Little Women Part I, chapter II

(“Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning.” …“Beth whispered softly “I wish I could send my bunch to Father. I'm afraid he isn't having such a merry Christmas as we are.”)

Look up the meaning of the following words before listening.

flask n humble adj stately adj huddle v impetuously adv muffin n queer adj ragged adj wail v cuddle v quilt n pane n

gruel n prance v scent v charity n outlay n whisk v chintz n shrub n baize n clothes horse furnace n villain n

stalk v slouched hat russet boots pace to and fro cavern n staff n gorgeous array lattice n train n tumultuous adj cot bed

Vocabulary notes. Study before listening

vittles = victuals - supplies of food ; provisions

rummage - search for something you want by moving things around in a careless or hurried way

look abashed - look confused

on the spot - at that exact time and at the same time or place; without waiting or leaving

pronounce smb `a trump' - to announce smb a helpful or admired person

stop up - to block, close smth (i.e. holes)

set out - arrange or display things somewhere

perfect fit - be of the right shape and size

to one’s heart's content - to the extent of one's wishes; one's complete satisfaction

take several parts apiece - if people have a particular number of things apiece, they have that number each

in full blast - in full swing

come forth – appear, step forward

thwart plans - prevent smb from doing or getting what they want

capital fellow – excellent person

mix - if you mix with other people, you meet them and talk to them, syn. socialize

I. Answer the following questions

1. Why was Jo disappointed as she woke up on Christmas morning?

2. What was Meg’s reaction after the girls found their presents?

3. Why was Mrs. March absent on Christmas morning?

4. Why was Amy absent while the rest of the girls were waiting for the mother to come?

5. Why didn’t the girls have their breakfast in the morning?

6. What did they do at the Hummels’?

7. How did the girls occupy themselves on Christmas night?

8. How was the stage decorated?

9. What was the play about?

10. What happened at the end of act II?

11. What kind of surprise expected the girls in the evening?

12. What was the girls’ attitude to Mr. Laurence’s present?

II. Say whether the statements are true or false

1. Meg was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning.

2. Amy changed the little bottle of cologne for a big one.

3. The gloves were a bit big for Mrs. March.

4. Hugo, the villain was eager to kill Roderigo and win Zara, according to the plot of the play.

5. The part of Hagar was played by Jo.

6. Roderigo was wearing a plumed cap, black cloak, and russet boots.

7. The play consisted of four acts.

8. The delicious surprise consisted of ice cream, a cake, fruit and French bonbons.