In Spite of His Indolent Ways

I’ve just read Little Women. There was a copy on a special display in the library and curiosity got the better of me.

Much of it is too winsome (is “twee” the right word?) for my tastes and the only March Sister I could remotely fall for was Jo. I like her mildly rebellious ways and she’s the only sister who seems to have a brain in her nut.

The “realer” chapters toward the end, which seem to be the ones best remembered, are very good though and I suppose you need the naff stuff if you’re to feel anything later on.

Anyway, there’s a line I wanted to share here for its Escapological energy:

in spite of his indolent ways, he had a young man’s hatred of subjection,–a young man’s restless longing to try the world for himself.

Isn’t that nice? It’s about Laurie, the March sisters’ only friend who is neither elderly nor an employee of theirs.

I must say I never got over the “hatred of subjection” or the “longing” described here so it’s not only native to young men. I’m 40 now (my first escape was at 26) and I still like to try the world for myself (despite my Laurie-like indolence). Keep the fire alive — quietly!

Luckily, there is advice from Jo March about what to do if you, like me, share this young man’s passion:

“I advise you to sail away in one of your ships, and never come home again till you have tried your own way,” said Jo, whose imagination was fired by the thought of such a daring exploit.

Will do.

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