Little Women

Popular, Emergent, and Contemporary Literature

Little Women

LITTLE WOMEN
Louisa Mae Alcott

About the Author: Louisa May Alcott

Full Name: Louisa May Alcott

Birthdate: November 29, 1832
Birthplace: Germantown, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: March 6, 1888, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Family and Personal Background:

Louisa May Alcott was born into a family that valued education, reform, and intellectual pursuit.
Her father, Amos Bronson Alcott, was a philosopher, educator, and transcendentalist thinker.
He is best known for his work in education reform and his association with prominent thinkers
like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. However, Amos was often financially
unstable, which created challenges for the family.

Her mother, Abigail May Alcott, was a social worker and abolitionist who deeply influenced
Louisa’s views on social justice, charity, and the importance of helping others. Abigail raised
Louisa and her three sisters—Anna, Elizabeth (Beth), and Abigail (Amy)—with strong values
of self-reliance and compassion. Louisa’s close relationship with her sisters and her experiences
growing up in a household that supported intellectual and moral growth heavily shaped her
writing, particularly in her depiction of the March family in Little Women.

Louisa's early life was marked by financial hardship, and she took on various jobs from a young
age to help support her family. These jobs included working as a teacher, governess, and even as
a nurse during the American Civil War. Her time as a nurse exposed her to the realities of war
and contributed to her later works, particularly her stories about strong female characters. Her
financial independence allowed her to pursue writing seriously, and she initially wrote under pen
names, publishing stories for adults, before finding great success with Little Women.

Popular, Emergent, and Contemporary Literature

Little Women

About the novel

Published:
Little Women was first published in 1868. The book was serialized in two volumes:

 Volume 1 was published in 1868,

 Volume 2 followed in 1869.

The novel was an immediate success and became a beloved classic. It was originally published
for girls, with themes of family life, personal development, and moral choices. Louisa May
Alcott drew upon her own experiences growing up with her sisters, and many elements of the
March family are inspired by Alcott’s family dynamics.

Versions and Adaptations:

 Unabridged Editions: Over the years, Little Women has been

reprinted in multiple unabridged editions. These editions have sought
to preserve Alcott’s original text while updating language for modern
readers.
 Adaptations:
o Little Women has been adapted for the screen numerous times,
with notable film versions in 1933, 1949, and a more recent
adaptation in 2019 directed by Greta Gerwig. The 2019 version
was particularly praised for its contemporary sensibility and fresh
take on the classic story.
o There have been multiple television adaptations, including
versions in 1970, 2017, and 2020.
o The story has also been adapted for stage productions and even
musical versions, emphasizing its enduring popularity.

Prequels and Sequels:

Little Women was followed by two sequels and has influenced a range of works based on the
March sisters' continued adventures:

1. Little Men (1871):

This is the direct sequel to Little Women. It focuses on Jo March, who is now married to

Popular, Emergent, and Contemporary Literature

Little Women

Professor Bhaer and runs a school for boys at Plumfield. The novel explores themes of
education, discipline, and growing up, as well as the challenges Jo faces as a mother and
mentor to the boys at her school.
2. Jo's Boys (1886):
Jo’s Boys is the second sequel, continuing the story of the children of Plumfield as they
mature into young adults. It reflects on the various paths the characters take as they strive
to live up to the values taught at the school. It also revisits Jo’s role in shaping their
futures.

Thematic Influence and Legacy:

Little Women has been adapted, reinterpreted, and retold in various forms, but its central themes
of family, love, personal growth, and societal expectations for women remain timeless. The
novel is often hailed for its portrayal of strong, independent female characters and its exploration
of the challenges women faced in the 19th century.

Louisa May Alcott’s influence continues to be significant, particularly in literature focused on

the lives of young women and the struggles for identity, independence, and love.

Characters

1. Margaret "Meg" March

o The eldest March sister, Meg is nurturing, responsible, and longs
for a life of comfort and luxury. She eventually marries John
Brooke, Laurie’s tutor, and learns to find happiness in a simple,
loving family life.

2. Josephine "Jo" March

o The second eldest and the protagonist, Jo is ambitious,
tomboyish, and fiercely independent. She dreams of becoming a
writer and rejects traditional gender roles. Jo’s journey focuses on
balancing her aspirations with her family responsibilities and
finding love on her own terms with Professor Bhaer.

3. Elizabeth "Beth" March

o The third sister, Beth, is gentle, selfless, and musically talented.
She is the moral center of the family, deeply loved by all. Her
health deteriorates after contracting scarlet fever, and her
eventual death becomes a defining moment for the March family.

4. Amy Curtis March

Popular, Emergent, and Contemporary Literature

Little Women

o The youngest sister, Amy is artistic, ambitious, and initially vain,

desiring social status and wealth. Over time, she matures,
shedding her selfishness and learning to value character over
appearance. She marries Laurie after forming a deep connection
with him during their travels in Europe.

