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How do societal expectations in the 21st century limit women's freedom to express their personal desires?

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Original text from Chapter 35: "Heartache"

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Original text from Chapter 35: "Heartache"

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Laurie approached Jo with an intensity she had rarely seen in him before. They were walking together in the woods, the spring sunlight dappling the path, but Laurie seemed restless and unusually serious. Jo, sensing something was coming, tried to change the subject, but he stopped abruptly.

"I need to speak with you, Jo. I can't hold it in any longer," he said.

Jo turned to him, startled. "Laurie, what is it?"

Taking a deep breath, Laurie plunged ahead. "I've loved you ever since I've known you, Jo. I tried to stop, but I can't. I've waited, hoping you'd see it too, but you haven't. I can't go on like this without knowing if you could ever love me in return."

Jo was silent for a moment, the weight of his words settling over her. She looked at him, her dear friend, with love—but not the kind he longed for.

"Laurie," she began softly, "I care for you so much. You are my truest friend, and I love you dearly, but not in the way you want. I've never felt that way, and I think I never shall."

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I asked AI (https://chatgpt.com/) to make my own book cover in green tones capturing nature and make March family in first plan. The dark green background gives a calm and timeless feeling, while the gold accents add elegance. The sisters, dressed in 19th-century clothes, are shown by a river surrounded by trees, representing their close bond and connection to nature. The floral patterns around the edge add a vintage touch, and the simple, flowing text for the title and author's name completes the classic look. I think it's a beautiful, quiet design that reflects the spirit of the book.

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DALL·E 2024-12-04 23.31.34 - A vintage-style book cover for 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott. The design features a dark green background with gold foil accents. The central il

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In first five chapters reader is introduced with four March sisters —Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. While their father is away fighting in the Civil War, they live in poor circumstances with their mother, Marmee. The girls face their own flaws and goals, each with their own unique personalities and ambitions.They all give up their little pleasures to provide Christmas morning to a poor family, showing the traits of kindness and empathy. The base for their future struggles and achievements is created by these early chapters, which teach the girls that family and love are worth more than money.

https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/littlewomen/section7/

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In these next chapters, each sister takes a step toward growing up by facing and overcoming a personal weakness. Beth must face her extreme shyness to follow her love for music. She is rewarded with a piano for her efforts and shows her gratitude by bravely going to Mr. Laurence’s house to thank him with a kiss. Beth’s connection to Mr. Laurence also shows that she is the most traditional of the sisters—happiest to take on the role of a caring woman for an older male figure, the head of a household.

While Mr. Laurence is kind and caring, he also represents strict male authority. He refuses to let Laurie follow his dream of becoming a musician, which was seen as a more feminine interest at the time. Instead, he wants Laurie to have a respectable job in business. Mr. Laurence’s earlier gift of a Christmas feast to reward the Marches’ selflessness reflects the idea that women should always give without expecting anything and be supported by men in return.

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In these chapters , Marmee’s absence is shown to be much more impactful than Mr. March’s absence throughout the novel. While the family manages without their father, they struggle when their mother leaves. The girls’ sadness over Marmee’s departure shows how important she is to them, and they worry more about her leaving than their father’s illness. Unlike letters to Mr. March, which are never shown, an entire chapter is dedicated to the girls writing letters to their mother, highlighting the strong bonds between women.

Beth becomes ill after her refusal to visit the Hummels, a poor family with sick children. Meg and Jo are supposed to go in her place but refuse, and Beth ends up going alone. As a result, she contracts scarlet fever from the Hummels, leading to her serious illness. However, Beth’s selflessness is also to blame. She puts others first, which makes her ill. Alcott seems to suggest that while selflessness is admirable, it can also be harmful.

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In these chapters, Meg matures as she falls in love and gets engaged. While the family shows excitement for her upcoming marriage, there is also an underlying sense of tension. Jo is upset about losing her sister and compares Meg’s love for Mr. Brooke to an illness. In Chapter 21, Jo says, “She feels it in the air—love, I mean—and she’s going very fast. She’s got most of the symptoms, is twittery and cross, doesn’t eat, lies awake, and mopes in corners.” After Beth’s recent recovery, Jo’s words about love seem more serious. Alcott might want readers to see a connection between Beth and Meg, as both are influenced by traditional roles for women—Beth by extreme selflessness and Meg by taking on the role of a typical wife.

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In Chapter 24, Alcott responds to feedback from readers, publishers, and her family about Part One of the book. While she tries to please her audience, it’s clear that she doesn’t fully agree with their tastes. The chapter begins with a light, playful tone, reflecting the attitudes of Meg’s wealthy friends, suggesting Alcott may be critical of the direction the story has taken.

