^{https://dp.la/primary-source-sets/little-women-by-louisa-may-alcott}

^{https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louisa-May-Alcott}

The sisters in the book are modelled on Alcott's own siblings, May, Elizabeth and Anna, who appear respectively as Amy, Beth and Meg; Alcott hereself is the model for Jo.

^{(information from the book)}

Margaret (Meg) - eldest of four, 16 years old. Very pretty plump and fair, with large eyes, soft brown hair and a sweet mouth. Often gives lecture in elder-sisterly fashion. Thinks too much of her looks and hates to work. Has a voice like a flute.

Jo - 15 years old, very tall, thin with long, brown hair and long limbs she doesn't know what to do with. She is boyish and would rather to go and fight with her father rather than knit ant home as a poky old woman.

Elizabeth (Beth) - teen with a shy manner, a timid voice and a timid expression. She seems to live happily in her own world, venturing out only to meet her loved ones. Beth is the one who does all the dishwashing and dusting. Good at playing the piano.

Amy - youngest of all, regular snow maiden, blue eyes, yellow curling hair, pale and slender. Carries herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. Meg says she is particular and prim, has nice manners and refined ways of speaking.

Mrs. March - mother of the four girls, caring and loving, sings like a lark.

"Remind them them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need to not be wasted." - Mr. March

"Happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true Celestial City." - Mrs. March

cross - annoyed

impertinent - not patient

plague - cause continual trouble or distress

libel - to defame

jolly - happy and cheerful

mane - long hair

recess - small space (padziļinājums)

frolic - cheerful, playful

borne - carried, transported

frantically - hurried, disorganized, excited manner

anguish - extremely distressed

simmering - boiling to the point while bubbling gently

toad - krupis

asunder - apart

remorse - deep regret, guilt

bonnet - woman's hat tied under the chin

trot - to run at a moderate pace with short steps

parlor -sitting room

creep - move slowly and carefully in order to avoid being noticed

brood over - to think a lot about sth that makes you annoyed, anxious or upset

chaplain - religious leadership title, representative of religious tradition

bosom - very close or intimate

cellar - basement

pensive - reflecting deep or serious thought

lisp - šļupstēt

lark - cīrulis

"There never was such a woman for givin' away vanities and drink, clothes and firin" - Hannah

Hannah - March family's servant, more considered as a friend by the girls. She is kind and helpful.

The Laurence boy is told to be smart and bashful.

Mr. Laurence is portrayed as nice person, who doesn't like being involved with his neighbours.

Meg is told to have a sweet and pious nature.

vanity - excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements

pious - devoutly religious

vittles - supplies of food

abashed - apjucis

trump - a helpful or admirable person

stately - impressive or grand in size, appearance, or manner

buckwheat - griķi

quilt - duvet

pane - a single sheet of glass in a window or door

gruel - a thin liquid food of oatmeal or other meal boiled in milk or water

tenderly - with gentleness, kindness and affection

blaze - fiercely burning fire

prance - move with high springy steps (like a horse)

gay - light-hearted and carefree

wit - intelligence

cavern - a large cave or chamber in a cave

cabalistic - secretive and mysterious

philtre - a love potion

hither - to or towards this place

topsy-turvy - upside down

to revel - to celebrate

to foil - to prevent from succeeding

chintz - kokvilnas mēbeļu drāna

baize - rupjš vilnas audums

bureau - desk

furnace - structure for smelting metal

garland - a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as a decoration

apparition - a ghost or ghostlike image of a person

imp - a small, mischievous devil or sprite

to thwart - prevent (someone) from accomplishing something

merit - the quality of being particularly good or worthy

lovelock - matu sprogs

lattice - a structure consisting of strips of wood or metal crossed and fastened together with square or diamond-shaped spaces left between, used as a screen or fence or as a support for climbing plants

totter - move in a feeble or unsteady way

shriek - utter a high-pitched piercing sound

to scorn - feel or express contempt or disdain for

wrath - extreme anger

dauntless - showing fearlessness and determination

anon - soon; shortly

bequeath - hand down

tumultuous - making an yproar or loud, confused noise

rapturous - jūsmīgs

bashful - reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy

wistful - having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing

to mar - impair the quality or appearance of; spoil

rapture - a feeling of intense pleasure or joy

tremendous - very great in amount, scale, or intensity

"It is one of her aristocratic tastes, and quite proper, for a real lady is always known by neat boots, gloves, and handkerchief." - Meg

"How do you learn all the proper ways? I never can." - Jo

Jo is not interested in girly talk or gossip, she would rather talk with joyful lads.

