# Consequences explained — Little Women

> Chapter companion for Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

## What happens

Amy learns of her opportunity to travel to Europe with Aunt Carrol, while Jo struggles with disappointment and jealousy. Amy prepares for her journey, and the family deals with the emotional aftermath of her departure. Meanwhile, Amy faces challenges at a fair, where she chooses kindness over retaliation after being slighted by May and others.

## Themes in this chapter

### Coming of Age and Self-Improvement

Amy demonstrates moral growth by choosing kindness over retaliation at the fair, taking a sermon to heart and putting it into practice.

### Family and Sisterhood

The March family supports each other through Amy's departure and Jo's disappointment, highlighting their bonds and sacrifices.

## Character check-ins

### Jo March

Struggles with disappointment over not being chosen for the Europe trip; tries to hide her bitterness and support Amy.

### Amy March

Excitedly prepares for her European trip; later shows maturity by choosing kindness at the fair despite being slighted.

### Laurie Laurence

Comforts Amy as she departs, promising to take care of her family; unaware of the future weight of his promise.

### Beth March

Comforts Jo, expressing selfish gladness that Jo is staying home, showing her loving and clinging nature.

### Marmee March

Advises Jo to bear the disappointment cheerfully and later praises Amy's choice to respond with kindness.

## Key lines

> Oh, take care of them for me; and if anything should happen—

Amy asks Laurie to look after her family if something goes wrong.

_Amy's farewell to Laurie as she departs for Europe._

> I'll take a leaf out of her book, and try not only to seem glad, but to be so, and not grudge her one minute of happiness; but it won't be easy, for it is a dreadful disappointment;

Jo resolves to imitate Amy's cheerful attitude and not resent her happiness, though she finds it very hard.

_Jo's internal struggle after learning she cannot go to Europe._

> Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

The biblical command to love others as oneself.

_The verse Amy reads in her illuminated book, prompting her to act kindly._

## Links

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