Amy still longs for a more luxurious life and spends money hosting a fancy party to impress the rich girls in her art class. When the party fails, she learns a lesson about pretending to be something she is not. Alcott emphasizes that women in poverty should maintain their dignity and not try to live beyond their means, as those they try to impress will see through the act. True dignity, she suggests, comes from accepting one’s financial situation without shame.

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In Part Two of the novel, Alcott changes her writing style compared to Part One. While the first part is focused on teaching lessons, the second part is more emotional and aims to give the reader a satisfying experience. Alcott speaks directly to the audience more often here, a common feature in sentimental literature. These direct appeals are meant to stir emotions. This shift in tone could be due to reader feedback or Alcott’s artistic choice. It may also reflect the change in focus, as she moves from writing about a mostly female household that mirrors her own early life to creating more imagined events. In particular, Jo’s character becomes less like Alcott in the second part.

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In Chapter 34, Jo remains mostly the same as at the beginning of the novel, focusing on her writing. The name of the magazine she writes for, "Weekly Volcano," suggests her fiery and unpredictable creativity. Like a volcano, Jo has a passionate and restless nature, always ready to express herself through her writing, and the magazine provides the ideal outlet for her.

In Chapter 35, Jo makes an unusual decision by rejecting Laurie’s marriage proposal. During Alcott's time, society expected women to accept marriage and motherhood as their roles, and women who rejected offers were uncommon in literature. Jo’s choice is significant because she turns down Laurie, who is kind, handsome, and wealthy, simply because she does not love him in the way she believes a wife should love her husband. Alcott presents this decision as a brave and admirable act, showing that a strong woman can defy societal expectations.

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Little Women ends with the March sisters finding happiness in their own ways, despite their earlier dreams and struggles.

Jo inherits her Aunt March's house, Plumfield, and transforms it into a school for boys, fulfilling her desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. She marries Professor Bhaer, a kind and thoughtful man who supports her ambitions. Together, they create a loving, nurturing environment at the school.

Meg settles into her role as a devoted wife and mother, finding contentment in her modest but fulfilling life with Mr. Brooke and their children.

Amy marries Laurie after a deepening of their bond during a trip to Europe, where Amy’s maturity and Laurie’s growth from his heartbreak over Jo bring them together. They return home and lead a privileged but meaningful life, using their resources to support family and friends.

Beth’s death earlier in the story leaves a lasting impact on the family, reminding them of the importance of love, selflessness, and cherishing their time together. Her memory continues to inspire them.

The novel closes on a joyful note during a family gathering at Plumfield. The sisters reflect on how their lives have unfolded and express gratitude for their shared love and support. The ending emphasizes themes of family, growth, and finding happiness in unexpected places.

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The characters who once dreamed of having genius and great success—Amy, Jo, and Laurie—come to understand that they have talent but not the extraordinary gifts they had hoped for. This acceptance comes with maturity and learning to handle small disappointments. When Mr. Laurence asks Jo to be like a daughter to him in Beth’s place, Jo agrees, showing she has softened some of her wildness with the kindness and gentleness she admired in Beth. Jo’s writing also changes; instead of exciting adventure stories, she begins creating simpler works, much like Little Women itself. While this change could be seen as Jo losing some of her independence, it could also reflect her ability to adapt her creativity to fit her life and surroundings.

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Laurie’s rejection by Jo leaves me feeling both sad and sympathetic. He is such a likable character, and his feelings for Jo are deep and sincere. When she turns him down, it’s painful to see how crushed he is. I feel a sense of sadness for him, but at the same time, I also understand Jo’s decision. It’s a bittersweet moment—her honesty versus his heartbreak is a powerful reminder of the complexities of love.

Another emotional moment is when Beth’s illness becomes more serious. Her quiet, selfless nature makes her death deeply emotional. As a reader, I feel a deep sense of loss for the family and for Beth, who was so kind and gentle. Her death brings the family closer and makes you realize how fragile life can be.

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Laurie, or Theodore Laurence, is a charming and sociable young man, full of energy and warmth. He quickly becomes close friends with the March sisters, especially Jo, and is known for his kindness, playfulness, and adventurous spirit. He is emotionally sensitive, and when Jo rejects his love, he feels heartbroken and lost. This rejection marks the start of his personal growth.

Time in Europe helps him find more purpose in life and he gains a deeper understanding of who he is. Laurie learns that his feelings for Jo are not as strong as his connection with Amy, and he matures by accepting this shift. By the end of the story, Laurie has grown into a more responsible, thoughtful man. His relationship with Amy reflects this change, as he chooses love based on mutual respect and understanding.

