In Louisa May Alcott’s “An Old-fashioned Girl,” when visiting city friends, comes to realize that this world is quite different than which she has left. In the city, people are judged according to their dress and manner of speech rather than for their honesty and hard work. Yet all who meet Polly cannot help but be enamored of her; her sweet simplicity is unlike any that they have ever seen, and soon everyone comes to realize that Polly is not someone to be laughed at and ridiculed, but someone to put upon a pedestal for failing to become willing prey to the cynicism of the times. Polly is a most understanding and genuine character. Her love for others and her unwillingness to lower her standards and morals for popularity are an inspiration to people of all ages, proving that nothing is wrong with being "an old fashioned girl."