PART TWO: CHAPTER FORTY - THREE - Surprises Practice Quiz — Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott — tap or click to flip
Practice Quiz: PART TWO: CHAPTER FORTY - THREE - Surprises
What is Jo doing at the beginning of Chapter 43?
She is lying on the old sofa in the twilight, resting on Beth's red pillow, reflecting on her approaching twenty-fifth birthday and feeling she has accomplished little.
What does Jo predict her future will be?
She predicts she will be "a literary spinster, with a pen for a spouse, a family of stories for children" and perhaps a "morsel of fame" twenty years hence.
Who is the first surprise visitor in Chapter 43?
Laurie (Teddy), who has returned from Europe.
What shocking news does Laurie reveal to Jo?
He and Amy have secretly married at the American consul's office in Paris, six weeks earlier.
Why did Laurie and Amy marry in Europe rather than waiting?
Grandfather Laurence wanted to go home, the Carrols decided to stay in Paris, and Mrs. Carrol refused to let Amy travel unchaperoned. Marriage solved the chaperone problem.
Where did Laurie and Amy spend their honeymoon?
At Valrosa, a place Amy had once called "a regular honeymoon home."
What does Laurie tell Jo about his feelings for her?
He says he will never stop loving her, but his love is "altered." Amy and Jo have "changed places" in his heart, and he asks Jo to be his sister.
How does Jo describe their new relationship?
She says they "never can be boy and girl again" and are now "man and woman" with "sober work to do, for playtime is over."
What rises from "the grave of a boyish passion" between Jo and Laurie?
A "beautiful, strong friendship to bless them both."
How has Amy changed, according to the family's observations?
She has matured into an elegant, graceful woman with "soft brightness," "gentle dignity," and a "cordial sweetness" that stamps her as a true gentlewoman.
What does Amy call Laurie?
"My lord."
What do the twins steal during the reunion dinner?
Sips of tea, gingerbread, hot biscuits, and captivating little tarts that they hide in their pockets.
Who is the second surprise visitor at the end of Chapter 43?
Professor Bhaer, who arrives at the porch door just as Jo is feeling lonely.
What details suggest Professor Bhaer came "a-wooing"?
He wears a new black suit, his hair is neatly brushed, and he has gold sleeve-buttons in his wristbands.
How does the March family react to Professor Bhaer?
They welcome him warmly—first for Jo's sake, then for his own kindness and generosity. Mr. March calls him "a wise man" and Mrs. March calls him "a good one."
What song do Jo and Mr. Bhaer sing together?
Mignon's song ("Know'st thou the land where the citron blooms"), with Bhaer dwelling on the line "There, oh there, might I with thee, O, my beloved, go."
Why does Amy's voice fail during the singing?
She is overcome with emotion while singing Beth's favorite hymn, which ends with "Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."
What does Mr. Bhaer do after returning to his room?
He turns off the gas and kisses Jo's picture in the dark.
What does Mr. Laurence whisper to Jo at dinner?
"You must be my girl now," glancing at the empty corner where Beth used to sit. Jo whispers back, "I'll try to fill her place, sir."
What symbolic object represents Beth's continuing presence?
Beth's little red pillow, her empty chair, her unfinished needlework, and her portrait above the piano all symbolize her lingering presence.