An Analysis of
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LITTLE FAITHFUL
An Analysis of Chapter 17
Tone
Serious, Reflective, Mixed With Touches Of Sadness And Familial Concern
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thrilling - (4) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Hostile - (4) | A decent amount - (3) | Moderate - (3) |
Basically...
Beth faithfully cares for the poor Hummel family, but contracts scarlet fever. The March sisters struggle with taking responsibility and face the challenge of Amy potentially being sent away to avoid illness.
In more detail...
In this chapter, the March sisters experience a lapse in their conscientious behavior after the initial worry over their father. As Jo battles a cold, Meg is busy with her pupils and sewing, Amy focuses on art, and Beth alone remains steadfast in her duties, revealing her quiet strength. Beth's concern leads her to visit the impoverished Hummels, and she discovers the baby has died of scarlet fever. The chapter further details the emotional aftermath as Beth experiences symptoms of the fever, prompting decisions about communicating the news to their mother and sending Amy away to their aunt's house for safety, which she resists until Laurie convinces her. The dynamics of responsibility, guilt, and care within the household emerge as the sisters grapple with the serious turn of events.
Characters
- Beth March
- About - Beth demonstrates her continued compassion by caring for the Hummel family despite her own illness. Her selfless actions carry consequences when she contracts scarlet fever.
- Personality Traits - Kind-hearted, empathetic, selfless, and faithful
- Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly described in this chapter, but known to be gentle and delicate in appearance from previous descriptions.
- Character Connections
- Jo March - Sister, who Beth asks for comfort and is chosen over Meg to stay with her during her illness
- Meg March - Older sister, who Beth tries to encourage to help the Hummels
- Amy March - Younger sister, whom Beth is concerned might get ill
- Jo March - Sister, who feels regret for not helping Beth with the Hummels
- Jo March
- About - Caught up in her writing, Jo neglects her responsibility toward the Hummels and is consumed by guilt when she learns of Beth's condition.
- Personality Traits - Creative, regretful of her negligence, protective of her sisters
- Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly detailed in this chapter, but previously described as tall and tomboyish.
- Character Connections
- Beth March - Younger sister, who Jo is protective of and regrets not supporting
- Amy March - Younger sister, with whom Jo discusses the plan to prevent Amy from getting ill
- Meg March - Older sister, with whom Jo consults about handling the situation and worries about their mother's absence
- Laurie - Family friend, whom Jo engages with about the care of Amy
- Meg March
- About - Meg feels self-reproachful for her own forgetfulness about the Hummels and is concerned about Beth's health. She ultimately defers the decision of who should stay with Beth to Hannah.
- Personality Traits - Caring, conscientious, a bit indecisive
- Physical Characteristics - Not detailed in this chapter, generally described as pretty and ladylike in other passages.
- Character Connections
- Beth March - Younger sister, whom Meg is concerned about
- Jo March - Younger sister, with whom Meg discusses family matters and illness
- Amy March - Youngest sister, whom Meg tries to convince to go to Aunt March's house
- Laurie - Family friend who helps manage the situation with Amy
- Amy March
- About - Amy initially disagrees with the decision to send her to Aunt March's house but is eventually persuaded by Laurie. She reveals her reluctance to be separated from the family and her fear of illness.
- Personality Traits - Emotional, stubborn, eventually reasonable
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter, but is known to be the youngest sister, artistic, and concerned with her appearance.
- Character Connections
- Beth March - Older sister, who Amy is concerned about catching the fever from
- Jo March - Older sister, who Amy has a brief interaction with about Beth's illness
- Meg March - Older sister, who attempts to explain the necessity of Amy going to Aunt March's
- Laurie - Family friend that convinces her to follow the family's decision
- Laurie
- About - Laurie acts as the messenger for the March sisters, offering to take care of Amy and using his charming ways to persuade her to stay safe at Aunt March's.
- Personality Traits - Supportive, persuasive, caring, playful
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in detail, but he is a young man, generally handsome and charming.
- Character Connections
- Amy March - Laurie persuades Amy to go to Aunt March's to stay safe from scarlet fever.
- Jo March - Laurie interacts with Jo regarding Amy's situation and offers his help.
- Meg March - He helps Meg with the situation of persuading Amy and offers support in the family's time of need.
- Beth March - Laurie is concerned for Beth's health, as she is his 'special pet'.