Back to Book List
Little Women
Part One
Amy's Will
Chapter Summary
In this chapter, Amy March's character is further developed as her desire for social acceptance and material wealth comes to the forefront. Amy, the youngest of the March sisters, is portrayed as somewhat vain and consciousness of her social standing. She is eager to fit in with her peers and often feels a strong desire to elevate her status among them. This longing leads her to make a 'will' outlining her hopes and dreams, which reveals her aspirations for wealth and a more glamorous lifestyle.
As the chapter unfolds, we see Amy's conflict with her older sister Jo, who is a tomboy and prides herself on her independence and disregard for societal expectations. Jo is often critical of Amy's ambitions and materialistic tendencies, leading to a clash between the two sisters. The tension escalates when Jo discovers that Amy has taken her prized possessions, including her writing manuscripts, and burned them in a fit of anger. This act of destruction stems from Amy's frustration with Jo's dismissive attitude towards her desires. Jo's reaction to the loss of her precious writings is one of devastation, and she confronts Amy, leading to a heated argument.
The conflict highlights the different values held by the sisters: Jo's commitment to her artistic ambitions and authenticity contrasts sharply with Amy's focus on social status and material wealth. Their quarrel is not just a sisterly dispute; it represents a broader commentary on the societal pressures placed on women and the varying responses individuals have to those pressures.
As the chapter progresses, the sisters' argument culminates in a physical confrontation, showcasing their emotional volatility and the deep-seated frustrations they harbor towards each other. Jo, in a moment of rage, pushes Amy, causing her to fall and hurt herself. This incident adds a layer of guilt to Jo's character, as she grapples with the consequences of her actions and the realization of her sisterly bond.
Despite the conflict, the chapter ultimately reveals the complexity of sisterhood, including love, rivalry, and the struggle for identity. By the end of the chapter, Jo and Amy's relationship is strained, but it also hints at the possibility of reconciliation and understanding as they navigate their differences. Amy's will serves as a symbolic representation of her dreams and the societal pressures that drive her desires, while Jo's artistic ambitions underscore the individual paths the sisters are destined to take. This chapter encapsulates the themes of ambition, family dynamics, and the exploration of gender roles during the 19th century, setting the stage for their growth as characters in the remaining narrative.