Preview
Copywork
About This Passage
This is the author's word-portrait of Jo. The colt simile and the eyes that are 'by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful' show how Alcott reveals character through vivid physical detail. Copying it lets the student study figurative language, parallel description, and the semicolon.
Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt; for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decided mouth, a...
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
In your own words, tell the most important moments of this chapter in order. Which moment do you think matters most to the sisters by the end of the night, and how can you tell it mattered?
Discussion Questions
- Compare how Meg and Jo respond to the same poverty: Meg remembers prettier things and admits she does not gladly make sacrifices, while Jo argues that her one dollar would not help the army much and would rather buy Undine and Sintram. Why do the two sisters reason so differently about the same hardship? Use each sister's own words to explain what each one values most.
- The author introduces Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy through their bickering and complaints before pausing to show their home of 'home-peace' and their devotion to one another. Why might the author let us see the squabbling first and the love second? Use details from the opening argument and the later scenes to explain what this order helps the reader understand.
+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide
Vocabulary
Item 1
behaving in a fake way to seem grand or impressive
Item 2
to dislike something very strongly
Item 3
polished, elegant, and well-mannered
+ 6 more vocabulary words in the complete study guide
Critical Thinking
+ 5 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