Little Women · Chapter
Dark Days explained
Beth falls gravely ill with scarlet fever, and the March family faces a time of intense fear and waiting.
What happens
Beth falls gravely ill with scarlet fever, and the March family faces a time of intense fear and waiting. Jo and Meg care for her while keeping the severity from their mother until the doctor insists Mrs. March be sent for. Jo sends a telegram, and Laurie offers comfort. After a long, anxious night, Beth's fever breaks, bringing hope.
Themes in this chapter
Loss and Grief
The chapter centers on the fear of losing Beth and the profound grief the family experiences during her illness.
Family and Sisterhood
The sisters unite in their care for Beth, and their bond is strengthened through shared anxiety and hope.
Moral and Spiritual Growth
Jo and Meg make earnest vows to God, and Jo learns to find solace in faith and friendship during the crisis.
Characters to notice
- Beth March
Lies gravely ill with scarlet fever, delirious and unconscious, but eventually the fever breaks.
- Jo March
Devotes herself to nursing Beth, sends for her mother, and finds comfort in Laurie's support.
- Meg March
Stays home to keep house, feels guilty about hiding Beth's illness, and keeps a telegram ready.
- Laurie Laurence
Haunts the house, comforts Jo in her distress, and goes to meet Mrs. March at the station.
- Marmee March
Away in Washington with Mr. March; is sent for and expected to arrive.
- Hannah Mullet
Nurses Beth with the doctor, insists on not alarming Mrs. March initially, and rejoices when the fever breaks.
Key passages
“How dark the days seemed now, how sad and lonely the house, and how heavy were the hearts of the sisters as they worked and waited, while the shadow of death hovered over the once happy home!”
The days felt gloomy and the house sorrowful as the sisters labored and waited, with death looming over their formerly joyful home.
Describes the oppressive atmosphere during Beth's illness.
“Then it was that Jo, living in the darkened room, with that suffering little sister always before her eyes, and that pathetic voice sounding in her ears, learned to see the beauty and the sweetness of Beth's nature...”
In the darkened sickroom, Jo came to appreciate Beth's gentle, selfless character and the value of simple virtues over talent or wealth.
Highlights Jo's emotional and moral growth.
“I'm here. Hold on to me, Jo, dear!”
Laurie offers Jo his hand and tells her to cling to him for support.
Shows Laurie's comforting presence during Jo's distress.
“The fever's turned; she's sleepin' nat'ral; her skin's damp, and she breathes easy. Praise be given! Oh, my goodness me!”
Hannah announces that Beth's fever has broken, she is sleeping naturally, and her breathing is easy, giving thanks.
Marks the turning point from crisis to hope.