An Analysis of Louisa May Alcott's
Little Women

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THE FIRST WEDDING

An Analysis of Chapter 25

Tone

Nostalgic, Joyful, Intimate, And Tender.

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Relaxed - (2) Crystal-clear - (5) Peaceful - (1) Complete - (5) Quick - (4)

Basically...

Meg March's simple and intimate wedding day is lovingly depicted, surrounded by family, flowers, and a sense of homegrown happiness.

In more detail...

The chapter depicts the wedding day of Meg March in a cozy and heartfelt manner. June roses decorate the home, and the setting is one of domestic bliss. Meg is determined to have a wedding that feels personal, rejecting grandeur for the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. She has made her own dress, woven with her hopes and dreams, and prefers simple lilies of the valley to ornate decorations. The chapter affectionately portrays the March sisters preparing for the ceremony, highlighting the poignant changes and growth in each of them. The ceremony itself is tender and emotional, focusing on the deep connections between the characters rather than extravagant displays. Following the vows, a light-hearted dance led by Laurie adds a touch of whimsy to the festivities. As the wedding comes to a close, Meg reassures her family of her undying love and promises frequent visits, thus beginning her married life with a blend of independence and familial ties.
Characters
  • Meg March
    • About - Meg is the blushing bride, exuding tenderness and love on her wedding day. She is described as resembling a rose and takes joy in celebrating her marriage in a simple, genuine way. She is considerate of her family's feelings amidst her own happiness.
    • Personality Traits - Warm, loving, and sentimental with a preference for simplicity and deep familial ties.
    • Physical Characteristics - Pretty, fair, with an aura of sweetness.
    • Character Connections
      • John Brooke - Her husband, whom she marries in this chapter.
      • Marmee (Mrs. March) - Her mother, to whom she is reassuring her unchanged love.
      • Mr. March - Her father, who is present at the wedding.
      • Jo, Beth, Amy - Her sisters, who help her dress and celebrate her wedding.
  • John Brooke
    • About - John Brooke is Meg's new husband, visibly moved by the wedding ceremony and vowing to cherish Meg.
    • Personality Traits - Shows signs of nervousness but also deep affection and solemnity during the ceremony.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - His bride, with whom he shares a tender bond.
      • Mr. March - His father-in-law.
      • Mrs. March - His mother-in-law.
      • Jo, Beth, Amy - His sisters-in-law.
  • Jo March
    • About - Jo is deeply moved by the wedding but maintains her composure, sharing in the family's emotions while navigating her own complex feelings.
    • Personality Traits - Controlled, supportive, and spirited, with a hint of her characteristic sharpness softened by the occasion.
    • Physical Characteristics - Tall, with softened angles, brown cheeks, and curly hair now grown into a thick coil.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Her older sister, whose wedding she witnesses with mixed emotions.
      • Laurie (Theodore Laurence) - Friend and neighbor, who she interacts with during the wedding.
  • Beth March
    • About - Beth is quieter than ever, concealing her own pain and showing immense patience and hope, as she shares in the joy of her sister's special day.
    • Personality Traits - Quiet, hopeful, patient, and supportive.
    • Physical Characteristics - Slender, pale, with large, beautiful, kind eyes reflecting a shadow of pain.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Her older sister, whose wedding causes her a mix of happiness and sadness.
  • Amy March
    • About - Amy offers charm and grace, regarded as the 'flower of the family,' and partakes in the wedding with maturity beyond her years.
    • Personality Traits - Elegant, mature, and conscious of her appearance.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not conventionally beautiful, but graceful, with a fair complexion, keen blue eyes, and golden curls.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Her older sister, whom she helps prepare for the wedding.
      • Laurie (Theodore Laurence) - Family friend, with whom she tries to ensure peace during the wedding.
  • Laurie (Theodore Laurence)
    • About - Laurie, the family's jovial friend and neighbor, brings energy to the wedding with his spirited dance suggestion and communicates thoughtfully with Meg about vice and virtue.
    • Personality Traits - Impetuous, humorous, considerate, and thoughtful.
    • Physical Characteristics - Tall and striking, with dark hair.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Friend and new sister-in-law, to whom he shows brotherly affection and respect.
      • Jo March - Close friend, whom he observes carefully during the wedding.
      • Amy March - Friend he escorts in the improvised dance and assures of his conduct.
  • Marmee (Mrs. March)
    • About - The March sisters' mother who carries secret sorrow in her heart as she watches Meg get married, but also shows smiles and support to her daughter.
    • Personality Traits - Nurturing, loving, and selflessly concerned for her daughters' happiness.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Her eldest daughter, who she sees off into married life with mixed emotions.
      • Mr. March - Her husband, who shares in the family's moment.
      • Jo, Beth, Amy - Her other daughters, who she comforts and supports.
  • Mr. March
    • About - Father of the bride, who officiates the wedding with a grave yet loving demeanor and carries wine under his arm symbolically instead of indulging in it.
    • Personality Traits - Principled, solemn, and affectionate.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - His eldest daughter, whose marriage he solemnly officiates.
      • Marmee (Mrs. March) - His wife, with whom he shares the bittersweet moment of giving away his daughter.
  • Aunt March
    • About - Aunt March is scandalized by the informality of the wedding but eventually participates in the merriment and offers her good wishes to Meg.
    • Personality Traits - Traditional, blunt, and finally, surprisingly adaptable to the festivities.
    • Physical Characteristics - Old with sharp eyes; stately.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Her niece, for whom she has skepticism but also offers her well-wishes.
      • Laurie (Theodore Laurence) - Seems apprehensive of Laurie's spirited behavior but is eventually pulled into the dance he suggests.
  • Mr. Laurence
    • About - The elder Mr. Laurence enjoys the wedding and expresses his satisfaction, hinting at future hopes for Laurie.
    • Personality Traits - Easy-going, fond of the young people, and sentimental.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Laurie (Theodore Laurence) - His grandson, for whom he harbors affectionate hopes.
  • Sallie Moffat
    • About - A friend who attends the wedding and is caught in the spirit of the celebration despite initial reservations.
    • Personality Traits - Initially hesitant, but eventually convivial and upbeat.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Friend who is attending the wedding.
  • Ned Moffat
    • About - Sallie's husband who joins in the spontaneous dance around Meg and John.
    • Personality Traits - Participatory in the festivities and supportive of his wife.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Sallie Moffat - His wife, who he accompanies during the dance.
  • Hannah
    • About - The March's loyal servant, who shows deep affection for Meg, rejoicing with surprising sentiment during the wedding.
    • Personality Traits - Loyal, caring, and affectionate toward the girls.
    • Physical Characteristics - Described as adorned with a head-dress that is 'fearfully and wonderfully made'.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Has served the March family and is genuinely happy for Meg.