PREVIOUSLY: It was Christmas Eve and the girls went to bed with visions of Christian allegories dancing in their heads.
Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother’s promise, and slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. 1
She woke Meg with a “merry Christmas,” and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside 2, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage and find their little books also, - one dove-colored, the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the East grew rosy with the coming day.
A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes.
In spite of her small vanities 3, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given. Meg cleared her throat for an unusual amount of time for one so young.
“Girls,” said Meg, seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, “mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it; but since father went away, and all this war trouble unsettled us 4, we have neglected many things.”
“You can do as you please; but I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day.”
1 The book is ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’. I thought it was a bible initially, because I am not a smart lady.
2 I dunno what picture they’re talking about.
3 We’re meant to get the idea here that the ladies are Christian allegories unto themselves, each with their “burdens” of a particular kind of sin. Meg has a green-eyed monster, loves pretty things, is a tad vain. Jo struggles with pride and manners, Amy struggles with…I guess also vanity? Vanity, anger, and being 12. And, of course, Beth struggles with her raging opiate addiction.
4 Well observed, Margaret. War? No, thank you!
A hearty welcome to Chapter 2! I hope you’ll enjoy your weekly injections of the Christmas spirit as we travel through this chapter. “A Merry Christmas” has a lot of iconic moments that you’re sure to have seen in most film adaptations, so keep an eye out!
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