Quotes from Louisa May Alcott

Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and sad and dreary.

I don't believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in spite of our burned hair, old gowns, one glove apiece and tight slippers that sprain our ankles when we are silly enough to wear them.

I thought it was only a habit, easy to drop when I liked: But it is stronger than I; and sometimes I feel as if possessed of a devil that will get the better of me, try as I may

I haven't the least idea of loving him or anybody else

the little girls wore a grave, troubled expression, as if sorrow was a new experience to them.

It's highly virtuous to say we'll be good, but we can't do it all at once, and it takes a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together before some of us even get our feet set in the right way

I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things, and other girls nothing at all, added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

Not until months afterwards did Jo understand how she had the strength of mind to hold fast to the resolution she had made when she decided she did not love her boy, and never could. It was very hard to do, but she did it, knowing the delay was both useless and cruel.

I can't do it. I wasn't meant for a life like this, and I know I shall break away and do something desperate if somebody doesn't come and help me," she said to herself, when her first efforts failed and she fell into the moody, miserable state of mind which often comes when strong wills have to yield to the inevitable.

By the time the lecture ended and the audience awoke, she had built up a splendid fortune for herself (not the first founded on paper)…

I hate estimable young men with brown eyes!

Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage.

Occasionally a matrimonial epidemic appears, especially toward spring, devastating society, thinning the ranks of bachelordom, and leaving mothers lamenting for their fairest daughters.

Creo que para el sábado en la noche habrán descubierto que todo juego y nada de trabajo es tan malo como todo trabajo y nada de juego.

By gentle words and silent acts of kindness, he had won her reverence and her trust, which now had deepened into woman's truest, purest love.

I sell my children, and though they feed me, they don't love me as hers do.

Suppose I broke away and left you, or made it impossible for you to stay. That I was base and false; in every way unworthy of your love, and it was clearly right for you to go, what would you do then?' 'Go away and --' He interrupted with a triumphant laugh, 'Die as heroines always do, tender slaves that they are.' 'No, live and forget you,' was the unexpected reply.

By-and-by we shall take turns, for marriage, they say, halves one's rights and doubles one's duties.

I had learned the priceless worth of a pure heart...

I hope you will be a great deal better, dear, but you must keep watch over your 'bosom enemy,' as Father calls it, or it may sadden, if not spoil your life. You have had a warning; remember it, and try with heart and soul to master this quick temper, before it brings you greater sorrow and regret than you have known today.

He was a faithful servant, and made himself so valuable to those who employed him that they will find it hard to fill his place. He was a good husband and father, so tender, wise, and thoughtful, that Laurie and I learned much of him, and only knew how well he loved his family, when we discovered all he had done for them, unsuspected and unassisted.

To Jo's lively fancy, this fine house seemed a kind of enchanted palace, full of splendors and delights which no one enjoyed. She had long wanted to behold these hidden glories, and to know the Laurence boy, who looked as if he would like to be known, if he only ever knew how to begin.

He was a fine man, my dear, but what is better, he was a brave and an honest one, and I was proud to be his friend.

The dim, dusty room, with the busts staring down from the tall bookcases, the cosy chairs, the globes and, best of all, the wilderness of books, in which she could wader where she liked, made the library a region of bliss to her.