Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

It was Tilly's turn to speak, and she startled them with her words, "I'm very glad tomorrow is Christmas, even though I shan't have any presents at all." These sentiments were spoken as the three little girls trudged home from school, and Tilly's words struck a cord of pity in the others. Kate and Bessy wondered how she could speak so cheerfully and be so happy when she was too poor to receive even the smallest of gifts on Christmas Day.

Rich or poor, we will keep together and be happy in one another

Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again

Oh, if someone would only come and take me away! I'm so tired of living here, and I don't think I can bear it much longer. Poor Patty might well wish for a change; she had been in the orphanage ever since she could remember. And though everyone was very kind to her, she was heartily tired of the place and longed to find a home.

It won't do a bit of good, Jo. My eye is on you, so mind what you do, or I'll come and bring you home.

Más vale ser una solterona feliz que una esposa desgraciada o una jovencita desvergonzada ávida por encontrar marido

Never mind being bashful, it won't last long if you keep going

No one guessed what a world of hopes and thoughts and feelings lay hidden beneath that blue pinafore, what dreams this solitary child enjoyed, or what a hungry, aspiring young soul lived in her crooked little body.

She is one of the timid, innocent, humble, creatures who can't push their way, and so get put aside and forgotten, She has tried all sorts of poorly paid work, couldn't live on it decently, got discouraged, sick, frightened, and could see no refuge from the big, bad world but to get out of it while she wasn't afraid to die. A very old story, my dear, new and dreadful as it seems to you.

Now Demi, tell me where you keep your mind? ... he answered in a tone of calm conviction, In my little belly

Young things like you don't need any ornaments but those you wear to-night: youth, health, intelligence, and modesty.

Leave me in peace, the sight of you is abhorrent to me.

You see, when people once begin to do kindnesses, it is so easy and pleasant, they find it hard to leave off; and sometimes it beautifies them so that they find they love one another very much—as Mr. Chrome and Miss Kent discovered that wondrous day.

Innocent and ignorant as she was, the books she had read gave her some hints of the existence of sin and her woman's nature warned her when no other voice was near to save.

to the great delight of two ducks, four cats, five hens and half a dozen Irish children; for they were out of the city for now.

Really, girls, you are both to be blamed," said Meg, beginning to lecture in her elder-sisterly fashion. "You are old enough to leave off boyish tricks, and to behave better, Josephine. It didn't matter so much when you were a little girl, but now you are so tall, and turn up your hair, you should remember that you are a young lady.

Clear and strong as an actual presence, that remembrance flashed upon her in an instant, that example upheld her, and the true love defeated the false.

The best have to get through the hobbledehoy age, and that's the very time they need most patience and kindness. People laugh at them, and hustle them about, try to keep them out of sight, and expect them to turn, all at once, from pretty children into fine young men. They don't complain much,--plucky little souls,--but they feel it.

I may be strong-minded, but no one can say I'm out of my sphere now, for woman's special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens. I'm to carry my share, Friedrich, and help to earn the home. Make up your mind to that, or I'll never go, she added resolutely, as he tried to reclaim his load.

Preserve your memories; keep them well, what you forget you can never tell.

No, no! I detest, despise, hate and discard this man forever. My delusion is gone, I know him now, and nothing can restore love, respect or confidence. He is my evil genius, and long ago when as a reckless girl I said I'd sell my soul to Satan for a year of freedom little I knew that I should be taken at my word in such fearful earnest. I've been happy, I've paid a high price for it, and now I have no desire but to expiate the impious wish by patience and submission.

For purpose and principle are the best teachers we can have, and the want of them makes half the women of America what they are, restless, aimless, frivolous, and sick.

I feel strong now, I enjoy the air, the motion, and the thought that each step takes me farther from that man gives me new power and spirit. It is dark and strange, but I have no fear.

You think so now; but there'll come a time when you will care for somebody, and you'll love him tremendously, and live and die for him. I know you will - it's your way, - and I shall have to stand by and see it