Are you having fun? I am!
Suey is hosting today's discussion post, so pop on over there for a fun recap of the story so far and the questions. She also has a linky where you can link up your answers posts.
I'm looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts!
We will also be having a twitter chat TONIGHT @ 5:00 PM (MST)!
We will also be having a twitter chat TONIGHT @ 5:00 PM (MST)!
1. What's your opinions so far about each of the girls? Do you identify more with one or the other of them? Do you like them, or do they get on your nerves in a way? Which one do you think would be your friend?
I think I'm a combination of Jo and Beth. I've always wanted to be friends with the March sisters. They have so much fun together. Meg and Amy bug me sometimes. Meg can be smug and Amy is so whiny and vein.
2. What do you think of Mrs. March aka. Marmee? What's one of your favorite pieces of advice or lessons she's taught the girls so far?
I love Marmee's kind nature and wisdom. I wish there were more mothers like Marmee in the world today. I love this quote, "Have regular hours for work and play, make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well." In today's world, we want to be entertained all the time, and I think society as a whole is losing the value of working hard. I love that Marmee is trying to instill good work ethics in her girls, but she also wants them to balance their time with work and pleasure.
3. Do you think that the characterization of these girls and this family is realistic? Explain.
Yes and no, they live in a simpler time and rely on each other so much. They are a close knit family and have strong ties, but some of the pleasantness seems a bit too much. But then on the other hand, they do get on each other's nerves at times, and Amy did something horrid to Jo. I really like how nice and pleasant the family is. It is something ideal that I enjoy reading and admiring.
4. What's your favorite scene or incident so far? And why?
I really love the part where Jo and Laurie meet for the first time. Jo is seeking refuge and happens to hide where Laurie is hiding, and they immediately become friends. I also like the dance they share. Laurie doesn't judge these girls at all. He just wants to be included in their family. We also get to see Laurie's chivalry when he helps Meg.
5. If this is your second (or third etc.) time reading this story, what stands out to you this time?
This is the 3rd or 4th time reading this. It has been AGES since I've read this book, and I've forgotten a lot of it. I remember the big moments and the general story, but I feel like I'm reading it for the first time still.
6. If this is your first time reading this story, is it meeting your expectations? Or is it different than expected? Explain.
Meeting and surpassing my expectations! I'm really enjoying it!
7. How do you feel about Jo cutting off her hair? Was this incident surprising to you? Do you think it's symbolic of anything?
I wasn't surprised cause I knew it was coming, and I feel like it is something that is very inline with Jo's personality. She wants to be "the man" of the family and do her part. It was a spur of the moment decision, and that is how Jo rolls.
8. What's your feeling about the inclusion of poems, letters, stories, plays and etc. into the story?
I enjoy reading them. I feel like it includes the reader in the games and fun the girls are having.
9. Any thoughts in particular on the male characters in this story?
Well, none of them are a brooding Richard Armitage, but I like how chivalrous they are! Laurie is always willing to run errands or do anything. For some reason, I thought Laurie was older. He really is just a playful boy, but I still like him. Mr. Lawrence stole my heart by giving Beth the piano. I wish these types of manners and gentlemanly ways were still around.
10. Are you liking this reading experience? If yes, why? If not, why?
Definitely! It is fun to re-read an old classic like this that I haven't read in such a long time, and I love reading them with friends!
Oh, nice picture of Laurie aka. Christian there! :) He almost looks like he has dark curly hair as described in the book! I too love his non judgmental chivalrous ways. He's so awesome.
ReplyDeleteLaurie and Jo's first meeting is my favorite scene too! I love that you included photos of the 1994 movie.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen the film and I'm just baffled - Christian Bale played Laurie? He isn't at all how I imagined him!
ReplyDeleteJo and Beth are the best, and I like how everyone important is so nice to each other. Old Mr. Laurence is a dear, he's so good to Beth and the Marches! It's easy to see Laurie is taking after him.
I totally agree about Marmee; in many ways she reminds me of my own mother because both are sweet and kind and wise and encourage their children to follow their dreams rather than what everyone else is doing. The world could use more women like them. And I too feel like a combo of Jo and Beth! It may seem odd, as one is boisterous and the other is shy, but it's true. I was always a tomboy who liked different things than other girls my age, yet have always been shy and liked sticking close to home. Great post, Kami!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if someone reading this for the first time as an adult would find the goodness and sweetness and innocence too much?
ReplyDeleteHaving read the books too many times to count as a kid, I just accepted their goodness as being of their time and who they were - an ideal model to look up to and to try and resemble somehow. Maybe by seeing ourselves in some if not all of the characters, Alcott was saying "see, you're like these girls in this way, maybe you can also be as good as them in this way too".
Love that you included pictures with your answers! I'm a bit behind in the reading, but am enjoying it. Enjoyed your answers.
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point about Laurie; I never thought much about how nice it is that he just accepts the girls as they are and does whatever they ask of him (and more). He is a good friend, even if he is mischievous at times. I really enjoy reading the book.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'm a combination of Jo and Beth, too! And LOL to the "not Richard Armitage" comment!
ReplyDeleteI can finally read everyone's answers. Woot woot! I'm glad it's like you're reading it for the first time. :)
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