I’m reading Little Women for the first time. I was talking with a friend yesterday about finding quotes in this particular book, and I came across a pretty great one last night. (mildly edited)
Meg is asking Marmee if she has “plans” for her daughters. “Yes, my dear, I have a great many; all mothers do, but mine differ somewhat…I suspect. … I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved, and respected; to have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send.
“To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman; and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. … My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world, -marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing, -and when well used, a noble thing,- but I never want you to think it is the first and only prize to strive for.
“…Leave these things to time; make this home happy, so that you may be fit for homes of your own, if they are offered you, and contented here if they are not.
“One thing remember, my girls: mother is always ready to be your confidant, father to be your friend; and both of us to trust and hope that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the pride and comfort of our lives.”
“We will, Marmee, we will!” cried both, with all their hearts, and she bade them good-night.