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Amy March, Little Women's youngest sister, wishes to be wealthy and adores beauty. She can start out arrogant and self-centered, giving great thought to her appearance and expensive goods. She doesn't always consider other people, as seen by the fact that she burns Jo's book out of rage. Amy evolves as she gets older. She discovers more about the world and herself when she visits Europe. She understands that material wealth and social standing are not the most significant factors. She begins to place a higher importance on family, love, and kindness than money. She has developed significantly, as evidenced by her marriage to Laurie. She marries him because they love and understand one another, not because he is wealthy.

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Marmee March, the mother in Little Women, is a wise and caring woman who serves as the heart of the March family. She is gentle, patient, and always supports her daughters, teaching them important lessons about life, love, and kindness.

At first, Marmee may seem calm and perfect, but she is open about her struggles with controlling her temper. She shares this to show her daughters that nobody is perfect, and it’s okay to work on your weaknesses. Her honesty makes her a strong role model besides that she encourages her daughters to be strong and kind women who follow their own paths in life.

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Beth March is gentle, shy, and selfless. She is content with simple joys and loves her family deeply. Unlike her more ambitious sisters, she finds happiness in serving others, whether by playing the piano or helping those in need. Beth is humble and never seeks attention. Despite her fragile health, she faces her challenges with grace and love, teaching her family the importance of kindness and gratitude.

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The moral of Little Women emphasizes the value of love, family, and personal growth. It shows that life is about more than material success; it's about how we treat others and the strength of our relationships. The March sisters, each with their own dreams and struggles, learn the importance of balancing ambition with compassion. Their journey teaches that real fulfillment comes not from achieving personal desires at any cost, but from selflessness and a commitment to helping others. Through their challenges, they discover that true happiness is found in the love they give and receive, and in the growth that comes from overcoming difficulties together.

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Little Women is a coming-of-age novel by American author Louisa May Alcott, published in two parts in 1868 and 1869. It follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow from childhood to adulthood. The story, loosely based on Alcott’s own life with her sisters, is seen as semi-autobiographical. The novel explores themes like family, love, independence, and the roles of women in society. Its portrayal of the sisters' growth and close family ties has made it a classic in American literature.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Little Women | Novel by Alcott.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 2019, www.britannica.com/topic/Little-Women-novel-by-Alcott.

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Lorija tuvojās Džo ar tādu intensitāti, kādu viņa agrāk viņā nebija redzējusi. Viņi gāja kopā pa mežu, pavasara saules gaismai krāsojot taku, bet Lorija šķita nemierīga un neparasti nopietna. Džo, sajutis, ka kaut kas tuvojas, mēģināja mainīt tēmu, bet pēkšņi apstājās. "Man ir jārunā ar tevi, Džo. Es vairs nevaru to noturēt," viņš teica. Džo pārsteigts pagriezās pret viņu. — Lori, kas tas ir? Dziļi ieelpojusi Lorija metās uz priekšu. "Es mīlu tevi kopš tā laika, kad pazīstu tevi, Džo. Es mēģināju apstāties, bet nevaru. Es gaidīju, cerot, ka arī tu to redzēsi, bet tu neesi. Es nevaru turpini tā, nezinot, vai kādreiz spēsi mani mīlēt pretī. Džo kādu brīdi klusēja, un viņa vārdu smagums pārņēma viņu. Viņa skatījās uz viņu, savu dārgo draugu, ar mīlestību, bet ne tādu, pēc kā viņš ilgojās.

"Lorija," viņa maigi iesāka, "man tu tik ļoti rūpējos. Tu esi mans patiesākais draugs, un es tevi ļoti mīlu, bet ne tā, kā tu vēlētos. Es nekad tā neesmu jutusies un domāju, ka arī nekad to nedarīšu. ”.

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1. "Strike while the iron is hot"

Meaning: This means to take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it arises. (The March sisters use this phrase in a discussion about seizing chances and making the most of life.)

2. "Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched"

Meaning: This means not to assume that something will happen until it actually does. (One of the sisters uses it when cautioning against getting too excited about future plans that aren’t certain.)

3. "All’s well that ends well"

Meaning: This expression suggests that if the end result is good, it doesn’t matter what happened before. (The sisters use this to reflect on their experiences and the lessons learned from them.)

4. "Rome wasn’t built in a day"

Meaning: This idiom suggests that important things take time to achieve and cannot be rushed. The sisters use this expression to encourage each other to be patient in their pursuits and personal growth.

