Little Women
Any young girl can imagine Amy’s state of mind when she ‘took the stage’ that night, leaning on Laurie’s arm. She knew she looked well, she loved to dance, she felt that her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom, and enjoyed the delightful sense of power which comes when young girls first discover the new and lovely kingdom they are born to rule by virtue of beauty, youth, and womanhood. She did pity the Davis girls, who were awkward, plain, and destitute of escort, except a grim papa and three grimmer maiden aunts, and she bowed to them in her friendliest manner as she passed, which was good of her, as it permitted them to see her dress, and burn with curiosity to know who her distinguished-looking friend might be. With the first burst of the band, Amy’s color rose, her eyes began to sparkle, and her feet to tap the floor impatiently, for she danced well and wanted Laurie to know it. Therefore the shock she received can better be imagined than described, when he said in a perfectly tranquil tone, “Do you care to dance?”
“One usually does at a ball.”
Her amazed look and quick answer caused Laurie to repair his error as fast as possible.
“I meant the first dance. May I have the honor?”
“I can give you one if I put off the Count. He dances divinely, but he will excuse me, as you are an old friend,” said Amy, hoping that the name would have a good effect, and show Laurie that she was not to be trifled with.
“Nice little boy, but rather a short Pole to support...
A daughter of the gods, Devinely tall, and most divinely fair,”
was all the satisfaction she got, however.
Explain the meanings of the following phrases as they are used in the text:
a) “her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom”
b) “she was not to be trifled with”
💡 Writing Tips
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To understand the meaning of a phrase, always look at the surrounding words and sentences for clues. What is the context of the statement? For idioms or expressions, consider if the literal meaning makes sense, or if it implies a deeper, often metaphorical, feeling or situation. Think about the character who uses or to whom the phrase refers.
📝 Sample Answer
a) When the text says “her foot was on her native heath in a ballroom,” it means that Amy felt completely comfortable, confident, and at ease in the ballroom setting. Like a person returning to their familiar homeland, she felt perfectly suited to and skilled in dancing and navigating a social event of this kind. It suggests that this environment allowed her to shine and felt natural to her.
b) The phrase “she was not to be trifled with” means that Amy wanted to show Laurie that she was a person of importance and standing, not someone to be treated lightly or disrespectfully. By mentioning that she could put off 'the Count' for him, she was trying to assert her desirability and suggest that she deserved serious attention and respect, not casual dismissal.
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