Little Women, Chapter 21 summary
Chapter 21 of 47 · Part 1 · 19 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 21, Laurie sends false letters about Mr. Brooke’s feelings, humiliating Meg, and Jo helps secure apologies both for the prank and for his grandfather’s rough treatment. Although Laurie and his grandfather reconcile, Meg keeps thinking about John Brooke, and Jo fears the prank strengthens her sister’s attachment.
What happens
- Laurie suspects Jo’s secret concerns Meg and Mr. Brooke and plans revenge for being excluded.
- Meg receives a denial after answering a forged love letter, and Jo identifies Laurie as the writer of both notes.
- Mrs. March speaks privately with Laurie, who apologizes and assures Meg that Brooke knows nothing about the prank.
- Jo visits Laurie and finds him furious because his grandfather shakes him when he refuses to explain the trouble.
- Jo refuses Laurie’s invitation to run away and persuades Mr. Laurence to send him a written apology.
- Laurie rejoins his grandfather, but Meg keeps thinking about Brooke, and Jo burns paper bearing Meg’s imagined married name.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Jo replaces her stern attitude with a direct apology. Her willingness to repair her own quarrel prepares her to settle the dispute between Laurie and his grandfather.
Quick check
Why does Laurie refuse to explain Mrs. March’s summons to his grandfather?
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