Little Women · Chapter
Our Foreign Correspondent explained
Amy writes a long letter home describing her travels through England and France with Aunt March and Flo.
What happens
Amy writes a long letter home describing her travels through England and France with Aunt March and Flo. She recounts her journey across the Atlantic, her impressions of the English countryside, and her time in London with the Vaughn family. In Paris, she continues to enjoy sightseeing and the company of Fred Vaughn, who has joined them. Amy reflects on her feelings for Fred, acknowledging his wealth and suitability as a match, and admits she would accept him if he proposed, despite not being madly in love. The chapter ends with Fred receiving news that his brother Frank is ill and must return home.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Work
Amy actively cultivates her artistic taste and education through travel, sketching, and museum visits, showing her ambition for self-improvement.
Love and Marriage
Amy contemplates a practical marriage to Fred Vaughn based on wealth and comfort rather than passionate love, reflecting societal views on matrimony.
Poverty and Wealth
Amy explicitly states her hatred of poverty and her determination to marry well to secure financial comfort for herself and her family.
Characters to notice
- Amy March
The letter writer and protagonist of the chapter, sharing her European adventures and romantic considerations.
- Fred Vaughn
A wealthy English friend of Laurie's who accompanies Amy and her family in Paris, showing romantic interest in Amy.
- Florence
Amy's cousin, traveling with her and Aunt March, and the recipient of Frank Vaughn's attention.
- Aunt Carrol
Amy's aunt, who chaperones the trip and is initially wary of Fred Vaughn's presence.
- Laurie Laurence
Mentioned as the connection to the Vaughn family and as a friend from Camp Laurence.
- Beth March
Mentioned fondly by Amy, who wishes Beth could have enjoyed the sea voyage and notes Frank Vaughn's inquiry about her health.
- Jo March
Referenced in Amy's letter with playful teasing about Jo's adventurous spirit and lack of artistic appreciation.
- Robert Lennox
A fellow traveler who leaves the ship at Queenstown and sends Amy a bouquet with his compliments.
Key passages
“I may be mercenary, but I hate poverty, and don't mean to bear it a minute longer than I can help. One of us must marry well; Meg didn't, Jo won't, Beth can't yet, so I shall, and make everything cozy all round.”
Amy admits she might seem materialistic, but she despises being poor and is determined to escape it. She reasons that since her sisters cannot or will not make a wealthy match, she will do so to provide comfort for everyone.
Amy's candid justification for her pragmatic approach to marriage, highlighting her ambition and sense of family duty.
“I haven't flirted, mother, truly, but remembered what you said to me, and have done my very best. I can't help it if people like me; I don't try to make them, and it worries me if I don't care for them, though Jo says I haven't got any heart.”
Amy assures her mother she has not been flirtatious, recalling her mother's advice. She feels troubled when she cannot reciprocate others' affections, despite Jo's claim that she is heartless.
Amy's reflection on her behavior and emotions, showing her internal conflict between social expectations and her own feelings.
