View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Jo begins to write for what publication?

2. What causes Professor Bhaer to finally realize Jo has feelings for him?

3. Jo was not selected to go with Aunt Carrol for what reason?

4. Jo longs to have money and power so she can do what?

5. Beth tries to comfort those around her, though they are upset about what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Professor Bhaer effect Jo's character and her choices in chapter thirty?

2. How do Laurie and Amy react to the news of Beth's death, and how do their reactions alter the main story?

3. What secret does Beth reveal to Jo at the seashore and what does it say about Beth's mental state?

4. Describe why Amy, rather than Jo, is selected to go abroad with Aunt Carrol, and how Jo feels about the decision.

5. How do Amy and Laurie feel about the possibility of Jo marrying Professor Bhaer?

6. During her talk with Laurie about their relationship, how is Jo's independence once again expressed with relation to the normal role of women in society in that era?

7. In chapter thirty-eight, Laurie and Jo have a final discussion about their relationship and decide what?

8. How does Marmee feel about Jo, Beth, and Jo's plan to go to New York so Laurie and Beth can be together?

9. When Beth gets increasingly depressed and upset, how does Jo plan to raise Beth's spirits in chapter twenty-eight?

10. What lessons do we learn from Beth's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jo is the central character in the story. Her choices are essential to the plot. Choose one of the following scenarios and describe how you think the story might have ended up had Jo made that choice. Use elements from the existing plot to back up your assumptions.

1. Jo marries Laurie.

2. Jo never marries anyone.

Essay Topic 2

Do you agree with the overall way Jo led her life throughout the book? Explain why you agree or disagree with her nontraditional views and choices.

Essay Topic 3

Choose any one of the following three life lessons and explain how Louisa May Alcott uses the book to illustrate it.

1. Anger and revenge can cause more trouble later on. It is better to forgive and forget.

2. Hard work has many rewards. Laziness does not.

3. Popularity is not as important as strength of character.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 870 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample