Little Women · Chapter
Castles in the Air explained
On a warm September afternoon, Laurie lounges in his hammock, feeling restless and dissatisfied.
What happens
On a warm September afternoon, Laurie lounges in his hammock, feeling restless and dissatisfied. He spies the March sisters heading out for a picnic and follows them to a pine grove they call the 'Delectable Mountain.' They invite him to join their 'Busy Bee Society,' where they work and play pilgrims. The conversation turns to their dreams for the future—each shares a 'castle in the air'—and they make a pact to meet in ten years to see how many wishes have come true. Laurie confides his frustration with his grandfather's plans for him, and Meg defends Mr. Brooke's character, urging Laurie to do his duty.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Work
Each character shares their 'castle in the air'—their dreams for the future—and the chapter emphasizes the importance of striving toward one's goals through diligence and patience.
Coming of Age and Self-Improvement
The sisters and Laurie reflect on their growth and make a pact to meet in ten years, highlighting the journey from youth to adulthood and the pursuit of self-betterment.
Family and Sisterhood
The March sisters support each other's dreams and include Laurie in their close-knit circle, demonstrating the strength of their bond and the warmth of their family life.
Characters to notice
- Laurie Laurence
Restless and indolent, Laurie joins the March sisters' picnic and shares his 'castle in the air'—to travel the world as a musician. He confides his frustration with his grandfather's expectations.
- Jo March
Knitting and reading aloud, Jo is the lively organizer of the Busy Bee Society. She shares her dream of writing great books and encourages Laurie to break free from his grandfather's plans.
- Meg March
Sewing daintily, Meg acts as the maternal voice, advising Laurie to do his duty. She defends Mr. Brooke's goodness and hints at her own romantic interest.
- Beth March
Sorting cones, Beth is gentle and musing. She expresses a wish to stay at home with her parents and later comforts Laurie with her quiet faith.
- Amy March
Sketching ferns, Amy shares her artistic ambition to become a great painter. She is the youngest and most refined of the sisters.
Key passages
“Laurie lay luxuriously swinging to and fro in his hammock, one warm September afternoon, wondering what his neighbors were about, but too lazy to go and find out.”
Laurie lounged in his hammock on a warm September afternoon, curious about the March sisters but too lazy to investigate.
Establishes Laurie's indolent mood at the chapter's opening.
“If we are all alive ten years hence, let's meet, and see how many of us have got our wishes, or how much nearer we are then than now.”
Jo proposes they reunite in ten years to see how many of their dreams have come true.
Highlights the chapter's central theme of future aspirations and the pact among the friends.
“I advise you to sail away in one of your ships, and never come home again till you have tried your own way.”
Jo encourages Laurie to defy his grandfather and pursue his own path by sailing away.
Shows Jo's impulsive support for Laurie's rebellion against family expectations.