我爸妈要我寒假里弄完...汗...

表急么，3月15日才交类

感觉新单词太多

Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888)

Type of Work：
Sentimental, life drama

Setting
A small New England town; mid 1800s
Principal Characters
Mrs. March ("Marinee"), mother of four daughters
Mr. March, her husband, and army chaplain in the U.S. Civil War
Meg, their 16-year-old daughter
Jo, 15, wants to be an independent writer (and serves as the novel's narrator)
Beth, a frail girl of 13, the "heart" of her family
Amy, 12, the beautiful pampered youngest daughter
Theodore Lawrence (Laurie), the boy who moves in next door

Story Overview
The upcoming Christmas looked like it would be a bleak affair to the four March girls. With their father at the Civil War battlefront, and their saintly mother, Marmee, as they called her, working to support her family, the holiday would be void of many of its traditional pleasures. With the dollar Marmee said they might spend, the girls each settled on buying simple gifts for their mother and for the Hummel family down the road; and receiving, in kind, surprise treats of ice cream and bonbons from rich old Mr. Lawrence next door.

The girls resolved to face life as Pilgrims, to overcome their weaknesses, and be "good little women" by the time their father returned. The oldest, Meg, determined to enjoy her work more and fret less about her looks. The tomboy, Jo, pledged to better control her temper, upgrade her writing abilities and develop feminine qualities. Amy desired to be less selfish and less vain concerning her beautiful golden hair. Everyone believed Beth, the home-body, to be perfect, but she earnestly prayed to overcome her fear of people. The girls labored for the next year to acquire these qualities, with much success and occasional failure.

At year's end, Meg confidently and excitedly attended a fashionable New Year's dance. She talked Jo into accompanying her, but Jo didn't care much for "girls or girlish gossip," and felt as much out of place as a "colt in a flower garden." Running from a prospective dance-mate, Jo hid behind a curtain. But she wasn't the only bashful one. To her surprise, there she met little Theodore Lawrence, or "Laurie," as everyone referred to him, the new next-door-neighbor boy. Awkwardly, they introduced themselves, but as they peeped through the curtain together, gossiping and chatting, they soon felt like old acquaintances. A lifelong friendship was formed. Laurie had been orphaned as a baby and now lived with his crusty Grandfather Lawrence in his great mansion. In the March family, Laurie found a circle of sisters and a mother he never knew; and they found, in him, a brother and a son.

Through that year, the girls learned to be happy in their work. Meg, by spending two weeks at the estate of a wealthy girl friend, discovered how wonderful her own home life was, even if her family was poor. Jo detected that she was not the only one struggling with outbursts of anger. Much to her amazement, her mother also possessed a hidden temper. This knowledge helped Jo believe she could, with effort, control hers. After all, her great wish was to become a famous romance writer; reaching that goal would require discipline. Jo's romantic novels were soon published. Amy continued to grow more beautiful, but also came to understand the need for humility. After being embarrassingly reprimanded before the whole school, she began to understand that "conceit spoils the finest genius." And Beth remained extremely shy, but was still the heart and joy of her family. Everyone, especially Jo, came to gentle Beth for comfort.

One winter day, a telegram arrived from the war department: Mr. March was critically ill. Heartsick by this news, Marmee felt she needed to be with her husband. With no money to spare, Joe offered to sell her only vanity - her long, flowing chestnut hair. The sacrifice, though tearfully made, brought twenty-five dollars, and financed the trip. Mr. Lawrence sent along John Brooke, Laurie's tutor, to assist Mrs. March in her journey. Both Mr. and Mrs. March grew to be very fond of John - and he, in turn, became very fond of Meg.

Back at home, dark days were to visit the little women. Patterning herself after her mother, Beth continued to care for the large, impoverished Hummel family. One night she returned home depressed and crying. She had just held the Hummel baby in her arms as he died of Scarlet Fever. Beth also contracted the fever, becoming much more infirm than anyone expected. It was a somber time for all, as she hovered near death. Fearing the worst, the girls finally telegraphed their mother of Beth's deteriorating condition. But the very night Marmee returned, Beth's crisis passed and her health improved. It was a happy family that welcomed their mother home.

