Being Neighborly
Introduction
- Author: Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), an influential American writer and one of the earliest feminist authors.
- Book: Little Women, first published in 1868, a classic novel that remains popular for its relatable characters and timeless themes.
- Story Context: Centers on the lives of four sisters-Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March-and their interactions with their neighbor, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence, in a suburban setting on the East Coast of America, specifically a Boston suburb.
- Extract Focus: Highlights the beginning of a significant friendship between Jo March, the spirited and adventurous sister, and Laurie, the lonely boy living in the grand mansion next door. It showcases themes of kindness and connection.
About Louisa May Alcott
- Recognized as a pioneer feminist writer in the mid to late 19th century.
- Known for her straightforward, engaging writing style and creation of vivid, believable characters that resonate with readers across generations.
- Little Women, her most celebrated work, has been cherished for over 150 years for its portrayal of family, friendship, and personal growth.
- Her stories are typically set in the suburbs of Boston, depicting a wholesome worldview with charming, realistic characters that captivate both young and adult audiences.
- Alcott’s works, including the Little Women series, influenced generations by presenting strong, independent female characters and universal human experiences.
Themes
1. Friendship: The extract illustrates how Jo’s initiative to reach out to Laurie lays the foundation for a deep, lasting friendship, emphasizing the importance of connection.
2.Neighborliness: Jo’s actions reflect the value of being a supportive neighbor, fostering a sense of community through small, thoughtful gestures.
3.Contrast in Lifestyles: The modest, warm, and lively March household is juxtaposed with the luxurious yet lonely Laurence mansion, highlighting different forms of wealth-emotional versus material.
4.Empathy and Compassion: Jo’s ability to recognize Laurie’s loneliness and act to alleviate it underscores the power of understanding and caring for others’ emotional needs.
Character Traits
1. Jo March:
- Bold: Fearlessly takes initiative, like throwing a snowball to get Laurie’s attention.
- Adventurous: Seeks excitement and dislikes staying idle, as seen in her decision to go out in the snow.
- Friendly: Warmly engages with Laurie, making him feel at ease.
- Empathetic: Senses Laurie’s loneliness and strives to cheer him up.
- Sharp: Quick-witted and observant, noticing details about Laurie’s situation.
- Playful: Brings Beth’s kittens and jokes to lighten the mood.
- Frank: Speaks honestly, even to Mr. Laurence about his appearance.
2. Laurie (Theodore Laurence):
- Shy: Hesitant to interact due to his isolated lifestyle.
- Lonely: Craves companionship, evident in his wistful gaze at the March garden.
- Gentlemanly: Polite and courteous, as seen in his efforts to tidy up for Jo’s visit.
- Happy: Becomes cheerful and sociable after Jo’s visit.
- Withdrawn: Initially isolated due to illness and lack of peers.
3. Mr. Laurence:
- Gruff: Appears stern with a rough voice and imposing presence.
- Perceptive: Notices Jo’s genuine nature and appreciates her honesty.
- Kind: Shows warmth by inviting Jo for tea and praising her grandfather’s spirit.
4.Meg March:
- Mature: Prefers calm activities like reading by the fire.
- Calm: Avoids the cold, contrasting Jo’s restlessness.
5.Beth March:
- Quiet: Stays home, focused on her dolls and family.
- Empathetic: Sends her kittens to comfort Laurie, showing care.
6. Amy March:
- Playful: Engages in snowball fights with Beth.
- Artistic: Contr–ibutes scarlet geranium flowers to decorate the blanc-mange.
House Contrast
| March House | Laurence House |
|---|---|
| Old, brown, and shabby, with a bare appearance in winter. | Stately stone mansion, indicating wealth and luxury. |
| Covered with vines and surrounded by flowers in summer, adding warmth. | Well-kept grounds with a conservatory, showcasing meticulous care. |
| Filled with children’s laughter and play, creating a lively atmosphere. | No children frolic on the lawn, contributing to a lifeless feel. |
| Mrs. March’s motherly face often seen at the window, symbolizing family warmth. | No motherly face at the windows, emphasizing loneliness. |
Key Quotes
1. “That boy is suffering for society and fun”: Jo observes Laurie’s longing for companionship and enjoyment, highlighting his emotional isolation.
2.”A fellow can’t live on books”: Laurie expresses that while he loves reading, he needs human interaction to feel fulfilled.
3.”Only trying to be neighborly, sir”: Jo explains her intention to help Laurie feel less lonely, reflecting her kind and community-oriented nature.
4.”I’m happy as a cricket here”: Jo uses a simile to convey her contentment in the Laurence library, comparing her joy to the cheerfulness of a cricket.
Vocabulary
- Neighborly: Behaving in a friendly, helpful manner toward neighbors.
- Sacque: A short jacket with a hood, typically for infants.
- Betokening: Signifying or indicating something, such as wealth or status.
- Wistfully: Expressing a sad or longing sentiment, often tied to past memories.
- Sallied: Setting out boldly or energetically to undertake a task.
- Listless: Lacking energy, enthusiasm, or motivation.
- Flourished: Waved or brandished something, like a broom, with energy.
- Blanc-mange: A milk-based pudding flavored with almonds, soft and soothing.
- Colored up: Became flushed or red-faced, usually due to embarrassment.
- Pranced: Moved with lively, excited, or spirited steps.
- Wicked: Playfully mischievous or naughty, used in a lighthearted context.
Figures of Speech
- “As dull as tombs”: Simile, comparing Laurie’s boredom and isolation to the silence and lifelessness of a tomb.
- “I’m happy as a cricket here”: Simile, likening Jo’s happiness in the library to the lively, cheerful sound of a cricket.
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