Preview
Copywork
About This Passage
Beth says this right after Jo, Meg, and Amy each complain about being poor. It is the hinge of the chapter: while her sisters count what they do not have, Beth names what the family does have. Copying it lets a young writer practice quotation marks and the careful word “contentedly,” and hold on to the chapter's main idea.
“We’ve got father and mother and each other,” said Beth contentedly, from her corner.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Tell the story of this chapter in order, from the four sisters talking by the fire to mother reading father's letter aloud. When you reach the part where the girls decide to buy presents for Marmee instead of for themselves, slow down and tell what made them change their minds.
Discussion Questions
- At the start of the chapter, Jo, Meg, and Amy each name something the family does not have, but Beth says, “We've got father and mother and each other.” Why does Beth feel glad about the same home that leaves her sisters unhappy? Use Beth's words and her sisters' complaints to show what Beth is looking at that they are not.
- The sisters first plan to spend their dollars on treats for themselves, but after Beth warms the worn-out slippers, they decide to buy Christmas presents for Marmee instead. Why do the sisters give up their own treats for their mother? Use their words about the worn-out slippers and what Jo says about being “the man of the family” to show what they care about most by the end of the night.
+ 2 more questions in the complete study guide
Vocabulary
Item 1
complained in a low, unhappy voice
Item 2
something you should do because it is right
Item 3
full of happiness and good feelings
+ 6 more vocabulary words in the complete study guide
Critical Thinking
+ 4 more questions in the complete study guide
Get the complete study guide — free
Sign up and get your first book with every chapter included. Copywork, discussion questions, vocabulary, and critical thinking.
Sign up free