As the second Christmas arrived, the girls anticipated their father's homecoming. Their joy was complete when Laurie arrived and announced, "Here's another Christmas present for the March family," and in walked their father. During the jubilant family reunion, Mr. March admired his family, reflecting on how the girls had changed over the years. Meg had defeated much of her vanity, and had cultivated industry and the womanly skills to create a happy home. Jo had become a gentle young lady, who dressed properly and no longer used slang. He noticed that Amy now took the poorer cut of meat, waited on everyone with patience and humor, and seldom gazed at herself in the mirror. As for Beth, her father simply held her near, grateful she was still alive. They all agreed Mr. March's absence had been a productive period, and that the girls were becoming little women of great talent, beauty and grace.

Three years passed. Much to Jo's initial horror, she saw the family begin to split up when Meg became Mrs. John Brooke. Like all new wives, Meg learned the art of homemaking and how to organize and spend money frugally. Shortly, twins, Daisy and Demi, arrived. Meg discovered that John, too, could help take care of the children, as she began to include him even more in her life.

Jo also had matured, and her friend, Laurie, fell more deeply in love with her. Despite all her efforts to change his heart, Laurie proposed marriage. Jo, devoted to her writing and publishing, was dismayed because she could never love Laurie more than as a brother, and refused his proposal. Brokenhearted, Laurie left with his uncle on a tour of Europe. But Laurie was not the only one voyaging to Europe; Amy was traveling there, accompanying her rich aunt. She soon learned some of life's harsher lessons. To her initial disappointment, she first detected that she would never be a great artist. She also came to recognize that marrying for money rather than love would not lead to happiness. Inevitably, Amy's and Laurie's paths crossed and they each gradually grew in love for the other. To the delight of all, they too were wed.

But at home the family grieved a great loss. Beth, never fully recovered from the fever, had slowly faded away, no longer to sit contentedly by the fire knitting and smiling. Jo unearthed a great emptiness in her heart and life after her sister's death. Meg and John, and Amy and Laurie were happily married. Though Jo had resolved never to marry, still she felt an awful loneliness as she wondered what direction her life should take. While struggling with these feelings, a tutor entered her life, Professor Bhaer. He was an older, German gentleman, filled wit'n a genteel love. People turned to him because of the compassion he so freely gave, akin to Beth's spirit. This love healed Jo. They married and opened a "school for lads, a good, happy homelike school." Jo looked after the boys while the professor taught them in the large, Plumfield home, willed to Jo by her aunt.

As the sisters gathered together to celebrate Marmee's birthday, they agreed that their lives were happy, rich and full. The little women had become cultured, confident young ladies. There at the table, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, along with one empty chair, symbolizing their love for Beth, sat the contented mother. She wished that such a moment could last forever.

Commentary
Louisa May Alcott's most famous novel, Little Women is based on her own family life in Concord, Massachusetts. Like Jo, the book's heroine, Louisa hungered to gain independence and to improve her family's situation by writing successful novels. Little Women is a cheerful, wholesome account of the daily life of a highly principled family. It is considered one of the earliest realistic novels suitable for older children; and, as a children's story, the language is often stilted. Alcott also tends to moralize. But the book also holds a personal charm for grownups, who may see their own carefree childhood - the simple joys of youth and deep love of family - mirrored in its pages.

这个行吗？

CHAPTER 1: PLAYING PILGRIMS
In this, the opening chapter, the reader meets the four main characters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. The girls are trying to decide what to get each other for Christmas. This year, however, their father is away at war and funds are limited. The girls finally decide that they will each by a gift for Marmee instead of a gift for themselves. When Marmee returns home, the girls learn that she has received a letter from their father. The girls and their mother gather in front of the fire and read the letter.

CHAPTER 2: A MERRY CHRISTMAS
The girls wake early on Christmas morning to discover that their mother has placed a different colored book under each of their pillows. They prepare breakfast and then sacrifice it to another family in need down the street. The girls then give Marmee her gifts and perform a play, Operatic Tradegy. Dinner comes as a surprise to the girls when they learn that old Mr. Laurence has provided them with ice cream, bonbons, and flowers.

CHAPTER 3: THE LAURENCE BOY
Jo and Meg attend a New Year's Eve party at Mrs. Gardiner's house. There is much commotion getting the two girls ready as they try to make the best of their old dresses and gloves. Jo tries to curl Meg's hair but only burns the ends off in a great tragedy. At the party, Jo meets Laurence, the grandson of old Mr. Laurence. He tells Jo that he would like to be called Laurie instead of his given name, Theodore, because classmates had teased him in the past. The girls return from the party and share their experiences with their sisters.

