Aunt talk to Jo
-No one makes their own way, not really, least of all woman. You'll need to marry well.
-But you are not married, aunt March.
-That's because I'm rich. And I made sure to keep all of my money.
-So the only way to be an unmarried woman is to be rich?
-Yes.
-But there are precious few ways for women to make money.
-That's not true. You can run a cat house, or go on the stage. Practically the same thing. Other than that, you are right. Precious few ways for women. That's why you should heed me.
-So I can get married?
-No, so you can live a better life than your poor mother has.
Aunt is a very intelligent character. Aunt May plays a very good role. Although she doesn't talk much, she is meaningful.
The dialogue with Amy is completely different.
-If you are very good, one day this ring will belong to you. -Really?- If you keep being a proper lady just see if it doesn't.
-You are your family's hope now. Beth is Sick, Jo is a lost cause, and I hear Meg has had her head turned a penniless tutor. It'll be up to you to support them all, and your indigent parents in their old age. So, you must marry well. Save your family.
Amy is a successful example of someone who hides behind not so outstanding and looks well-behaved, who is familiar with social norms and willing to obey, who covets everything, and who marry rich.
Sweet Tea and Amy
-I understand queens of society can't get on without money.
-I've always known I would marry rich. Why should I be ashamed of that?
-There is nothing to be ashamed of, as long as you love him.
-Well, I believe we have some power over who we love, it isn't something that just happens to a person.
-I think the poet might disagree.
-Well, I'm not a poet, I'm just a woman. And as a woman there is no way for me to make my own money, not enough to earn a living or to support my family. And if I had my own money, which I don't, that money would belong to my husband the moment we got married. And if we have children they would be his, not mine. They would be his property. So don't sit there and tell me that marriage isn't an economic proposition, because it is. It may not be for you but it most certainly is for me.
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