PLOT

The overall plot of the novel is fairly simple. Four girls begin the story as teens or nearly teens, and each matures through a variety of experiences to enter adulthood. As they grow, they learn to place value on things of real worth, and they establish their individual priorities.

Within that framework, however, the novel contains a number of subplots. Three of these involve romance in which Meg, Jo and Amy have very different ideas of their future mates than the people they actually fall in love with. Meg and Jo grow up very close to the people they marry, but fail to realize it until circumstances give them a different look at their menfolk. Jo never intends to marry at all and has little patience with romantic notions; thus she is quite innocent of her own growing attachment to Professor Bhaer. BethÂ’s death is the climax for Jo because it emphasizes her loneliness and motivates her to look for another friend.

Table of Contents | Printable Version