PART ONE: CHAPTER TWENTY - THREE - Aunt March Settles the Question Practice Quiz — Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: PART ONE: CHAPTER TWENTY - THREE - Aunt March Settles the Question
What is the family doing at the start of Chapter 23?
Hovering around Mr. March like "bees swarming after their queen," waiting on him and neglecting everything else after his return home.
Why does Jo shake her fist at Mr. Brooke's umbrella in the hall?
The umbrella is a symbol of Brooke's persistent presence. Jo sees it as proof that he will keep coming around to court Meg.
What pantomime does Laurie perform when he sees Meg at the window?
He falls on one knee in the snow, beats his breast, tears his hair, and clasps his hands as if begging a boon—mocking how a lovesick suitor would behave.
What is the rehearsed speech Meg plans to give Mr. Brooke?
"Thank you, Mr. Brooke, you are very kind, but I agree with Father that I am too young to enter into any engagement at present, so please say no more, but let us be friends as we were."
What excuse does Mr. Brooke give for his visit?
He says he came "to get my umbrella, that is, to see how your father finds himself today"—accidentally revealing his real motive.
How does Jo jumble her words when Brooke arrives?
She says "It's very well, he's in the rack. I'll get him, and tell it you are here"—confusing her father and the umbrella together.
What does Meg actually say when Brooke asks if she cares for him?
Instead of her planned rejection, she simply whispers "I don't know" so softly that John has to stoop down to hear it.
Why does Meg suddenly turn cold and tell Brooke to leave?
She sees his satisfied, confident smile and is nettled. Annie Moffat's lessons in coquetry come to mind, and "the love of power" wakes up, making her act capricious.
What threat does Aunt March make to Meg?
"If you do, not one penny of my money ever goes to you. Remember that, and be a sensible girl."
How does Aunt March accidentally get Brooke's name wrong?
She calls him "Cook," then "Rook," and finally "Book"—never getting his real surname right.
What psychological principle does Alcott identify in Aunt March's behavior?
Aunt March "possessed in perfection the art of rousing the spirit of opposition in the gentlest people"—forbidding something makes people want it more.
How does Meg respond to Aunt March's threat about inheritance?
"I shall marry whom I please, Aunt March, and you can leave your money to anyone you like."—showing unexpected resolve and independence.
What does Meg say about John that reveals her true feelings?
"John is good and wise, he's got heaps of talent, he's willing to work and sure to get on, he's so energetic and brave... I'm proud to think he cares for me."
How does Brooke finally win Meg's acceptance?
He overheard Meg defending him to Aunt March. When she cannot deny what she has just passionately declared, she whispers "Yes, John" and hides her face on his waistcoat.
What is Jo's reaction when she discovers Meg and Brooke together?
She is "transfixed upon the threshold" with her mouth open. She rushes upstairs crying: "Oh, do somebody go down quick! John Brooke is acting dreadfully, and Meg likes it!"
What does Laurie bring to celebrate the engagement?
A great bridal-looking bouquet for "Mrs. John Brooke," believing he arranged the whole affair through his excellent management.
What comfort does Laurie offer Jo about losing Meg?
"You don't give her up. You only go halves." He also promises: "I'll stand by you, Jo, all the days of my life. Upon my word I will!"
What is the closing tableau of Chapter 23?
Father and Mother reliving their romance; Amy sketching the lovers; Beth talking with Mr. Laurence; Jo and Laurie reflected together in the mirror—a theatrical curtain call for Part One.
How does Alcott frame the ending of Part One?
She compares it to a stage play: "So the curtain falls upon Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Whether it ever rises again, depends upon the reception given the first act of the domestic drama called LITTLE WOMEN."
What does Jo mean when she says "I've lost my dearest friend"?
She fears that Meg's marriage will permanently change their sisterly bond and that Meg will drift away from the family into a new life with John.