PART ONE: CHAPTER FOUR - Burdens Practice Quiz — Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: PART ONE: CHAPTER FOUR - Burdens
What are the March sisters doing at the start of Chapter 4?
They are reluctantly returning to their daily work responsibilities after a week of holiday merrymaking, and everyone is in a cross mood.
What are the "muffs" that Hannah makes for the girls each morning?
Hot turnovers (pies) that the girls carry to warm their hands on the cold walk to work, since they have no actual muffs.
What does Meg do for work?
Meg works as a nursery governess for the wealthy King family, caring for four spoiled children.
What is Jo's job, and what does she secretly do during it?
Jo serves as a companion to Aunt March. When the old lady naps or has company, Jo sneaks into the library to read poetry, romance, history, and travel books.
Why doesn't Beth attend school?
Beth is too bashful for school. It was tried but she suffered so much that it was given up, so she does her lessons at home.
What story does Jo tell her sisters about her day with Aunt March?
Jo read The Vicar of Wakefield aloud to Aunt March instead of the usual dull Belsham's Essays. Aunt March pretended not to enjoy it but told Jo to finish the chapter and later kept reading it on her own.
What parable does Marmee tell at the end of the chapter?
She tells a story about four discontented girls who learn from an old woman to count their blessings whenever they feel unhappy, which transparently mirrors her own daughters' complaints from that day.
What is Meg's chief personal struggle in Chapter 4?
Meg struggles with envy and longing for luxury. Working at the Kings' house, she constantly sees the wealth, fine dresses, and social life she wishes she could have.
What is Jo's greatest affliction, according to the narrator?
Jo's greatest affliction is that she cannot read, run, and ride as much as she likes. Her quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit are always getting her into scrapes.
How does Beth care for her dolls?
Beth takes in all the old and broken dolls her sisters discard, sets up a "hospital for infirm dolls," and treats them with unfailing tenderness—even singing lullabies to a headless, limbless doll she tucks into her best bed.
What is Amy's "greatest trial" in life?
Her flat nose, which she blames on Jo accidentally dropping her into a coal hod as a baby. She draws "whole sheets of handsome ones" to console herself.
How are the sisterly pairs arranged in the March family?
The two older girls (Meg and Jo) are close confidantes, and each takes a younger sister: Meg guides Amy, while Jo watches over Beth.
What is the central theme of Chapter 4, "Burdens"?
Contentment versus discontent. Each sister carries a personal burden (poverty, temper, shyness, vanity), and Marmee teaches that gratitude for existing blessings is the antidote to envy and complaint.
How does the chapter portray the dignity of work?
Although the girls dislike their jobs, their labor is presented as character-building. Jo notes that "doing something to support herself made her happy," and Marmee's parable reinforces that bearing responsibilities shapes virtue.
What does the chapter suggest about wealth and happiness?
The chapter suggests wealth does not guarantee happiness. Jo observes that "rich people have about as many worries as poor ones," and Meg sees that the Kings' wealth cannot prevent family scandal and shame.
How does Mrs. March's story about the old soldier illustrate the theme of sacrifice?
The old man gave four sons to the war without grudging, making Marmee ashamed of thinking her own sacrifice of one husband was too much. It teaches the girls that their burdens are light compared to others'.
How does the Pilgrim's Progress allegory operate in this chapter?
The chapter title "Burdens" and language like "packs," "bundles," and "pilgrims" extend the allegory from Chapter 1. Each sister's personal struggle represents a spiritual burden she must learn to carry on her moral pilgrimage.
What structural technique does Alcott use to present the four sisters?
Parallel structure: she devotes a nearly equal narrative block to each sister's daily life and struggles, creating a balanced quartet of miniature character sketches.
What is the dramatic irony in Marmee's closing parable?
Marmee's story about four discontented girls transparently mirrors her own daughters' complaints. The irony is that the girls recognize themselves in the tale, and Meg even calls it "very cunning of you to turn our own stories against us."
What does "irascible" mean as used to describe Aunt March?
Easily angered or hot-tempered. Jo gets along well with her "irascible relative" despite their occasional clashes.
What does "mortification" mean as Amy uses it?
Deep embarrassment or humiliation. Amy says she could never recover from the "agonizing mortification" of being publicly shamed like Susie Perkins.
What does "deportment" mean in the context of Amy's school life?
Behavior or manner of conducting oneself. Amy escapes reprimands at school "by being a model of deportment," meaning she behaves perfectly.
Who says: "I like good strong words that mean something"?
Jo March, defending her use of colorful language when Meg asks her not to use "dreadful expressions." It reveals Jo's spirited, unconventional personality.
Who says: "I know I'll get my music some time, if I'm good"?
Beth March, speaking hopefully to herself while practicing on the old, jingling piano. It captures her quiet faith and patient self-sacrifice.
What quote from Uncle Tom's Cabin does Jo invoke at the chapter's end?
"Tink ob yer marcies, chillen! Tink ob yer marcies!" (Think of your mercies, children!) Jo quotes old Chloe to humorously sum up Marmee's lesson on gratitude.