“ A demand so sudden and so serious made the young man hesitate a moment, for ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial. ”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women (1868). copy citation
| Author | Louisa May Alcott |
|---|---|
| Source | Little Women |
| Topic | gravity ridicule self-denial |
| Date | 1868 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/514/514-h/514-h.htm |
Context
“Being brought up where wine is as common as water and almost as harmless, I don't care for it, but when a pretty girl offers it, one doesn't like to refuse, you see."
"But you will, for the sake of others, if not for your own. Come, Laurie, promise, and give me one more reason to call this the happiest day of my life."
A demand so sudden and so serious made the young man hesitate a moment, for ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial. Meg knew that if he gave the promise he would keep it at all costs, and feeling her power, used it as a woman may for her friend's good. She did not speak, but she looked up at him with a face made very eloquent by happiness, and a smile which said, "No one can refuse me anything today."” source
"But you will, for the sake of others, if not for your own. Come, Laurie, promise, and give me one more reason to call this the happiest day of my life."
A demand so sudden and so serious made the young man hesitate a moment, for ridicule is often harder to bear than self-denial. Meg knew that if he gave the promise he would keep it at all costs, and feeling her power, used it as a woman may for her friend's good. She did not speak, but she looked up at him with a face made very eloquent by happiness, and a smile which said, "No one can refuse me anything today."” source
Meaning and analysis
