Little Women: Part 2, Chapter 39 Summary & Analysis

Laurie remains in Nice for a month. He seems to have become quite lazy, and Amy grows disappointed in him. One day, she asks him to accompany her on a drive to Valrosa. When they arrive, Amy comments that it’s a “regular honeymoon paradise,” given the abundance of roses and romantic nooks. A thorn pricks Laurie as he attempts to pluck a single red rose that sits just beyond his reach, and Amy suggests that he try one of the roses lower down, as they have no thorns. Laurie laughs as she says this – it makes him think of Jo.

Amy asks Laurie when he’s going back to Mr. Laurence – she’s asked him this before, and each time he’s said he’d go soon, to no avail. Laurie shrugs her question off. He lounges near her and she begins to sketch him. Amy asks him for news from home, and he quickly changes the subject. Laurie asks Amy about her art (she’s relegated it to a hobby, having become discouraged in Rome) and about whether she plans on marrying Fred Vaughn.

Laurie continues to lounge indolently, and Amy grows frustrated. She tells him that she and her cousin have taken to calling him Lazy Laurence. “I despise you,” she says. She mocks the softness and whiteness of his hands, and wishes out loud that Jo were there to help her. Laurie agrees, and something in the tone of his voice makes Amy realize that Jo has spurned him.

Amy feels bad for Laurie, but continues to scold him for being lazy. She tells him that Jo wouldn’t have wanted to see him this way. Amy then shows Laurie two sketches – one old one of him trying to tame a young colt, and another (freshly drawn) of him lying in the grass. Laurie suggests that they should return to the hotel. Amy fears that she’s offended him, but her scolding has actually done Laurie good. Laurie bids her adieu at the hotel and begs off dinner, saying that he has an engagement.

The next day, Amy receives a note from Laurie, stating that he’s returning to London to be with Mr. Laurence. He sends his regards to Fred Vaughn, and insinuates that Fred might be in need of a “rouser.”