CHAPTER 4: BURDENS
In this chapter, the reader learns a great deal about each of the personalities of the little women. The narrator tells the reader that Mr. March lost his property while trying to help an unfortunate friend and because of this, Meg and Jo had found work outside the home to help support the family. Meg spends her days teaching small children as a governess, but could not help but yearn for a life in which she could go to parties, concerts, and spend her time in gossip. Jo spends time reading and caring for her Aunt March and wished that she could read all the books in her Aunt's library. Beth, the shy one, wishes that she could spent more time playing the piano instead of doing housework. Finally, Amy simply wishes that her nose was less flat. The narrator also shares that Meg was Amy's close friend and mother, while Beth and Jo were equally as close.

CHAPTER 5: BEING NEIGHBORLY
Jo can barely stand still and wishes to go next door and visit Laurie. She feels terrible that she has such wonderful sisters to keep her company and that Laurie has no one. She ventures next door in order to read to the sick Laurie but ends up talking with him for hours. She tells him all about her sisters and the adventurous things they do, she wishes that he could join in their fun.

CHAPTER 6: BETH FINDS THE PLACE BEAUTIFUL
The girls spend much time over at the Laurence's home. Beth, however, fearing old man Laurence refuses to visit. Mr. Laurence speaks privately with Mrs. March about the possibility of Beth visiting the house and playing the piano, alone and undisturbed. Eventually Beth is able to visit the house and plays wonderful music for all to hear. In gratitude for Mr. Laurence's generosity she makes him a pair of slippers. Touched by her sincerity, Mr. Laurence gives Beth a small piano which once belonged to his deceased granddaughter. From this point on Beth and Mr. Lawrence shared a special bond.

CHAPTER 7: AMY'S VALLEY OF HUMILIATION
Amy explains to her sisters that she is deeply in debt with her classmates. It seems that a popular pastime of Amy and her classmates is the trading of pickled limes and Amy has not been able to provide her fair share. Meg gives Amy some money to purchase limes and Amy proudly announces to her classmates that she has 24 limes. After refusing to share her limes with the young Jenny Snow, Amy's secret stash of limes is discovered by Mr. Davis and she is punished before the class. When Mrs. March learns that her youngest daughter was smacked with a ruler and humiliated in front of the class she sends Jo with a note to Mr. Davis and decides that Amy will be taught at home. Laurie gives Beth a great compliment on her piano abilities.

CHAPTER 8: JO MEETS APOLLYON
Laurie invites Jo and Meg to watch The Seven Castles of the Diamond Lake and Amy wishes to come along. Jo is angered and annoyed at Amy and tells her that she cannot come. As Jo leaves Amy swears revenge on her. Upon arriving home Jo learns that Amy has burned a book that she has been working on for many years. Jo is so hurt and crushed that she cannot ever forgive Amy. The next day Jo and Laurie go skating and Amy follows behind them in the hopes of telling her sister how sorry she is. As Jo and Laurie are racing on the ice, Amy slips through and Laurie rescues her. Jo feels terrible for not forgiving her sister sooner and the two sisters make up. Jo and her mother discuss their tempers and Jo vows to try to control hers more.

CHAPTER 9: MEG GOES TO VANITY FAIR
Meg leaves the family for a fortnight and stays with the Moffats. While staying with these girls Meg is introduced into the life of a young lady. She attends dinners, goes to the theater and trys on many new airs. Meg, however, is ashamed that her family is poor and that she cannot afford a new dress like the other girls. The Moffats dress Meg up for a ball and Meg places herself on display. Laurie attends the party and is not pleased with Meg's appearance or behavior. When Meg returns home she confesses to her mother that she was made to look foolish and that many gossipy things were said about her and her family. Mrs. March tells Meg to never mind the gossip and to be true to herself by not pretending to be something that she is not.

CHAPTER 10: THE P.C. AND P.O.
The reader learns of the secret society which the girls have contrived. The Pickwick Club was a literary club formed by the four girls in their play. It featured a newsletter containing writings of the girls. Each girl assumed a separate identity, Meg was Samuel Pickwick, Jo was Augustus Snodgrass, Beth was Tracy Tupman, and Amy was Nathaniel Winkle.

