Little Women · Chapter
A Friend explained
Jo March, driven by ambition to earn money for her family, writes sensational stories for the Weekly Volcano.
What happens
Jo March, driven by ambition to earn money for her family, writes sensational stories for the Weekly Volcano. After a critical conversation with Professor Bhaer, she becomes ashamed of her work and burns her manuscripts. She attempts moralistic and juvenile literature but fails, leading her to a humbler resolve. The chapter ends with Jo reflecting on the friendship she has formed with Professor Bhaer.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Work
Jo's drive to earn money through writing reflects her ambition, but she struggles with the ethical compromises of sensationalism.
Moral and Spiritual Growth
Jo's decision to burn her stories and seek more wholesome writing demonstrates her moral development and self-reflection.
Poverty and Wealth
Jo's desire for money to support her family and fulfill dreams highlights the tension between poverty and the pursuit of wealth.
Characters to notice
- Jo March
Jo pursues writing sensation stories for money, later burns them after feeling ashamed, and ultimately values her friendship with Professor Bhaer.
- Professor Bhaer
Professor Bhaer gently criticizes Jo's sensational writing, influencing her to abandon it, and becomes a cherished friend.
- Mr. Dashwood
Mr. Dashwood, editor of the Weekly Volcano, receives Jo's manuscript with indifference and skepticism.
Key passages
“She saw that money conferred power: money and power, therefore, she resolved to have; not to be used for herself alone, but for those whom she loved more than self.”
Jo realized that money brings power, and she decided to seek both, not for selfish reasons, but to help the people she loved.
This reveals Jo's motivation for writing sensation stories.
“They are trash, and will soon be worse than trash if I go on; for each is more sensational than the last.”
Jo admits her stories are worthless and will only deteriorate further if she continues writing them.
Jo's self-criticism after Professor Bhaer's influence.
“I don't know anything; I'll wait till I do before I try again, and, meantime, 'sweep mud in the street,' if I can't do better; that's honest, at least.”
Jo acknowledges her ignorance and decides to pause her writing ambitions, preferring honest menial work over poor-quality writing.
Jo's humble resolution after her literary failures.