Part 2: Chapter 35 Summary

Beth faces death in much the same way she has lived her life. She remains busy "doing unto others" as long as she can. She does not complain about the pain and she tries to be a comfort to those around her.

Jo devotes herself to caring for Beth. In the end, Beth slips away during the night. Only when she is finally at rest does Jo leave her side.

Part 2: Chapter 35 Analysis

As the little family faces tragedy, they lean heavily on the lessons learned from the little book. Jo and Beth draw strength from each other.

Alcott weaves her own experience into each sister. Alcott's sister Lizzie died at age twenty-two from Scarlet fever, so Alcott writes of her own loss through Jo's eyes. Alcott herself spent many years weak and in pain from mercury poisoning. She writes of...