Laurie (the Laurence boy) is polite, friendly, caring and altogether jolly. Girls claim he is a nice boy. He has curly black hair, brown skin, nig black eyes, handsome nose, fine teeth, small hands and feet.

poplin - lightweight cotton

mortify - cause to feel very embarrassed or ashamed

to cut capers - to skip or jump playfully

blithely - in a way that shows a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper

frill - volāns

dampness - mitrums

queer - strange, odd

petulant - childish, sulky or bad-tempered

exertion - physical or mental effort

daintily - in an attractive, careful way

spandy - neat

breadth - a piece of cloth of standard or full-width

sash - plecu šalle

prink - spend time making minor adjustments to one's appearance

jovial - cheerful and friendly

dwindle - diminish gradually in size, amount or strength

thrash - beat repeatedly and violently with a stick or whip

forlornly - full of regret, loneliness, hopelessness

demeanour - manner

to peg - to pin/attach

skylark - pass time by playing tricks or practical jokes

blunder - a stupid or careless mistake

obliging - willing to do a service or kindness, helpful

"Where's the use of looking nice, when no one sees me but those cross midgets." - Meg

"I shall have to toil and moil all my days, [...], because I'm poor and can't enjoy my life as other girls do." - Meg

" [...] for more ungrateful wretches than we are were never seen." - Jo

"She tried not to be envious or discontent, but it was very natural that the young girl should long for pretty things, gay friends, accomplishments, and a happy life"

"[...] for she had not yet learned to know how rich she was in the blessings which alone can make life happy"

"We can't give up our girls for a dozen fortunes. Rich or poor, we will keep together and be happy in one another." - the Marches

"She (Beth) was a housewifely creature, and helped Hannah keep home neat and comfortable for the workers, never thinking of any reward but to be loved"

"I know I'll get my music some time, if I'm good." - Beth

"I don't envy her much, in spite for her money, for all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones, I think." -Jo

"I felt so rich, so happy, thinking of my blessings." - Mrs. March

"When you feel discontent, think over your blessings, and be grateful." - Mrs. March

"One discovered that money can't keep shame and sorrow out of rich people's houses." - Mrs. March

Mag works in a wealthy family while Jo is working as a companion of her aunt. Beth is helping Hannah with housework and Amy is doing her studies at school. Mrs March works as a semstress.

implore - beg, plead someone

wail - howl, weep

lull - to calm or send to sleep

bleak - bare, exposed

irascible - easily angered

perpetual - never ending or changing

reprimand - formal expression of disapproval (rājiens)

deportment - gait, posture

sermon - sprediķis/mācība

toil and moil - to work hard; to drudge

Problem - importace of human interaction; how communication with right people can brighten up a person.

"A fellow cant live on books." - Laurie (no matter how many books one has, it can not replace human interaction)

"I never saw such a girl! You dont know a compliment when you get it." - Meg

"[...] I hope Meg will remember that children should be children as long as they can." - Mrs. March

Laurie is slightly bashful, but very kind gentelman who knows his manners. Laurie enjoys observing loving days of March family through the window and wishes to meet and get to know them as well as fell this atmosphere of kindness and love.

Old Mr. Laurence is kind and caring. He is very concerned about Laurie and cares for him deeply. Mr. Laurence seems kind of introverted, but still very caring and openminded.

sallied - set out from a place to do something

dismal - causing a mood of gloom or depression

pate - a person's head

blancmange - a usually sweetened and flavored dessert made from gelatinous or starchy ingredients and milk

mantelpiece - a structure of wood, marble, or stone above and around a fireplace

reveled - enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way, especially with drinking and dancing

merriment - high spirits

dickens - used for emphasis, or to express annoyance or surprise when asking questions

glowered- have an angry or sullen look on one's face; scowl

To repay kindness there is no need for big events or spectacles, any kindness can be repayed with sincerity and gratitude.

