Little Women quotes

Lovely weather so far. I don’t know how long it will last, but I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.

— Amy · Chapter Forty-Four: MY LORD AND LADY

“I’ve got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen,” observed Jo mysteriously.

— Jo · Chapter Thirteen: CASTLES IN THE AIR

Meg had spent the time in working as well as waiting, growing womanly in character, wise in housewifely arts, and prettier than ever, for love is a great beautifier.

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter One: PLAYING PILGRIMS

Have regular hours for work and play, make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life become a beautiful success, in spite of poverty.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter Eleven: EXPERIMENTS

“Be worthy, love, and love will come,” In the falling summer rain.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter Forty-Six: UNDER THE UMBRELLA

“I like good strong words that mean something,” replied Jo, catching her hat as it took a leap off her head preparatory to flying away altogether.

— Jo · Chapter Four: BURDENS

There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.

Meg’s high-heeled slippers were very tight and hurt her, though she would not own it, and Jo’s nineteen hairpins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable, but, dear me, let us be elegant or die.

Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don’t let it spoil you, for it’s wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can’t have the one you want.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter Thirty-Nine: LAZY LAURENCE

I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle, something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead. I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all some day.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter Thirteen: CASTLES IN THE AIR

You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius.

— Spoken by a character · Chapter Seven: AMY’S VALLEY OF HUMILIATION

I pray he may, and try to be all he believes me, for I love my gallant captain with all my heart and soul and might, and never will desert him, while God lets us be together. Oh, Mother, I never knew how much like heaven this world could be, when two people love and live for one another!

— Spoken by a character · Chapter Forty-Two: ALL ALONE

Don’t laugh at the spinsters, dear girls, for often very tender, tragic romances are hidden away in the hearts that beat so quietly under the sober gowns, and many silent sacrifices of youth, health, ambition, love itself, make the faded faces beautiful in God’s sight. Even the sad, sour sisters should be kindly dealt with, because they have missed the sweetest part of life, if for no other reason.