Detailed Summary: Making Friends | English Reader New Gems Class 6 PDF Download

Key Points

• The story takes place in nineteenth-century New England, focusing on four sisters: Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March.
• Their father is away at war, and the family faces financial struggles, yet they remain happy and supportive of each other.
• Jo is a tomboy who enjoys playing outside, while Meg is more traditional and enjoys reading.
• Jo decides to go outside for some exercise in the cold, while Meg stays indoors, worried about Jo's well-being.
• Jo expresses her desire to befriend a lonely boy named Laurie who lives nearby, feeling he needs companionship.
• Laurie has been sick and is confined to his home, which makes Jo want to cheer him up.
• Jo visits Laurie, bringing a dish from her mother and some kittens from Beth to lift his spirits.
• They talk about their lives, and Jo learns that Laurie feels lonely and wishes for friends.
• Jo encourages Laurie to come visit her family, believing that they would bring him happiness.
• Jo and Laurie bond over their shared interests, particularly their love for books.
• During Jo's visit, Laurie reveals that he often watches the March family from his window, feeling a connection to them.
• Jo invites Laurie to see her home, emphasizing the importance of friendship and community.
• The chapter ends with Jo meeting Laurie's grandfather, Mr. Laurence, who surprises her with his kind demeanor despite his serious appearance.

Detailed Summary

In the story, we meet four sisters who live in New England during a time when their father is away at war. These sisters are named Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March. Each sister has her own personality, and they all face challenges as they grow up. Their family does not have a lot of money, but they are happy and always try to help others. The story revolves around their adventures and how they make friends with a boy named Laurie, who lives nearby.

Let’s start by meeting the sisters. Jo is a tomboy who loves to run around and play. She doesn't like to sit still for very long. Meg is the oldest sister, and she is very beautiful. Beth is the quiet and frail one, who is kind-hearted and loves to play with animals. Finally, there is Amy, who is the youngest. She loves pretty things and is very artistic. Together, these sisters support each other and share their dreams and worries.

The first scene opens in a cozy drawing room. The room has two sofas facing each other, a big coffee table, and a cheerful fireplace. Although the furniture is a little worn and the curtains are faded, the room feels warm and inviting. We find Meg sitting on one of the sofas, reading a book to keep warm by the fire. She is comfortable, but her sister Jo walks in, dressed for adventure. Jo is wearing rubber boots and a hooded cape, and she carries a broom and a shovel. She excitedly announces that she is going outside to get some exercise, even though it is a very cold day.

Meg is shocked and worried for Jo because it is so chilly outside. She thinks Jo will come back complaining about being cold, but Jo is determined to go out. After some time, Jo returns, her face filled with excitement. She is curious about Laurie, the boy who lives in the big house on the other side of their garden hedge. Jo wonders if Laurie is feeling lonely and needs a friend. She feels that he is missing out on fun because he is often locked up in his house.

In the second scene, we see Laurie looking out of his window. Jo throws some snow towards him to get his attention. Laurie, who has been sick with a cold, tells Jo that he has been stuck inside for a week and has not been able to play outside. Jo feels sorry for him and asks what he does to have fun. Laurie explains that he doesn't read much because his grandfather doesn't let him. Jo suggests that Laurie should have someone come over to see him, but Laurie says he doesn’t know anyone he would like to see because boys are too noisy.

Jo laughs and reminds Laurie that he knows her and her sisters. Laurie then asks if Jo can come over to visit him. Jo is happy to agree but needs to ask her mother first. She tells Laurie to close the window and waits to hear what her mom says.

The third scene shows Laurie waiting eagerly for Jo to arrive. He feels excited about having a visitor. When Jo comes in, she brings a dish of food from Meg and some kittens from Beth. Jo explains that her mother sends her love and wants to help Laurie. Jo shows Laurie the food she brought, and he thinks it looks very nice. She offers to read to him, but Laurie would rather talk. Jo is delighted because she loves to chat and can talk for a long time.

Laurie shows interest in Jo's sisters, asking who they are. Jo tells him about Beth, the gentle one, and Meg, the pretty one. Laurie admits that he has watched them through the window, and he finds it comforting to see them together. Jo feels happy to have made a new friend and invites Laurie to come over to their house. She believes that her mother would love to meet him, and they could all have fun together.

The fourth scene takes us to the library in Laurie’s house, filled with books and interesting items. Jo is amazed by all the books and things in the library. Just then, a maid comes in and mentions that the doctor has arrived to see Laurie. Jo is left alone in the library, and she stands in front of a big portrait of Laurie's grandfather, Mr. Laurence. Jo speaks to herself, saying that Mr. Laurence looks kind even though he seems serious. She thinks he must be a strong person.

Suddenly, the real Mr. Laurence enters the room, and Jo is startled. She quickly covers her mouth in surprise, realizing that he is not just a painting but a real person. Mr. Laurence thanks Jo for her compliment about his eyes, which she thought looked kind. Jo is brave and decides to speak to him, showing her friendly nature and her willingness to connect with others.

The overall story teaches us about friendship, kindness, and the importance of reaching out to others. Jo is a wonderful example of how to be brave and friendly, even when meeting new people. The March sisters, despite their struggles, always try to help their neighbors and make new friends. They show that it is important to care for one another, and this is what makes their family strong and happy.

In conclusion, the chapter illustrates the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Jo and Laurie. It highlights the innocence and joy of youth, the warmth of family bonds, and the importance of supporting one another. The March sisters are not just sisters; they are also best friends who are ready to welcome others into their lives. This chapter sets the stage for many more adventures to come as they grow up together in their little world, filled with love, laughter, and friendship.

Theme/ Message

• One of the main themes of the story is the importance of friendship. Jo's desire to befriend Laurie shows how vital companionship is for happiness.
• The story also highlights the theme of kindness and caring for others. Jo's visit to Laurie demonstrates her willingness to help someone in need.
• Another theme is the contrast between different personalities. Jo is adventurous and free-spirited, while Meg is more cautious and traditional, showing that different approaches to life can coexist.
• The message of the story encourages readers to reach out to others, as friendships can blossom in unexpected ways, bringing joy and comfort to those who are lonely.
• The chapter teaches that despite difficulties in life, such as poverty or isolation, love and friendship can provide support and happiness.

Difficult Words

• Tomboyish: A girl who enjoys activities that are typically associated with boys.
• Frail: Weak and delicate, often used to describe someone who is not strong.
• Exercise: Physical activity done to stay healthy or fit.
• Amuse: To entertain someone or make them laugh.
• Companionship: The feeling of friendship and being together with others.
• Curiosity: A strong desire to learn or know something.
• Stately: Impressive in appearance or manner, often related to grand buildings.
• Blancmange: A sweet dessert made with milk and sugar that is thickened with gelatin.
• Transfixed: To be so surprised or shocked that you cannot move or look away.
• Genteel: Well-mannered and polite, often associated with upper-class society.
• Peeping: Looking secretly or quietly, often to see something without being noticed.
• Serious: Not joking; showing a thoughtful or solemn attitude.
• Comforting: Providing a sense of relief or consolation.
• Grim: Stern or forbidding in appearance; serious and unyielding.
• Excited: Very enthusiastic and eager.