If she stopped creating, what was left? A slow slide into spinsterhood?
-- May (chapter 1)

Importance: This quote in Chapter 1 signifies the beginning of May’s pursuits to become a professional artist, as well as the bleak path women faced in this era. Before the novel begins, May had created illustrations for Louisa’s book. In Chapter 1 May receives the terrible reviews from these illustrations. After this, she decides to pursue art and her art education doggedly, and the rest of the novel unfolds. The second part of the question - “A slow slide into spinsterhood” represents her single status and fear of what that life could mean for her. Unmarried women in the 1880s were frowned upon and pitied, and this quote reminds the reader at the time this was something to be avoided for women.

Since reading the first part of Little Women, I feel as if I already know you!”
-- Nellie (chapter 7)

Importance: This...