An Analysis of Louisa May Alcott's
Little Women

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MEG GOES TO VANITY FAIR

An Analysis of Chapter 9

Tone

Reflective, Cautionary, And Didactic

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Relaxed - (2) Crystal-clear - (5) There's some - (3) A lot - (4) Moderate - (3)

Basically...

Meg attends a fortnight of social events with the wealthy Moffats, where she dresses up and experiences high society. Despite the initial thrill, she feels out of place and later confides her regrets to her mother and Jo.

In more detail...

Meg March prepares for a two-week visit with the Moffats, a wealthy family, excited for the break and fun. Her sisters help her pack and lament that they cannot join. At the Moffats', Meg is initially taken aback by their opulence but soon gets drawn into the allure of high society. She dresses fashionably, receives compliments, and enjoys the lavish lifestyle, feeling both delighted and intimidated by the experiences. However, Meg overhears some disparaging remarks and starts feeling uncomfortable with the façade she has assumed. She confesses these feelings to her mother and Jo upon returning home, expressing a newfound appreciation for the simplicity and genuineness of her own life. Mrs. March reassures Meg and underscores the importance of virtues over vanity.
Characters
  • Meg March
    • About - Meg is the protagonist of the chapter, who attends a fortnight at the Moffats', is swayed by vanity, but eventually realizes the emptiness of such pleasures and confides her regrets to her mother and Jo.
    • Personality Traits - Initially naive and taken by the allure of high society, Meg is reflective, sensible, and values simplicity and honesty.
    • Physical Characteristics - Described as pretty, she temporarily transforms into a 'little beauty' with the help of the Moffats' fine clothing and accessories.
    • Character Connections
      • Jo March - Meg's younger sister, who worries about Meg's well-being and listens to her confessions
      • Beth March - Meg's sister, who helps prepare for Meg's visit with the Moffats
      • Amy March - Meg's youngest sister, who envies her for getting to go to the Moffats'
      • Mrs. March - Meg's mother, who gives her guidance and wisdom, especially regarding the true value of love and simplicity over vanity and wealth
      • Laurie - A family friend who attends the same social events as Meg and disapproves of the artificiality he observes in her
  • Jo March
    • About - Jo shows concern for her sister's well-being and is present to support Meg during her moments of confession and reflection.
    • Personality Traits - She is assertive, independent, and values genuineness over pretense.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not directly described in the chapter, but typically portrayed as boyish and plain compared to her sisters.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Jo's older sister, whom she comforts and supports when Meg shares her regrets
      • Beth March - Jo's younger sister, part of the family dynamic and support system
      • Amy March - Jo's youngest sister, part of the collective warmth and bond of the March family
      • Mrs. March - Jo's mother, a figure of guidance and moral compass
  • Mrs. March
    • About - Mrs. March, also referred to as 'Marmee' by her daughters, is the moral cornerstone of the family, providing Meg with comfort and sober advice upon Meg's return from the Moffats'.
    • Personality Traits - Wise, loving, and nurturing, she guides her daughters with advice that underscores moral values and the importance of genuine affection over material wealth.
    • Physical Characteristics - Not explicitly described in this chapter; typically presented as a middle-aged woman.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Mrs. March's eldest daughter, to whom she gives advice and comfort
      • Jo March - Her strong-willed daughter, who values her mother's opinion and teachings
      • Beth March - Her quiet daughter, who contributes to the loving atmosphere of the family home
      • Amy March - Her youngest daughter, part of the family unit that Mrs. March lovingly oversees
  • Beth March
    • About - Beth helps prepare Meg for her visit with the Moffats. She is supportive and gentle, contributing to the homeliness and care that Meg misses while away.
    • Personality Traits - Beth is depicted as kind and home-oriented, placing emphasis on family and simple comforts.
    • Physical Characteristics - Beth's physical characteristics are not detailed in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Beth's older sister, who she helps prepare for the social events
      • Jo March - Beth's sister, part of the close-knit March family
      • Mrs. March - Beth's mother, whose values she reflects in her gentle demeanor
      • Amy March - Beth's youngest sister, with whom she shares a sense of family unity
  • Amy March
    • About - Amy expresses envy towards Meg for her opportunity to experience high society, yet also aids in preparing Meg for her visit.
    • Personality Traits - She comes across as slightly jealous and covetous of finer things but is supportive nonetheless.
    • Physical Characteristics - Amy's physical appearance is not described in this chapter.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - Amy's older sister, whose experiences she envies
      • Jo March - Amy's sister who shares in the family dynamic
      • Beth March - Her sister, whom she joins in assisting Meg with preparations
      • Mrs. March - Her mother, the matriarch of the family
  • Laurie
    • About - Laurie attends the social events with Meg, offering critical but honest opinions of the high society spectacle and extending support to Meg.
    • Personality Traits - Displays honesty, concern, and a touch of shyness around the more mature-looking Meg.
    • Physical Characteristics - In this chapter, Laurie's physical characteristics are not mentioned.
    • Character Connections
      • Meg March - A family friend who observes and disapproves of Meg's artificial transformation at the social events
      • Jo March - Laurie is also a friend to Jo, who values his opinions and friendship with her family