An Analysis of Louisa May Alcott's
Little Women

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AMY'S VALLEY OF HUMILIATION

An Analysis of Chapter 7

Tone

The Tone Fluctuates Between Playful Banter, Shame, Indignation, And Moral Reflection.

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Thrilling - (4) Crystal-clear - (5) Hostile - (4) A decent amount - (3) Fast-paced - (5)

Basically...

Amy incurs debt over pickled limes at school, is publicly punished for it, and the March family discusses the consequences.

In more detail...

In chapter seven of 'Little Women', Amy discusses with her sisters the latest school craze of pickled limes and her debt of 'limes' she owes to other girls. Meg offers money to clear Amy's debt, but the next day, Amy is betrayed by Jenny Snow and disciplined by Mr. Davis for having the limes, which are forbidden. Amy endures humiliation and corporal punishment, leading to Mrs. March deciding to potentially withdraw her from school. The March family reflects on the virtues of humility and the importance of not letting one's abilities lead to conceit.
Characters
  • Amy March
    • About - Amy faces humiliation at school for having forbidden pickled limes, endures public punishment, and reflects on the lessons learned from the incident.
    • Personality Traits - Amy is sensitive, concerned with social status, and shows a mix of childishness and burgeoning self-awareness.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Jo March - Amy's sister who ridicules her for a verbal mistake and later feels indignation at Amy's punishment.
      • Meg March - Amy's other sister who initially helps her financially to clear her lime debts but later disapproves of her behavior.
      • Beth March - Her sister, who is mentioned to think even her beloved kittens could not console Amy.
      • Mrs. March (Marmee) - Amy's mother, who comforts her after the school incident and gives her counsel about modestly using one's talents.
      • Jenny Snow - A schoolmate who betrays Amy's possession of the limes, leading to her punishment.
      • Mr. Davis - The teacher who implements the punishment on Amy for having limes.
  • Jo March
    • About - Jo finds humor in Amy's mistakes but stands up for her sister against Jenny Snow and is outraged by the punishment Amy receives from Mr. Davis.
    • Personality Traits - Jo shows her protective side, strong sense of justice, and disdain for hypocrisy.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Amy March - Amy's sister and defender against the injustice she perceives Amy to suffer.
  • Meg March
    • About - Meg tries to assist Amy with her lime debt and expresses mixed feelings about Amy's punishment, understanding but disapproving.
    • Personality Traits - She is thoughtful, kind, and shows a mature sense of responsibility.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Amy March - Her sister whom she tries to help and guide.
  • Beth March
    • About - Beth plays only a small role in this chapter, her sympathy for Amy is implied through narrative.
    • Personality Traits - Beth is depicted as sensitive with a love for her pet kittens, hinting at her gentle, caring nature.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Amy March - Her sister to whom she is sympathetic in her time of distress.
  • Mrs. March (Marmee)
    • About - Marmee provides comfort and guidance to Amy, offering wisdom on modesty and the correct use of one's talents.
    • Personality Traits - She is nurturing, discerning, and a source of moral guidance.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Amy March - Her daughter, whom she consoles and advises after Amy's troubles at school.
  • Jenny Snow
    • About - Jenny mocks Amy for her lack of limes and later reports Amy to the teacher, resulting in Amy's punishment.
    • Personality Traits - She is portrayed as vindictive and snobbish, eager to seize an opportunity to humiliate Amy.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Amy March - Her schoolmate, whom she betrays leading to Amy's public admonishment.
  • Mr. Davis
    • About - Mr. Davis administers a strict punishment on Amy for breaking the rules by having pickled limes, standing by his principles but appearing tyrannical.
    • Personality Traits - He is stern, inflexible, and lacking in empathy toward his pupils.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Amy March - The student he punishes, demonstrating his rigid adherence to school rules.
  • Laurie
    • About - He is briefly mentioned having a pleasant conversation with the March sisters and showcasing a down-to-earth personality.
    • Personality Traits - He is kind, modest despite his accomplishments, and enjoys the company of the March family.
    • Physical Characteristics - He is described as attractive, with handsome eyes that Jo defends.
    • Character Connections
      • Jo March - Friend whom he engages with in playful conversation.
      • Amy March - Acquaintance who mistakes him for a 'Cyclops' but actually meant 'centaur'.
      • Beth March - Engages in a brief interaction where he playfully applauds her musical talent.