Previous
Hyperbole
Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
Part 1, Chapter 13: Castles in the Air
Explanation and Analysis—Castles in the Air:
Little Women contains many snappy idioms. Idioms are phrases established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. For instance, in Chapter 13, as the March girls discuss their future plans, Jo says mysteriously:
“I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.”
What Jo really means is that she has all the skills necessary to accomplish her goals. She has grit, determination, and a way with words. But she remains cynical about professional opportunities for women, hence her uncertainty about being able to "unlock the door." Most young women in her era were expected to marry and have children, but Jo dreams of becoming a successful writer. Thus she has the key, or the skills, to accomplish her dream, but she understands the possibility of obstacles due to her unconventional goal.
Another key idiom appears in Chapter 42. Just after Beth dies, Jo contemplates her family's lot in life:
“Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow…”
Sunshine and shadow stand for good and bad fortune. This idiom reflects Jo's increasingly dim view of life; no matter how hard she works, she and her family seem to get "all shadow." In other words, they continue to face tribulations beyond their control. Beth's passing marks a shift in Jo's attitude toward life; she becomes more cynical and sad.
Related Themes:
Part 2, Chapter 42: All Alone
Explanation and Analysis—Castles in the Air:
Little Women contains many snappy idioms. Idioms are phrases established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words. For instance, in Chapter 13, as the March girls discuss their future plans, Jo says mysteriously:
“I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.”
What Jo really means is that she has all the skills necessary to accomplish her goals. She has grit, determination, and a way with words. But she remains cynical about professional opportunities for women, hence her uncertainty about being able to "unlock the door." Most young women in her era were expected to marry and have children, but Jo dreams of becoming a successful writer. Thus she has the key, or the skills, to accomplish her dream, but she understands the possibility of obstacles due to her unconventional goal.
Another key idiom appears in Chapter 42. Just after Beth dies, Jo contemplates her family's lot in life:
“Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow…”
Sunshine and shadow stand for good and bad fortune. This idiom reflects Jo's increasingly dim view of life; no matter how hard she works, she and her family seem to get "all shadow." In other words, they continue to face tribulations beyond their control. Beth's passing marks a shift in Jo's attitude toward life; she becomes more cynical and sad.
Related Themes:
