# Learning to Forget explained — Little Women

> Chapter companion for Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

## What happens

Laurie, after being scolded by Amy, returns to his grandfather and resolves to prove himself through music, but struggles to compose. Meanwhile, Amy regrets her worldly ambitions and grows closer to Laurie through letters and a meeting in Vevay after Beth's death. Their bond deepens as they comfort each other, leading Laurie to realize his feelings have shifted from Jo to Amy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Coming of Age and Self-Improvement

Laurie resolves to overcome his heartbreak and pursue meaningful work, while Amy matures beyond her earlier materialism.

### Love and Marriage

The chapter traces the evolution of Laurie's feelings from Jo to Amy, and Amy's shift from seeking wealth to valuing genuine affection.

### Loss and Grief

Beth's death casts a shadow over the chapter, bringing Amy and Laurie together in mutual comfort.

## Character check-ins

### Laurie Laurence

Attempts to channel his sorrow into music, but finds himself distracted and eventually turns his affections toward Amy.

### Amy March

Regrets her earlier worldly desires, grows pensive, and finds comfort in Laurie's company after Beth's death.

### Jo March

Referenced as the object of Laurie's past love; her rejection spurs his initial efforts to improve.

### Beth March

Her death is a key event that brings Amy and Laurie together in shared grief.

### Aunt Carrol

Observes Amy's changed demeanor and encourages Laurie's stay, suspecting Amy's feelings for him.

## Key lines

> I despise you; Go and do something splendid that will make her love you.

Amy's harsh words spur Laurie to prove himself worthy of respect.

_Amy's lecture motivates Laurie to seek self-improvement._

> Little children, love one another.

The mountains and lake seem to urge Amy and Laurie toward affection.

_Nature mirrors the growing bond between Amy and Laurie._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se/chapters/part-ii-xli-learning-to-forget
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se/chapters