Quotes from Little Women

17 notable lines from Louisa May Alcott · 1868

"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

Jo, opening line (Ch. 1)

  1. I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

    Jo March

  2. I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.

    Amy (Ch. 44, "My Lord and Lady")

  3. 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.

    Jo (Ch. 13, "Castles in the Air")

  4. I like good strong words that mean something.

    Jo March

  5. I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo; but I have learned not to show it; and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so.

    Marmee, to Jo (Ch. 8, "Jo Meets Apollyon")

  6. I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.

    Jo March

  7. I do think that families are the most beautiful things in all the world!

    Jo, in the final chapter (Ch. 47, "Harvest Time")

  8. Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.

    Beth, to Jo (Ch. 40, "The Valley of the Shadow")

  9. I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.

    Marmee, to Meg and Jo (Ch. 9, "Meg Goes to Vanity Fair")

  10. You think your temper is the worst in the world; but mine used to be just like it.

    Marmee, to Jo (Ch. 8, "Jo Meets Apollyon")

  11. I haf nothing to gif back but a full heart and these empty hands.

    Professor Bhaer, proposing to Jo (Ch. 46, "Under the Umbrella")

  12. Your hair! Your beautiful hair!

    The family, on seeing Jo's cut hair (Ch. 15, "A Telegram")

  13. Conceit spoils the finest genius.

    Marmee (Ch. 4, "Burdens")

  14. Love is a great beautifier.

    Narrator, of Meg (Ch. 24, "Gossip")

  15. It will be good for my vanity; I was getting too proud of my wig.

    Jo, on selling her hair (Ch. 15, "A Telegram")

  16. It takes people a long time to learn the difference between talent and genius, especially ambitious young men and women.

    Narrator, of Amy (Ch. 26, "Artistic Attempts")