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Portrait of Aunt Kipp

Aunt Kipp

An elderly, wealthy, and somewhat tyrannical aunt of Polly and Toady.

From "Proverb Stories" by Alcott, Louisa May

Core Belief

"Initially, Aunt Kipp believes that money and power are the most important things in life. Later, she learns to value kindness, generosity, and genuine human connection."

Worldview

At the start of the story, Aunt Kipp views the world as a place where she is entitled to obedience and respect due to her wealth and status. She later comes to see the importance of empathy and compassion.

Personality

Aunt Kipp is initially portrayed as selfish, demanding, and prone to manipulating her relatives with the promise of inheritance. She is also portrayed as having a terror of death.

In Their Own Words

"I’m _not_ better. I’m worse, much worse; my days are numbered; I stand on the brink of the tomb, and may drop at any moment."
"I don’t like it, and I’ll put a stop to it. I won’t have any ridiculous baa-baas in my family. If Mary counts on my money to begin housekeeping with, she’ll find herself mistaken; for not one penny shall she have, married or single, and you may tell her so."
"Sophy, I shall give my money to _you_ at once and entirely, only asking that you’ll let me stay with you when Polly’s gone. I’ll do my best to be agreeable, and you’ll bear with me because I’m a cranky, solitary old woman, and I loved your husband."

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