Jo?”
Meg asks Jo what she plans to do as Jo heads out in the snow with a broom and shovel.
Meg's question sets up Jo's adventurous plan to visit the Laurence house.
“That boy is suffering for society and fun.”
Jo thinks Laurie is lonely and needs company and amusement.
Jo's observation motivates her to reach out to Laurie.
“I'm not afraid of anything.”
Jo declares her fearlessness when Laurie suggests she might be scared of his grandfather.
Jo's boldness is a key character trait displayed here.
“You've got your grandfather's spirit, if you haven't his face.”
Mr. Laurence tells Jo that she has the same courageous and honest character as her grandfather.
This compliment from Mr. Laurence affirms Jo's integrity and wins his favor.
“We have got to get by the lions, first.”
Jo says they must overcome challenges before reaching their 'Palace Beautiful,' referencing 'Pilgrim's Progress.'
Jo uses the allegory to express that the sisters still face trials before achieving their goals.