Little Women · Chapter
Jo's Journal explained
Jo writes a long letter to her family describing her new life as a governess in New York.
What happens
Jo writes a long letter to her family describing her new life as a governess in New York. She details her living arrangements at Mrs. Kirke's boarding house, her first impressions of Professor Bhaer, her teaching methods, and the growing friendship between them. The chapter includes her New Year's Eve masquerade, her receipt of a Shakespeare volume from Bhaer, and the beginning of German lessons.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Work
Jo takes her role as a governess seriously, works diligently at sewing and teaching, and pursues German lessons to improve herself.
Moral and Spiritual Growth
Jo reflects on her own improvement: being cheerful, working with a will, and taking more interest in others.
Coming of Age and Self-Improvement
Jo's journal documents her maturation as she adapts to independence, learns German, and forms a meaningful friendship with Professor Bhaer.
Characters to notice
- Jo March
Narrates her experiences as a governess in New York, her friendship with Professor Bhaer, and her efforts at self-improvement.
- Professor Bhaer
Kind, scholarly German professor who helps Jo with German lessons and gives her a Shakespeare volume.
- Marmee March
Addressed in Jo's letter; Jo mentions her mother's flannels and advice.
- Beth March
Addressed in Jo's letter; Jo thanks Beth for the ink-bib.
- Mrs. Kirke
Landlady of the boarding house who welcomes Jo and provides her with a room and position.
- Laurie Laurence
Mentioned in Jo's phrase 'Teddy-ism' referring to a saying of his.
Key passages
“I amused myself by dropping gingerbread nuts over the seat every time they opened their mouths to roar.”
Jo entertained herself by tossing gingerbread nuts to quiet crying children on the train.
Shows Jo's playful and kind nature even when feeling blue.
“Trifles show character.”
Small actions reveal a person's true nature.
Jo reflects on Professor Bhaer's kindness in carrying coal for a servant.
“I never knew how much there was in Shakespeare before; but then I never had a Bhaer to explain it to me.”
Jo realizes the depth of Shakespeare's work only after Professor Bhaer helps her understand it.
Highlights Bhaer's influence on Jo's intellectual growth.
“I felt as if I was getting on a little in spite of my many failures; for I'm cheerful all the time now, work with a will, and take more interest in other people than I used to, which is satisfactory.”
Jo feels she is making progress despite past mistakes, noting her improved cheerfulness, diligence, and empathy.
Demonstrates Jo's self-awareness and personal growth.