Problem:

Social and economical status as an obsticle in relationship.

"[...] (Beth) gave the big hand a grateful squeeze because she had no words to thank him for the precious gift he had given her."

"Perhaps it was because she was so grateful for this blessing that a greater was given her; at any rate she deserved both."

Old Mr. Laurence - warm hearted, giving.

coddle - treat (someone) in an indulgent or overprotective way.

voracious - wanting or devouring great quantities of food.

convulse - shake uncontrollably/violently

infirmity - physical or mental weakness

beatitude - supreme blessedness

nimble - quick and light in movement or action; agile

cordially - in a warm and friendly way

crotchety - irritable

Conceit is always defeated by humiliation.

Problem - How arrogance can lead to humiliation.

"It would have been bad enough to go to her seat, and see the pitying faces of her friends, or satisfied ones of her few enemies; but to face the whole school, with that shame fresh upon her, seemed impossible, and for a second she felt as if she could only drop down where she stood, and break her heart with crying."

"To others it might seem a ludicrous or trivial affair, but to her it was a hard experience, for during the twelve years of her life she had been governed by love alone, and a blow of that sort had never touched her before."

"You are getting to be rather conceited my dear, and it is quite time you set about correcting it. You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius."; "[...] the great charm of all power is modesty." - Mrs.March

Ludicrous - so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing

Beseech - ask (someone) urgently, and fervently to do something; implore; entreat

Infringe - actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.)

Inexorable - (of a person) impossible to persuade unrelenting

Indignant - feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment

Countenance - a person's face or facial expression

Conceited - excessively, proud of oneself; vain

Issue - ego as an obsticle in relationship.

"My dear, don't let the sun go down upon your anger; forgive each other, help each other, and begin again tomorrow.";

"Jo, dear, we all have our temptations, some far greater than yours, and it often takes us all our lives to conquer them.";

"You think your temper is the worst in the world, but mine used to be just like that.";

"But I'm angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I have learned not to show it.";

"The love, respect, and confidence of my children was the sweetest reward I could receive for my efforts to be the woman I would have them copy.";

"Try with hearth and soul to master this quick temper, before it brings you greater sorrow and regret than you have known today." - Mrs.March

Jo is careful but can easily hurt people.

Flurry - a small swirling mass of something especially snow or leaves, moved by sudden gusts of wind.

Kindle - arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling)

Fib - a lie, typically an unimportant one.

Aggravated - (of an offence) made more serious by attendant circumstances.

Coaxingly - in a way that persuades someone gently to do something, by being kind or patient, or by appearing to be

• Meg first hand experienced the effect sparkling clothes and dolled up face gives. In her own dress she was rather unnoticed, but wearing a splendid gown she became the centre of attention.

Problem - how luxury and wealth can make people forget about their values. Poverty as an obsticle in social life.

"But in their kindness Meg saw only pity for her poverty, and her heart felt very heavy as she stood by herself, while the others laughed, chattered and flew about like gauzy butterflies."

"Meg slipped the note into her pocket as a sort of talisman against envy, vanity, and false pride, for the few loving words had done her good, and the flowers cheered her up by their beauty."

"[...talking about Meg...] they have spoiled her entirely; she's nothing but a doll tonight." - Major Lincoln

"Her faith in her mother was a little shaken by the worldly plans attributed to her by Mrs. Moffat, who judged others by herself."

"She very soon discovered that there is a charm about fine clothes which attracts a certain class of people and secures their respect."

"I wish I'd been sensible and worn my own things, then I should not have disgusted other people, or felt so uncomfortable and ashamed." - Meg

"It does seem pleasant to be quite, and not have company manners on all time. Home is a nice place, though it isn't splendid" - Meg

"Learn to know and value the praise which is worth having, and to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as pretty, Meg" - Mrs. March

"Money is a needful and precious thing - and, when well used, a noble thing - but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I'd rather see you poor man's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace." - Mrs. March

"Don't be troubled, Meg, poverty seldom dauntless a sincere lover."; "Mother is always ready to be your confidante, Father to be your friend; and both of us trust and hope that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and comfort of our lives." - Mrs. March

yield - give way to arguments, demands, or pressure

irksome - irritating

frivolous - not having any serious purpose or value

sumptuous - lavish, luxurious

dawdle - waste time, be slow

agitated - feeling or appearing troubled or nervous

bereavement - loss, deprivation

allusion - reference to, mention of

confer - have discussions; exchange opinions

benignly - kindly

adjoining - next to, joined with

Leisure and no work is as hard and unpleasant as only work and no leisure.

