An Analysis of Louisa May Alcott's
Little Women

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JO MEETS APOLLYON

An Analysis of Chapter 8

Tone

The Chapter'S Tone Is Emotional, Moving From Spiteful And Harsh To Fearful And Finally To Penitent And Reconciliatory As The Events Unfold.

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Heart-pounding - (5) Crystal-clear - (5) Explosive - (5) Complete - (5) Fast-paced - (5)

Basically...

Amy wishes to join Meg and Jo on an outing but is refused, leading to Amy burning Jo's manuscript out of spite, which causes a severe rift between the sisters. After Amy falls into thin ice, Jo's resentment is replaced by fear and remorse, leading to reconciliation.

In more detail...

Amy is excluded from an outing with Meg, Jo, and Laurie to the theater, which leads to Amy burning Jo's treasured manuscript in retaliation. This cruel act deeply upsets Jo and creates animosity between the sisters. The tension persists until Amy has a near-death experience falling through thin ice while skating; Jo, consumed by panic and helplessness, realizes the gravity of their estrangement. The incident ends with Amy being rescued, and through their mother's gentle guidance, Jo starts to understand the importance of controlling her temper, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation between the two sisters.
Characters
  • Jo March
    • About - Jo is central to the chapter's conflict with her sister Amy. She is shown to have an intense temper, which she struggles to control. Her remorse and resolution after Amy's accident reveal a deep capacity for love and personal growth.
    • Personality Traits - Hot-tempered, Protective of her creative work, Deeply remorseful, Determined to improve herself, Loving towards her sisters
    • Physical Characteristics - Not specifically described in this chapter but depicted as a tomboyish young woman in earlier descriptions.
    • Character Connections
      • Amy March - Younger sister; the target of her anger and ultimately her forgiveness.
      • Meg March - Older sister; not directly involved in the conflict but present during the events.
      • Beth March - Younger sister; not directly involved in the conflict but present during the events.
      • Mrs. March - Mother; source of comfort and guidance for Jo.
      • Laurie - Friend of the March family; assists in rescuing Amy and is a positive influence on Jo.
  • Amy March
    • About - Amy desires inclusion in her sisters' activities, feels wronged when excluded, and spitefully burns Jo's manuscript. After falling through the ice and being rescued, she realizes her wrongdoing and reconciles with Jo.
    • Personality Traits - Sensitive about inclusion, Vindictive when feeling slighted, Regretful after seeing the consequences, Desirous of reconciliation
    • Physical Characteristics - Her 'little blue hood' is noted, suggesting her youth and size.
    • Character Connections
      • Jo March - Older sister; embroiled in conflict with her leading to an ultimate reconciliation.
      • Meg March - Older sister; turned to for sympathy and inclusion.
      • Beth March - Sister; not directly involved in this chapter's events.
      • Mrs. March - Mother; whose presence and comfort are sought after her accident.
      • Laurie - Friend of the March family; his kind gesture of wrapping his coat around her suggests care for her well-being.
  • Meg March
    • About - Meg is involved in preparing for the outing and is the gentler, diplomatic sister, attempting to soothe Amy's hurt feelings and encouraging her to reconcile with Jo.
    • Personality Traits - Diplomatic, Sensitive to sisters' feelings, Protective, Peacemaker
    • Physical Characteristics - Not specifically described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Jo March - Younger sister; interacts with during the outing preparations.
      • Amy March - Younger sister; tries to pacify and later advises her on reconciling with Jo.
      • Beth March - Younger sister; not a primary focus in this chapter.
      • Mrs. March - Mother; not a key interaction with Meg in this chapter.
  • Beth March
    • About - Beth is not a central character in this chapter, she is present during family interactions but is described as being preoccupied with her piano and labels Amy's accident, suggesting empathy but no direct involvement in the conflict.
    • Personality Traits - Musically inclined, Empathetic, Reserved
    • Physical Characteristics - Not specifically described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Jo March - Older sister; part of the family dynamic but not directly involved with her conflict.
      • Amy March - Sister; shows concern for after the accident.
      • Meg March - Older sister; not the primary focus in this chapter.
      • Mrs. March - Mother; not the primary focus in this chapter.
  • Mrs. March
    • About - Mrs. March provides wisdom and comfort to her daughters, especially Jo. She reveals her own struggle with anger, offering Jo relatable advice on self-control.
    • Personality Traits - Patient, Understanding, Able to offer guidance, Supportive, Loving
    • Physical Characteristics - Not specifically described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Jo March - Daughter; provides solace and supports her through remorse.
      • Amy March - Daughter; supports her after the skating incident.
      • Meg March - Daughter; not the primary focus in this chapter.
      • Beth March - Daughter; not the primary focus in this chapter.
  • Laurie
    • About - Laurie is a family friend who invites Meg and Jo to the theater and later plays a heroic role in Amy's rescue. His kind actions influence Jo and contribute to the resolution between the sisters.
    • Personality Traits - Kind, Responsible, Decisive, Friendly
    • Physical Characteristics - Described as looking like a 'young russian', in his fur-trimmed coat and cap.
    • Character Connections
      • Jo March - Family friend; shares an enjoyable outing despite her attitude toward Amy, his later actions reinforce their friendship.
      • Amy March - Family friend; unknowingly sets off events leading to her capsizing on thin ice, but he is essential in her rescue.
      • Meg March - Family friend; he is included in the theater outing.
      • Beth March - Family friend; not the primary focus in this chapter.
      • Mrs. March - Family friend; not the primary focus in this chapter.