An Analysis of
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DARK DAYS
An Analysis of Chapter 18
Tone
Desperate, Anxious, Hopeful, Poignant, And Tender.
Basic Stats
| Intensity | Clarity | Conflict | Resolution | Pacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heart-pounding - (5) | Crystal-clear - (5) | Explosive - (5) | A lot - (4) | Quick - (4) |
Basically...
Beth's condition deteriorates, stirring anxiety and despair among the March sisters as they tend to her in their mother's absence. As they await their mother's return, the family grapples with their emotions, fear of loss, and the longing for comfort.
In more detail...
Beth is seriously ill with fever, and her condition is largely concealed from Mrs. March by Hannah and the doctor. Jo stays devotedly by Beth's side, Meg feels overwhelming guilt and helplessness, and Amy remains away and longing to help. Laurie, sensing the severity of the situation, defies Hannah's authority and telegraphs Mrs. March to come home. The family endures a tense and sorrowful vigil, feeling helpless and fearful as they wait for both Beth's fate and Mrs. March's arrival. The emotional chapter concludes with a signal of hope; Beth's condition shows signs of improvement and, as dawn breaks, the news arrives that Mrs. March is finally home.
Characters
- Beth March
- About - Beth is gravely ill throughout the chapter, mostly unconscious and showing signs of delirium during her fever. In the end, there is a glimmer of hope for her recovery.
- Personality Traits - Patient, beloved by all, with an unselfish nature.
- Physical Characteristics - Pale, patient face; weak and worn appearance due to illness.
- Character Connections
- Jo March - Beth's caring and attentive sister.
- Meg March - Beth's sister, who feels a strong emotional connection to her.
- Amy March - Beth's sister, who is away but longing to be home to help.
- Mrs. March - Beth's mother, who is being summoned to return home due to Beth's illness.
- Jo March
- About - Jo remains constantly by Beth's side, tending to her needs, expressing her fears and love for Beth, and interacting with Laurie in moments of emotional vulnerability.
- Personality Traits - Devoted, brave, emotional, and deeply affected by her sister's illness.
- Physical Characteristics - No specific characteristics described, but portrayed as weary from her vigil.
- Character Connections
- Beth March - Jo's younger sister, whom she is caring for.
- Meg March - Jo's older sister, with whom she shares the burden of care and anticipation.
- Laurie - The family's close friend who offers her comfort and assistance.
- Meg March
- About - Meg feels anxious and guilty about Beth's condition, has to manage house responsibilities, and experiences a solemn realization about the important things in life.
- Personality Traits - Sensible, tenderhearted, and feeling a strong sense of duty.
- Physical Characteristics - Meg is characterized by her tender and nurturing presence rather than specific physical traits in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- Beth March - Meg's younger sister, whose illness she deeply cares about.
- Jo March - Meg's sister, with whom she shares the vigil by Beth's side.
- Mrs. March - Meg's mother, whose absence she feels acutely during Beth's illness.
- Laurie
- About - Laurie supports the March family by providing comfort to Jo, defying Hannah by telegraphing Mrs. March, and showing his affection for the family during this crisis.
- Personality Traits - Kind, caring, and proactive in offering assistance.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter; however, he is characterized by actions that show his concern.
- Character Connections
- Jo March - A close friend to whom he offers emotional support.
- Mr. Laurence - His grandfather, who agrees with Laurie's decision to contact Mrs. March.
- March Family - Neighboring family and friends whom he deeply cares about.
- Hannah
- About - Hannah is the March family's servant who heavily influences the management of Beth's illness, making decisions about informing Mrs. March and taking care of Beth.
- Personality Traits - Authoritative, protective, and also deeply concerned about Beth's health.
- Physical Characteristics - Characterized by her stern and determined demeanor.
- Character Connections
- March Family - Servant to the family and caretaker of Beth during her illness.
- Mrs. March
- About - Absent for the majority of the chapter, her anticipated return brings hope and comfort to the family. She is telegraphed by Laurie to come see Beth.
- Personality Traits - Loving, valued, and a source of strength for her daughters.
- Physical Characteristics - Not described in this chapter.
- Character Connections
- March Sisters - Mother of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.
- Dr. Bangs
- About - He is the family doctor attending to Beth. Near the end of the chapter, he offers a glimmer of hope regarding Beth's improvement.
- Personality Traits - Professional, regarded as kind and reassuring.
- Physical Characteristics - Described as homely but with a heavenly face when he smiles.
- Character Connections
- Beth March - His patient.
- March Family - The family he offers medical assistance to.