Part 2: Chapter 24 Summary

Since Jo is no longer responsible for Aunt March, she can devote herself to writing and has been working on a novel. While attending a lecture, she learns of a newspaper offering a $100 prize for a sensationlistic story. Jo submits a vivid tale and six weeks later learns that she has won the prize.

The family applauds her success, though Mr. March tells her she can do better than writing such popular tales. Jo uses the money to send Beth and Marmee on a month-long vacation on the coast.

Jo continues to experience commercial success by selling similar stories. After brutal editing, she also sells her first novel for $300.

Part 2: Chapter 24 Analysis

This autobiographical chapter describes much of Alcott's own experience as a writer. Alcott wrote many sensationalistic adult stories and novels. In fact, she preferred this type of writing. She...