Spring Byington: Marmee March

Little Women

Marmee March

[first lines]
Marmee March: So you're going to Washington?
Old Man: Yes, ma'am; my son is sick in the hospital there.
Marmee March: Oh, this will be an anxious Christmas for you.
Marmee March: [finding him a coat] I think this one will do; let's try this. Is it your only son?
Old Man: No, ma'am. I had four; two were killed, one is a prisoner.
Marmee March: [deeply moved] You've done a great deal for your country, sir.
Old Man: Oh, not a mite more than I ought, ma'am. I'd go myself if I was any use. Thank you for the overcoat.
Marmee March: Wait a minute...
Marmee March: [giving him some money] I hope you find him better.
Old Man: Thank you, ma'am. God bless you; merry Christmas. Merry Christmas!
Marmee March: Merry Christmas!

Marmee March: Do you remember how you used to play "Pilgrim's Progress" when you were little things?
Jo March: l can see us all now with your ragbags tied over our backs for burdens.
Marmee March: You have real burdens now, instead of ragbags.

Marmee March: l have a treat for you.
Meg March: A letter from Father?
Jo March: Three cheers for Father!
Marmee March: "Give them all my dear love and a kiss. Tell them l know they will remember all l said to them: that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when l come back to them, l may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women."
Amy March: l - I am a selfish girl, but l'll truly try to be better and not waste my time in school, so that Father may not be disappointed in me.
Jo March: l'll try and be what he loves to call me, "a little woman", and not be rough and wild, and do my duty here at home instead of always wanting to go to war to help Father.
Beth March: l'm not going to be envious anymore, if l can help it.
Marmee March: Now, we'll save the rest till after tea, for it's such a lovely long letter. l know everybody must be hungry.

Marmee March: Hold your tongue, Miss Baby.
Jo March: l'll be as prim as l can be and not get into any scrapes, if l can help it.

Marmee March: I want to carry away a picture in my mind of my brave little women to take to Father. Goodbye, my darlings.

Marmee March: Meg, dear, watch over your sisters. Be patient, Jo. Don't do anything rash. Beth, dear, help all you can. Amy, be obedient.

Marmee March: Don't be surprised, dear. Mothers have to have sharp eyes - especially when their daughters keep their troubles to themselves.

Jo March: Mother, I want to go away. I mean, just for a little while. I don't know. I feel restless and anxious to be doing something. I'd like to hop a little way and try my wings.
Marmee March: Where would you hop?

Jo March: He's got a foolish romantic notion in his head - and I think if I go away for a time, he may get over it.
Marmee March: I see. And how do you feel about this: "foolish romantic notion"?
Jo March: I love him dearly, as I always have. And I feel as though I've stabbed my dearest friend. And yet, I don't want to make a mistake.