Little Women · Chapter
Literary Lessons explained
Jo March wins a writing prize and uses the money to send Beth and Mrs.
What happens
Jo March wins a writing prize and uses the money to send Beth and Mrs. March to the seaside for Beth's health. She continues writing stories to support her family, then faces the challenge of publishing her novel. After receiving contradictory criticism, she learns to accept both praise and blame, growing wiser and stronger as a writer.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Work
Jo's determination to earn money through writing, her disciplined 'scribbling suit' and vortex of creativity, and her resolve to succeed despite criticism highlight the theme of ambition and hard work.
Poverty and Wealth
Jo uses her writing earnings to provide comforts for her family, reflecting the tension between poverty and the desire for financial security, and the satisfaction of self-sufficiency.
Coming of Age and Self-Improvement
Jo's journey from a struggling writer to a published author, learning from criticism and growing in wisdom, embodies coming of age and self-improvement.
Characters to notice
- Jo March
Wins a writing prize, uses money for Beth's seaside trip, writes stories to support family, publishes her novel despite harsh criticism, and grows from the experience.
- Beth March
Beneficiary of Jo's prize money, goes to the seaside with Mrs. March for her health, shows wistful longing to see Jo's book printed soon.
- Marmee March
Accompanies Beth to the seaside, feels ten years younger, advises Jo to seek outside criticism for her novel.
- Amy March
Takes a practical view of publishing, advises Jo to follow the publisher's advice to make money.
- Meg March
Believes Jo's book is remarkable, advises against cutting explanations from the story.
- Mr. March
Advises Jo to let her book wait and ripen, having waited patiently for his own work.
Key passages
“Aim at the highest, and never mind the money.”
Set your sights on the best possible goal and don't worry about financial gain.
Jo's motto reflects her idealistic approach to writing, though she later balances it with practical needs.
“Wealth is certainly a most desirable thing, but poverty has its sunny side, and one of the sweet uses of adversity is the genuine satisfaction which comes from hearty work of head or hand.”
While being rich is nice, being poor has its advantages, and one of the best parts of hardship is the real happiness that comes from working hard with your mind or hands.
The narrator reflects on Jo's satisfaction in earning money through her writing, highlighting the value of hard work.
“Not being a genius, like Keats, it won't kill me.”
Since I'm not a genius like the poet Keats, this criticism won't destroy me.
Jo's resilient response to harsh reviews, showing her ability to laugh at herself and move forward.