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Little Women, Chapter 20 summary

Chapter 20 of 47 · Part 1 · 12 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 20, Mrs. March comforts Beth and Amy, then hears Jo’s worries about Mr. Brooke’s love for Meg and explains the parents’ conditions for any engagement. Amy chooses a reminder against selfishness, while Jo struggles with growing up and Mrs. March judges that Meg’s affection for John is not yet love.

What happens

  1. Mrs. March stays beside Beth as the exhausted household rests, and Laurie brings reassuring news to Amy.
  2. Mrs. March visits Amy, approves her quiet chapel, and allows her to wear a ring as a reminder against selfishness.
  3. Jo tells her mother that Mr. Brooke keeps Meg’s glove and admits loving her.
  4. Mrs. March explains that John openly declares his intentions, but Meg must wait until twenty before making a commitment.
  5. Jo resists the prospect of family separation, while her mother values love and character above wealth.
  6. Meg brings her letter, and Mrs. March concludes that her feelings for John are not yet love.

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In this chapter

JoMegBethAmyLaurieMrs. MarchJohn

What to notice

Mrs. March rejects Jo’s matchmaking and urges respect for other people’s feelings. Her advice challenges Jo’s wish to control changes within the family.

Quick check

Why does Amy ask permission to wear her ring?

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