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Margaret (Meg) March: Meg, who is 16 at the beginning of the book, is the oldest of the three sisters. Even though she sees herself as little princess, longs for pretty dresses and other fine things so that she can be admired by others she is responsible and acts as a mother figure to her younger sisters. Meg chooses family and love over material wealth.

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Josephine "Jo" March

The main character of the novel, and the second-oldest sister who wants to be a writer. Character is based on author herself which makes the story semi-autobiographical. Jo is a tomboy, and reacts with impatience to the many limitations placed on women and girls. She hates romance in her real life, and wants nothing more than to hold her family together she is also the most independent of the sisters with a passion for writing. Jo is determined to break away from traditional female roles, often expressing a desire to live life more freely than society expects. She’s deeply loyal and protective, especially towards her sisters.

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1. "Just because my dreams are different than yours, it doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.” – Meg March

2. ''...to enjoy myself in my own way.'' - Jo March

3. ''...never thinking of any reward but to be loved.'' - Jo March

4. '' When you feel discontented, think over your blessings and be greatful.'' - Mrs March

5. '' Let him do what he likes as long as he is happy.'' - (Mrs. March)

6. “I am angry nearly every day of my life, but I have learned not to show it.” - (Mrs. March)

7. “The trouble is that you’d rather be loved than love.” -

Laurie (Theodore Laurence)

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1. ''Yes, yes. I AM a grown-ass man reading this, but I'm not even remotely ashamed.'' (user @Fabian)

2. ''This is magical book, when I get into my hands for the first time, I was only eleven and for decades I kept on getting it into my hands, reread it several times and same words resonated different for me, awoke different feelings, made me look at the characters’ flaws and differences at brand new perspective.
Even though I know the ending: I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I smiled, I jumped, I felt peaceful and at the end I LOVED IT TRULY, DEEPLY so MUCH!'' (Nilufer Ozmekik)

3. ''Some books read like a lifelong friendship, each page a warm or comforting embrace as you laugh and weep along with the characters. Little Women by L.M. Alcott is an enduring and endearing classic that will nestle its way so deep into your heart that you’ll wonder if the sound of turning pages has become your new heartbeat in your chest.''( user @s.penkevich)

4. ''Never liked this one. I read Alcott back around the time I was first reading the Brontes and Dickens, and her books always struck me as incredibly dull in comparison. I was probably about 12, though, so I suppose I should try it again someday.'' (Emily May)

“Ratings & Reviews for Little Women.” Study.com, 2022, study.com/learn/lesson/little-women-alcott-summary-characters-analysis.html.

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Little Women has been adapted to the screen more than a dozen times, including two silent films :

''Little women'' (1917) directed by Alexander Butler

''Little women'' (1918) directed by Harley Knoles

multiple television serials between the 1950s and 1970s,

Japanese anime series one of them '' Tales of Little Women'' (1987) produced by Nippon Animation

and even a Hindi language web series.

The most well - known cinematic adaptation of the story is the 2019 drama directed by Greta Gerwig. Film received huge critical acclaim, garnered six Academy Award nominations, it also earned five British Academy Film Award nominations and two Golden Globe Award nominations.

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According to literary critic Sarah Elbert, when Louisa May Alcott used the term "little women," she was drawing on a meaning similar to that used by Charles Dickens. It referred to the stage in a young woman's life when childhood and early adulthood overlap. Each of the March sisters goes through a difficult experience that shows them, and the reader, that their childhood innocence is gone. What remains is the challenge of growing up and facing the realities of being a woman.

Copyright 2024 Study.com. “Little Women | Summary, Characters & Author.” Study.com, 2022, study.com/learn/lesson/little-women-alcott-summary-characters-analysis.html.

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Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American author best known for her novel Little Women (1868). Born in Germantown, Pennsylvania. As a young woman, Alcott held various jobs to support her family, including teaching, sewing, and domestic work, and she eventually served as a nurse during the Civil War. This experience built her writing journey focused on the brutal realities of war and helped her get recognition as a strong literary voice. To help with her family’s financial problems, she began publishing stories, often under the pseudonym A.M. Barnard, where she wrote sensational thrillers and gothic tales. Alcott’s Little Women and quickly became a massive success because story resonated with readers for its realistic portrayal of family life, complex female characters, and themes of love, personal ambition, and self-sacrifice. Even author passed away at the age of 55 her impact on American literature is profound. She inspired generations of readers to imagine lives beyond traditional roles and to value the moral and emotional complexities of everyday life.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Famericanwritersmuseum.org%2Fin-the-footsteps-of-louisa-may-alcott%2F&psig=AOvVaw01eR6ZTtaVRZJFc07f482u&ust=1733863040867000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCPjHienFm4oDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

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Louisa May Alcott's best-known works include:

1. Little Women (1868)

2. Little Men (1871)

3. Good Wives (1869)

4. Jo's Boys (1886)

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Laurijs vērsās pie Džo ar tādu pielūli, kādu viņa gluži nekad nebija redzējusi. Viņi gāja kopā pa mežu, pavasara saules stariem rotaļājoties uz taciņas, bet Laurijs šķita nemierīgs un neparasti nopietns. Džo, sajuzdama, ka kaut kas tuvojas, mēģināja mainīt sarunas tēmu, taču viņš pēkšņi apstājās.

"Man ir jāparunā ar tevi, Džo. Es vairs to nevaru sevī turēt," viņš teica.

Džo pārsteigta pagriezās pret viņu. "Laurij, kas noticis?"

Ievelkot dziļu elpu, Laurijs beidzot izteicās: "Es tevi mīlu kopš tās dienas, kad tevi iepazinu, Džo. Es mēģināju to slēpt, bet nevaru. Es gaidīju, cerot, ka tu arī to jūti. Es vairs nevaru tā dzīvot, nezinot, vai tu jebkad varētsi mani mīlēt tāpat kā es mīlu tevi."

Džo uz mirkli klusēja. Viņa skatījās uz viņu, uz savu dārgo draugu, ar mīlestību, bet ne tādu mīlestību, pēc kādas viņš ilgojās un kādu viņš vēlējās sajust.

"Laurij," viņa maigi iesāka savu domu, "tu man ļoti rūp. Tu zini, ka esi mans patiess draugs, un es tevi ļoti mīlu, bet ne tā, kā tu gribi. Es tā nekad neesmu jutusies, un man šķiet, ka nekad arī nejutīšos."

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I chose these quotes because they reflect some of the most important values and emotions we experience in life—independence, love, gratitude, and honesty.

Meg’s words, “Just because my dreams are different than yours, it doesn’t mean they’re unimportant,” remind me to value individuality and honor different paths in life. Everyone’s dreams matter, no matter how big or small.

Jo’s quote, “...to enjoy myself in my own way,” inspires me to embrace independence and live authentically, free from expectations. Similarly, her line, “...never thinking of any reward but to be loved,” speaks to the beauty of selfless love and the power of genuine connections.

Mrs. March’s wisdom, “When you feel discontented, think over your blessings and be grateful,” is a powerful reminder to focus on the positives, even when life feels difficult. Her quote, “Let him do what he likes as long as he is happy,” emphasizes the importance of supporting others and letting them find their own happiness. And her admission, “I am angry nearly every day of my life, but I have learned not to show it,” resonates deeply because it acknowledges the struggle of self-control and the strength it takes to remain patient and kind.

Finally, Laurie’s words, “The trouble is that you’d rather be loved than love,” reflect the complexity of relationships and the balance between giving and receiving love.

I chose these quotes because they carry lessons that resonate with me—reminders to be independent, supportive, grateful, and open to love in all its forms.

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In my translation, I kept the original names "Laurijs" and "Džo," while in translation from google names are changed - "Laurijs" to "Lorija," which feels less natural for the story. From my opinion, my version also feels more emotional and flows better, while the second one seems rushed and doesn’t show the feelings as clearly, as well as there is some mistakes such as "man tu tik ļoti rūpējos," which should be "man tu rūp tik ļoti." This makes the sentence confusing. Also, repeating "Lorija" too much makes the text harder to read.

In my translation I tried to choose words that would make text clearer, smoother, and would show the emotions better, while the google version has grammar mistakes and feels less connected to the original.

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Louisa May Alcott’s vocabulary in Little Women often reflects the language of the 19th century, with a mix of formal, old-fashioned, and poetic words that help create a historical atmosphere. Her characters sometimes use expressions like “methinks,” meaning “it seems to me,” which gives a slightly archaic flavor to their speech.

Words like “fain” (gladly or willingly) and “prithee” (a polite form of "please") appear occasionally, giving the dialogue a more formal, respectful tone.

Another example is “peradventure,” meaning “perhaps” or “maybe,” which is rarely used in modern conversation.

These older words and expressions shows an elegant, genteel quality to the characters’ language and highlight the social and cultural context of the era. Alcott’s use of such vocabulary helps to evoke a sense of time and place, highlighting the timelessness of the Victorian time.