# Jo Meets Apollyon explained — Little Women

> Chapter companion for Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

## What happens

Jo and Meg go to the theater with Laurie, excluding Amy, who retaliates by burning Jo's cherished manuscript of fairy tales. Jo's fierce anger leads to a bitter rift, and despite Amy's apology and their mother's counsel, Jo remains unforgiving. The tension culminates in a skating outing where Jo's unresolved anger isolates her from her sister.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Sisterhood

The chapter explores the volatile bond between Jo and Amy, showing how sibling rivalry and resentment can disrupt family harmony.

### Moral and Spiritual Growth

Jo's internal battle with her temper is framed as a moral struggle, with Marmee's counsel urging forgiveness and self-improvement.

### Loss and Grief

Jo's grief over the destruction of her manuscript is portrayed as a profound personal loss, akin to mourning a cherished creation.

## Character check-ins

### Jo March

Struggles with her fiery temper after Amy burns her manuscript; refuses to forgive and isolates herself.

### Amy March

Feels excluded and retaliates by burning Jo's book; later apologizes but is rebuffed.

### Meg March

Tries to mediate between Jo and Amy; advises Amy on how to make amends.

### Beth March

Mourns the loss of Jo's manuscript and feels the family discord deeply.

### Marmee March

Gently counsels Jo to forgive before nightfall, but her advice is not heeded.

### Laurie Laurence

Accompanies Jo and Meg to the theater; later goes skating with Jo, unaware of the full extent of the quarrel.

## Key lines

> You'll be sorry for this, Jo March; see if you ain't.

Amy threatens Jo with consequences for excluding her from the theater outing.

_Amy's threat foreshadows her vengeful act of burning Jo's manuscript._

> I never shall forgive you.

Jo refuses to accept Amy's apology for destroying her book.

_Jo's stubbornness highlights her struggle with anger and forgiveness._

> My dear, don't let the sun go down upon your anger; forgive each other, help each other, and begin again tomorrow.

Marmee advises Jo to reconcile with Amy before the day ends.

_This moral counsel underscores the theme of spiritual growth and the importance of forgiveness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se/chapters/part-i-viii-jo-meets-apollyon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se/chapters