"Lounging and larking doesn''t pay. I'm tired of it and mean to work at something right off." - Jo

"Yes, I wanted to see how the comfort of all depends on each doing her share faithfully."; "Don't you feel that it is pleasanter to help one another, to have daily duties which make leisure sweet when it comes [...]"; "Have regular hours of work and play, make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well." - Mrs. March

Meg is not found of sewing but after the experiment she is commited to sew some shirts for father as good deeds are a nececity.

ennui - boredom

matronly figure - a matronly woman, usually one who is not young, is fat and does not dress in a fashionable way.

chagrin - annoyance

wry - ironic/satirical/mocking

dwindle - deminish/decrease

lament - to express sadness and regret about something

Importance of character and personality - Kate found girls nice and lovely despite their demonstrative manners.

"In spite of their demonstrative manners, American girls ate very nice when one knows them." - Kate

Kate, Grace, Fred, Frank - noble children from England.

Kate is rather snobby and is sceptical about Meg being a governes.

Ned - shows interest in Meg though she doesn't catch the the flirt.

Sallie - Megs friend a flirt, nice and talkative.

Mr. Brooke - Laurie's tutor, a nice guy, shows interest in Meg, will become a soldier after Laurie goes to collage.

enlivened - brightened up

dexterity - skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands

aversion - dislike of/distaste for

ubiquitous - present, appearing, or found everywhere

skirmishes - fight/battle/clash

dyspeptic - bad-tempered (īgns, sapīcis)

propriety - respectability

beheld - see/observe

effigies - statue

sepulchral - gloomy, lugubrious

hallmarks - official mark/stamp

rigmarole - lengthy process

disdainful - showing contempt or lack of respect

romping - play, frolic

lackadaisical - careless, lazy

shunned - presistently avoided, ignored, or rejected

Problem - how life makes you sacrifice your dreams

"There is a lovelier country even than that, where we shall go, by–and–by, when we are good enough." - Meg

"It seems so long to wait, so hard to do. I want to fly away at once, as those swallows fly, and go in at that splendid gate." - Meg

"I'm the one that will have to fight and work, and climb and wait, and maybe never get in after all." - Jo

"Wouldn't it be fun if all the castles in the air which we make could come true, and we could live in them?" - Jo

"If people really want to go, and really try all their lives, I think they will get in, for I don't believe there are any locks on that door or any guards at the gate." - Beth

"I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle, something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead." - Jo

"I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen." - Jo

"I've got the key to mine, but I'm not allowed to try it. Hang college!" - Laurie

"He wants me to be an Indan merchant, as he was, and I'd rather be shot." - Laurie

"Don't be dismal or fret, but do your duty and you'll get your reward." - Meg

"I'll let my castle go, and stay with the dear old gentleman while he needs me, for I am all he has." - Laurie

Beth's dream is very down to earth and modest, but other girls' dreams are very grand and sparkling.

Some secrets are better not to be known to keep one's mind in peace.

"I don't think secrets agree with me, I feel rumpled up in my mind since you told me that." - Jo

"You have been running. Jo. How could you? When will you stop such romping ways?" - Meg

"Don't try to make me grow up before my time, [...], let me be a little girl as long as I can." - Jo

"I am so happy, for in time I may be able to support myself and help the girls." - Jo

"Because if you care much about riches, you will never go and marry a poor man." - Jo

Bedewed - covered or sprinkeled with drops of water or other liquid

"I'm not sorry. I'd do it again tomorrow, if I could. It's only vain, selfish part of me that goes and cries this silly way." - Jo

Jo has a lot of courage to sell her hair and do her best in order to help father.

The girls all together are trying their best to keep the housework going and live merely.

