Little Women
Little Women quotes
Memorable lines from Little Women, word for word as they are lettered in the graphic novel. Page numbers refer to the graphic novel.
Key lines, in story order
“Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents.”
Page 3 · Introduction of the four distinct sisters and their domestic warmth amidst wartime hardship. “We've got Father and Mother, and each other.”
Page 4 · The sisters decide to sacrifice their own small funds to buy gifts for Marmee. “That's loving our neighbor better than ourselves, and I like it.”
Page 6 · The sisters willingly sacrifice their Christmas breakfast to help the suffering Hummel family. “I'm not quiet, and I like to see things going on.”
Page 13 · Jo breaks through the Laurence mansion's solemn isolation with warmth and humor. “I'll never forgive you! Never, never!”
Page 20 · Jo's temper flares uncontrollably, driving a sharp rift between the two sisters. “Keep near the shore! The ice is thin in the middle!”
Page 21 · Amy breaks through the river ice, placing her life in mortal danger. “I want to do something splendid... something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead.”
Page 27 · Each youth shares their deepest hopes and future ambitions under the open summer sky. “I could never love you as you want me to, Laurie. I love you too well to ever let you be unhappy.”
Page 55 · Jo refuses Laurie, breaking his heart for the sake of their true nature. “There is truth in it, Jo, that's what touches them.”
Page 66 · Jo discovers her true literary voice through sincere personal emotion. “I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.”
Page 68 · Laurie and Amy fall in love and become engaged on Lake Geneva. “Heart's dearest, why didn't you tell me?”
Page 76 · Jo and Friedrich declare their love under the umbrella in the rain. “Oh, my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greater happiness than this!”
Page 82 · The story closes on an enduring tableau of family love, unity, and peace.
Quotes by character
“I am an author, Laurie! An author in two columns!”
Jo March, page 28 
“I shall marry whom I please, Aunt March! John is good and honorable, and I love him!”
Meg March, page 40 
“I was never good for much, but I've loved you all so much, and you've made me so happy.”
Beth March, page 63 
“Talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing.”
Amy March, page 60 
“I get 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.”
Marmee, page 22 
“I've loved you ever since I've known you, Jo—I couldn't help it!”
Laurie, page 54 
“Such stories feed what is base and poison the good. You can write what is true and noble, Miss March.”
Professor Bhaer, page 53 
“No one will disturb you, little Beth. The house is quiet, and the piano longs for someone to play it.”
Mr. Laurence, page 16 
“Meg, please tell me I may hope. I love you so dearly.”
John Brooke, page 40 
“What is all this nonsense? Margaret March, you shall not marry that penniless tutor!”
Aunt March, page 40 
“A Merry Christmas to my dear wife and little women!”
Mr. March, page 39
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