# Harvest Time explained — Little Women

> Chapter companion for Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

## What happens

Jo and Professor Bhaer inherit Plumfield from Aunt March and decide to open a school for boys. The chapter follows their success, the growth of their family, and a reflective family gathering during an apple-picking festival years later.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Sisterhood

The March family unites to support Jo's school plan, and the sisters reflect on their blessings and sorrows together.

### Ambition and Work

Jo's dream of running a school for boys is realized through hard work, patience, and dedication.

### Loss and Grief

Aunt March's death brings both sorrow and opportunity; Amy fears losing her frail daughter; Jo still thinks tenderly of Beth.

## Character check-ins

### Jo March

Now married to Professor Bhaer, she inherits Plumfield and opens a school for boys, becoming 'Mother Bhaer' and finding great happiness.

### Professor Bhaer

Jo's husband, who helps run the school and is beloved by the boys as 'Father Bhaer'.

### Laurie Laurence

Married to Amy, he supports Jo's plan and later suggests naming the school 'Bhaer-garten'.

### Amy March

Now Laurie's wife and mother to a frail daughter; she grows sweeter and more tender through her trials.

### Marmee March

The matriarch, who supports Jo's plan and is touched by her daughters' gratitude at the harvest festival.

### Meg March

Now a mother, she expresses concern about Jo's responsibilities but later joins the family celebration.

## Key lines

> The crop we are going to raise is a profitable one; and Jo laughed. 'Of what is this fine crop to consist, ma'am?' 'Boys.'

Jo announces her plan to run a school for boys, calling them her 'crop.'

_Jo's playful yet determined declaration of her life's work._

> Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and sad and dreary.

Everyone experiences sorrow and hardship at times.

_A poetic reflection on the inevitability of suffering, even in happy lives._

> O, my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greater happiness than this!

Marmee expresses that her daughters' current happiness is the greatest blessing she could wish for them.

_Marmee's heartfelt blessing at the family gathering._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se/chapters/part-ii-xlvii-harvest-time
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se/chapters