Part 2: Chapter 30 Summary

Jo longs to have money and power enough to take care of those she loves. She begins writing sensationalistic stories for a newspaper called The Weekly Volcano. After revising her first submission, the editor tells her to leave any moral lessons out of her stories. "Morals don't sell nowdays," he says.

Jo takes his advice and churns out tales designed solely to entertain the reader. These pay well and she has a steady source of income. Meanwhile, she is beginning to greatly admire Professor Bhaer. She values his intellect but learns it is his character and integrity she respects most.

In a discussion with well-known philosophers who look down on religion, Professor Bhaer boldly defends his faith. Jo finds that his friendship gives her both a sense of security and the desire to become a better person herself.

In a later...