Hannah is an excellent servant and devotes herself for the girls and the house, following all the rules Mrs March set.

Lamentation - the passionate expression of grief or sorrow; weeping

Christened - baptised, named

Infectiously - in a way that affects everyone who is present and makes them want to join in, or makes them feel the same way

Forlornly - full of regret, loneliness, and even hopelessness

Wintry - bleak, cold, chilly, frosty

Meg and Jo are hardworking tho lazy sometimes.

Amy doesn't like aunt March and doesn't want to stay with her.

Rattlepated - lacking sense or discretion

In a jiffy - very quickly or very soon

Always think before you act as the result can be terrible.

No matter how bad the argument is family will always be together.

"I'd like to be loved and missed by great many friends, so I'm going to try and be like Beth all I can. I'm apt to forget my resolutions, but if I had something always about me to remind me, I guess I should do better." - Amy

"I think you will prosper, for the sincere wish to be good is half the battle." - Mrs March

"He was perfectly open and honorable about Meg, for he told us he loved her, but would earn a comfortable home before he asked her to marry him." - Mrs March

"She'll go and fall in love, and there's an end of peace and fun, and cozy times together. I see it all!" - Jo

"I know, by experience, how much genuine happiness can be had in a plain little house, where the daily bread is earned, and some privations give sweetness to the few pleasures. I am content to see Meg being humbly, for I am not mistaken, she will be rich in the possession of a good man's heart, and that is better than a fortune." - Mrs March

"I wish wearing flatirons on our heads would keep us from growing up. But buds will be roses, and kittens, cats - more's the pitying!" - Jo

"She does not love Jhon yet, but will soon learn to." - Mrs March

Vax - vaccine

Conscience - a person's moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to one's behaviour.

Weathercock - a type of weathervane (= a device for showing which way the wind is blowing) in the shape of a chicken

"Her eyes kindled as they turned wistfully toward the window, but they fell on the old house opposite, and she shook her head with a sorrowful decision."

"If I was a boy, we'd run away together, and have a capital time; but as I'm a miserable girl, I must be proper and stop at home. Don't tempt me, Teddy, it's a crazy plan!" - Jo

"I keep turning new leaves and spoiling them, as I used to spoil my copybooks; and I make so many beginnings there never will be an end." - Laurie

"[..] the mischief was done, for though others forgot it Meg remembered."

Jo is tempted by carzy plan, but she remembers the harsh truth of being a girl. She is very protective of her sisters.

Meg is very ashamed and feels very bad about the situation. She starts to feel something towards Jhoh.

Petulanty - childishly, sulky or bad-tempered

Kindle - set/light on fire

Insinuatingly - winning favor and confidence by imperceptible degrees

Decorous - proper, decent

Banisters - handrail, railing (for stairs)

Butterfly effect - little changes in ones behaviour and actions are fully visible in a long term effect.

Mr March is caring and observant, he notices changes in the girls' behaviour and personalities. He caringly showers each one with his love and affection.

quenched - satisfy (one's thirst) by drinking

snub - insult, humiliate

unquenchables - unable to satisfy ones thirst

True intentions will always be shown.

"I'm not so silly and weak as you think. I know just what I should say, for I've planned it all, so I needn't be taken unawares." - Meg

"Don't mean to have any; it's fun yo watch other people philander, but I should feel like a fool doing it myself." - Jo

"I'll wait, and in the meantime, you could be learning to like me. Would it be a very hard lesson, dear?" - Jhon

"I shall marry whom I please, Aunt March, and you can leave your money to anyone you like." - Meg

"Everyone likes and respects him, and I'm proud to think he cares for me, though I'm so poor and young and silly." - Meg

"It never can be the same again. I've lost my dearest friend." - Jo

"You've got me, anyhow. I'm not good for much, I know, I will!" - Laurie

Jhon makes grand plans to earn a fortune for Meg and wed.

Meg denied and couldn't understand her feelings but her real and pure love to Jhon was unveiled.

Jo doesn't like the new couple, but has to accept it.

Laurie promises to always be with Jo and be her company.

Mr and Mrs March with the rest of the girls support the new couple and find them adorable.

Beseeching - implore, beg

Hobbling - limp

Stoutly - with courage and determination