Little Women
"Come in!" and Mr. Laurence’s gruff voice sounded gruffer than ever, as Jo tapped at his door.
“It’s only me, Sir, come to return a book,” she said blandly, as she entered.
“Want any more?” asked the old gentleman, looking grim and vexed, but trying not to show it.
“Yes, please. I like old Sam so well, I think I’ll try the second volume,” returned Jo, hoping to propitiate him by accepting a second dose of Boswell’s Johnson, as he had recommended that lively work.
The shaggy eyebrows unbent a little as he rolled the steps toward the shelf where the Johnsonian literature was placed. Jo skipped up, and sitting on the top step, affected to be searching for her book, but was really wondering how best to introduce the dangerous object of her visit. Mr. Laurence seemed to suspect that something was brewing in her mind, for after taking several brisk turns about the room, he faced round on her, speaking so abruptly that Rasselas tumbled face downward on the floor.
The passage reveals both Mr. Laurence's outward appearance ('looking grim and vexed, but trying not to show it') and Jo's inward thoughts and true intentions ('affected to be searching for her book, but was really wondering how best to introduce the dangerous object of her visit').
Your Task:
Explain what this narrative technique tells us about the writer's style and how it helps the reader understand the characters. Support your answer with evidence from the text.
💡 Writing Tips
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Consider the perspective of the narrator – how much do they know? This technique is called 'omniscient narration.' Think about how being privy to the characters' inner thoughts, not just their actions or words, adds depth and realism to their portrayal. How does it affect the reader's emotional connection or understanding of the scene?
📝 Sample Answer
The writer employs an omniscient narrative style, allowing the reader direct access to the internal states and hidden motivations of both Mr. Laurence and Jo, not just their observable actions or dialogue. This technique provides a deeper understanding of the characters' complexity. For example, knowing Mr. Laurence is 'grim and vexed, but trying not to show it' immediately establishes him as a man of strong emotions who also possesses a degree of self-control or pride, even in distress. Similarly, understanding that Jo 'affected to be searching' but was 'really wondering' shows her characteristic shrewdness, caution, and capacity for strategy, despite her often boisterous exterior.
This narrative style creates suspense and dramatic irony because the reader is aware of the unspoken tension and ulterior motives. It helps the reader empathise more fully with the characters' predicaments, as we understand the subtext of their interaction. The writer’s ability to unveil these contrasting layers enriches the characterisation, making them feel more authentic and the scene more dynamic and engaging.
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