CHAPTER 11: EXPERIMENTS
The girls decide to take a break from their work and try to experiment with laziness. The house falls into disrepair and the girls find being lazy, boring. Pip, the pet canary is discovered dead by Beth. All gather for the burial. Jo cooks a terrible dinner but everyone tries to be polite.

CHAPTER 12: CAMP LAURENCE
Laurence invites the girls to go camping with him and some of his English friends. The children enjoy a few nights in the forest.

CHAPTER 13: CASTLES IN THE AIR
The girls head off to the forest dressed in large hats to play Pilgrims Progress. Laurie seems them and follows. The girls explain to Laurie about Delectable Mountain and the Celestial City. Each of the children talk about what their dream castle would look like and how their dream lives would be. Laurie and Meg get into a small argument because Laurie insists that he does not need to go to college as his grandfather insists. Meg believes that he should obey his grandfather. The two resolve their quarrel and then all the girls decide that Laurie can be a member of the Busy Bee Society.

CHAPTER 14: SECRETS
Jo goes into town to see the dentist and runs into Laurie. The two of them decide to tell secrets. Jo tells Laurie that she has given two of her stories to the newspaper and is waiting to hear whether or not they will be printed. Laurie tells Jo that her sister Meg has given one of her gloves to his tutor, Mr. Brooke. Jo is angry that her sister would do such a thing and she becomes very upset at the thought of Meg having a boyfriend. Jo fears that Meg will be taken away from the family and is in a mood for several days.

CHAPTER 15: A TELEGRAM
The March family receives a telegram that Mr. March is seriously ill. Mrs. March decides to leave at once to be by his side. Old man Laurence wishes to offer himself as Mrs. March's escort but because of his advanced age he offers Laurie's tutor, Mr. Brooke instead. Jo goes and has her hair cut off and sold so that she can provide the family with $25.00.

CHAPTER 16: LETTERS
Each of the little women write a letter to their mother.

CHAPTER 17: LITTLE FAITHFUL
Beth goes to visit the poor Hummel family to bring them food and supplies. Upon her visit she discovers that the baby is very ill and takes care of it while the older sister rests. While watching the child, it dies. The doctor is called and announces that the baby died of scarlet fever. He tells Beth to go home at once and take medication. Beth returns and is confined to bed, Amy is sent to Aunt March's house because of the fear of her contracting the fever. Amy does not wish to go but Laurie promises to visit her everyday. Meg and Jo begin caring for Beth.

CHAPTER 18: DARK DAYS
Beth's conditions becomes very grave. Mrs. March is sent for because the doctor believes Beth will die. Finally, the fever breaks.

CHAPTER 19: AMY'S WILL
Amy suffers at Aunt March's house but finds a friend in Esther, the maid. Esther tells Amy of the things she will receive when Aunt March dies. Amy decides to make a will of her own so that she can leave something to each of her sisters.

CHAPTER 20: CONFIDENTIAL
Mrs. March returns home and visits the banished Amy who is overjoyed at seeing her mother. Jo and Marmee have a private talk about Meg and Mr. Brooke. Marmee tells Jo that while with him in Washington DC., Mr. Brooke told her that he means to get a job and then ask Meg to marry him. Jo is very upset at the prospect of loosing her sister, but Marmee tries to comfort her.

CHAPTER 21: LAURIE MAKES MISCHIEF, AND JO MAKES PEACE
Laurie plays an evil prank on Meg by sending her a supposed "love letter" from Mr. Brooke. Laurie apologizes to Meg and her sisters, they forgive him. Laurie is also punished by his grandfather and decides to run off to Washington, DC. He asks Jo to go with him but she refuses. Jo gets Mr. Laurence to apologize for punishing Laurie and all is well.

CHAPTER 22: PLEASANT MEADOWS
Christmas Day arrives and Mr. March returns home. They girls are happy to see him. Sickly Beth plays and sings at the piano.

CHAPTER 23: AUNT MARCH SETTLES THE QUESTION
Meg and Jo discuss Mr. Brooke. Mr. Brooke visits the Marches and asks Meg if she will have his love, she refuses him and he leaves dejected. Aunt March talks with Meg and tells her that if she decides to love Mr. Brooke, she will inherit nothing. Meg is so angered that she decides to love Mr. Brooke. The first section of the book ends.

长啊，但总比看整本书快吧

还好拉，30分钟看一本书还不够快吗？