# Calls explained — Little Women

> Chapter companion for Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

## What happens

Jo reluctantly accompanies Amy on a series of social calls, struggling to conform to proper etiquette. At the Chesters, Jo's exaggerated silence embarrasses Amy; at the Lambs, Jo's overly familiar and boastful stories about their family's poverty mortify Amy further. Later, Jo finds relief playing with children at another home, while Amy socializes with the more refined Tudor family.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Wealth

Jo's frankness about the family's poverty contrasts with Amy's desire to conceal their 'little shifts' and appear genteel, highlighting the tension between honesty and social pretense.

### Gender Roles and Independence

Jo chafes against the restrictive, performative nature of women's social duties, preferring her writing and practical work over the 'civil' calls expected of her.

## Character check-ins

### Jo March

Reluctantly makes social calls, struggles with etiquette, and alternates between silent stiffness and embarrassing frankness about the family's poverty.

### Amy March

Anxious about social appearances, she tries to coach Jo on proper behavior and is frustrated by Jo's failures to impress.

### Meg March

Briefly appears as the sisters stop to borrow her white sunshade; she inspects them with a baby on each arm.

### Laurie Laurence

Not directly present in the chapter, but referenced as part of the social circle.

## Key lines

> Why, she wanted a pair of blue boots for Sallie's party, so she just painted her soiled white ones the loveliest shade of sky-blue you ever saw, and they looked exactly like satin

Jo tells the Lambs about Amy painting her old white boots blue for a party, embarrassing Amy by revealing their poverty.

_Jo's anecdote exposes the family's financial struggles, much to Amy's dismay._

> Sorry you could find nothing better to read. I write that rubbish because it sells, and ordinary people like it.

Jo dismisses her own writing as 'rubbish' when complimented, offending Miss Lamb.

_Jo's brusque modesty about her literary work shows her discomfort with praise and social niceties._

> I'm perfectly miserable; but if you consider me presentable, I die happy.

Jo sarcastically declares herself miserable but ready, after being dressed up by Amy.

_Jo's theatrical resignation underscores her dislike of formal social obligations._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se/chapters/part-ii-xxix-calls
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_women_se/chapters