Little Women, In Easier English

Las hermanas discuten qué le regalaran a mamá. Se acerca Navidad y recuerdan los regalos que solían recibir, las experiencias pasadas. Cada una le regalará algo. Tambien se decide ensayar la obra que presentarán aunque algunas ya no sienten que deban continuar.

En vocabulario buscamos easy chair, bundles, shrieking, aclaramos sobre slender, swept up, quit, y te mostramos una foto de la antiguedad: a little bottle of cologne. 

... Elizabeth, or Beth, as everyone called her, was thirteen. She was a rosy, smooth-haired girl. She had bright eyes and shy manners. Her father called her 'Little Miss Tranquility', for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only going out to meet the few whom she loved.

Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person, in her own opinion at least. She had blue eyes, and yellow hair. She was pale and slender (small), and always carried herself like a young lady.

The clock struck six and, having swept up (removed the dirt) the fireplace, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls, for Mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing, and lighted the lamp, Amy got out of the easy chair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the blaze.

"They are quite worn out. Marmee must have a new pair."

"I thought I'd get her some with my dollar," said Beth.

"No, I shall!" cried Amy.

"I'm the oldest," began Meg, but Jo cut in with a decided, "I'm the man of the family now Papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of Mother while he was gone."

"I'll tell you what we'll do," said Beth, "let's each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves."

"That's like you, dear! What will we get?" exclaimed Jo.

Everyone thought for a minute, then Meg announced, as if the idea was suggested by the sight of her own pretty hands, "I shall give her a nice pair of gloves."

"Army shoes," cried Jo.

"Some handkerchiefs," said Beth.

"I'll get a little bottle of cologne. She likes it, and it won't cost much, so I'll have some left to buy my pencils," added Amy.

 

Early bottle of Fougere Royale by perfumer Paul Parquet, 1884

"How will we give the things?" asked Meg.

"Put them on the table, and bring her in and see her open the bundles. Don't you remember how we used to do on our birthdays?" answered Jo.

"I used to be so frightened when it was my turn to sit in the chair with the crown on, and see you all come marching round to give the presents, with a kiss. I liked the things and the kisses, but it was horrible to have you sit looking at me while I opened the bundles," said Beth.

"Let Marmee think we are getting things for ourselves, and then surprise her. We must go shopping tomorrow afternoon, Meg. There is so much to do about the play for Christmas night," said Jo, marching up and down, with her hands behind her back, and her nose in the air.

"I don't mean to act any more after this time. I'm getting too old for such things," observed Meg.

"You won't stop, I know, as long as you can go round in a white gown with your hair down, and wear gold-paper jewelry. You are the best actress we've got, and there'll be an end of everything if you quit (abandon) the boards," said Jo. "We ought to rehearse tonight. Come here, Amy, and do the fainting scene."

"I can't help it. I never saw anyone faint, and I don't choose to make myself all black and blue, falling flat as you do. If I can go down easily, I'll drop. If I can't, I shall fall into a chair and be graceful. I don't care if Hugo does come at me with a pistol," returned Amy, who was not gifted with dramatic power, but was chosen because she was small enough to be borne out shrieking by the villain of the piece.

"Do it this way. Clasp your hands so, and walk across the room, crying madly, 'Roderigo! Save me! Save me!'" and away went Jo, with a melodramatic scream which was truly awesome. (Paragraphs in easier English)

Vocabulario

Easy chair: a comfortable upholstered armchair 

Bundles: parcels

Shrieking: sharp piercing cry

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