5. Marmee (Mrs. March)

o The mother of the March sisters, Marmee is wise, compassionate,
and the moral guide for her daughters. She teaches them the
importance of love, selflessness, and resilience through her
actions and advice.

6. Theodore "Laurie" Laurence

o The wealthy and charming neighbor of the March family, Laurie
becomes a close friend and confidant to the sisters, particularly
Jo. Although he initially falls in love with Jo, he ultimately marries
Amy after discovering their compatibility.

7. John Brooke
o Laurie’s tutor and Meg’s eventual husband, John is kind,
hardworking, and loyal. He supports Meg in building a happy,
modest family life.

8. Aunt March
o The wealthy, sharp-tongued aunt of the March sisters. She is
critical and demanding but provides financial support to the
family. She takes Amy to Europe, which leads to Amy's eventual
marriage to Laurie.

9. Professor Friedrich Bhaer

o A German scholar Jo meets in New York. Bhaer encourages Jo to
pursue meaningful writing and becomes her husband, partnering
with her in opening a school at Plumfield.

10. Hannah Mullet

 The March family’s loyal servant and housekeeper. Hannah is more

than a servant; she is a trusted friend and helps the family during
difficult times.

11. Mr. March

 The girls’ father, who serves as a chaplain in the Union Army during
the Civil War. Although mostly absent in the story, he is depicted as a
loving, moral figure.

Popular, Emergent, and Contemporary Literature

Little Women

12. Mr. Laurence

 Laurie’s wealthy grandfather. Though initially stern, he becomes a kind

and generous figure, especially towards Beth, whom he adores.

Summary

The novel begins during the Civil War, with the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—
living in modest circumstances with their mother, Marmee, while their father serves as a chaplain
in the Union Army. Despite financial hardships, the family remains united, supporting one
another and learning to value love and generosity over material wealth. Each sister has distinct
traits: Meg, the eldest, dreams of a luxurious life; Jo, a headstrong tomboy, aspires to be a writer;
Beth, the shy and gentle soul, loves music and her family; and Amy, the youngest, is artistic and
ambitious but struggles with vanity. Their close neighbor, wealthy Laurie (Theodore Laurence),
becomes a key figure in their lives, forming a deep bond with Jo and joining the sisters in their
adventures.

Throughout the first part, the sisters face various challenges and grow through them. Meg
experiences the difficulties of social class differences when visiting wealthy friends and begins
to value simplicity and integrity. Jo secures a job as a companion to her wealthy aunt, Aunt
March, and uses her free time to write stories. Beth’s selflessness is highlighted when she
contracts scarlet fever after caring for a poor family, which permanently weakens her health.
Amy's artistic ambitions lead to jealousy and growth, particularly after an incident where she
destroys Jo’s manuscript in a fit of anger, prompting reconciliation. A pivotal moment occurs
when Marmee is called away to tend to her ill husband, leaving the girls to manage the
household. During this time, Jo cuts and sells her hair to raise money for the family,
demonstrating her selflessness. The first part ends with Meg’s engagement to John Brooke,
Laurie’s tutor, signaling the sisters’ transition into adulthood.

In the second part, the narrative explores the sisters’ lives as young women. Meg marries John
and struggles with balancing her new role as a wife and mother with her own desires. Jo moves
to New York to work as a governess and focus on her writing. While there, she meets Professor
Bhaer, an older German scholar who encourages her to write meaningful stories rather than
sensationalist tales. Laurie, who harbors romantic feelings for Jo, proposes to her, but she rejects
him, valuing their friendship and her independence over a conventional relationship.
Heartbroken, Laurie travels to Europe, where he reconnects with Amy, who is visiting with their
wealthy aunt. Amy matures and softens her earlier vanity, ultimately forming a romantic bond
with Laurie, which culminates in their marriage.

Tragedy strikes the March family when Beth’s health declines due to complications from her
earlier illness. Her death deeply affects the family, particularly Jo, who channels her grief into
her writing. Jo eventually returns home to care for her aging parents and finds fulfillment in
creating a school for boys at the family home, Plumfield. Professor Bhaer visits Jo and proposes,
offering her a partnership built on mutual respect and shared ideals. The novel concludes with a

Popular, Emergent, and Contemporary Literature

Little Women

celebration at Plumfield, where the sisters reflect on their individual journeys and the enduring
strength of their family bonds.

Little Women is a story of personal growth, resilience, and the enduring power of love and
family, emphasizing that true happiness lies not in wealth or status, but in meaningful
relationships and self-fulfillment.

Themes in Little Women

1. Family and Sisterhood

The novel emphasizes the importance of family and the bond between siblings. The
March sisters support each other through joys, struggles, and tragedies, showcasing the
strength of love and unity in a family.
2. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Each sister embarks on a journey of self-improvement, learning to overcome their flaws
and discover their individual paths in life. The story highlights the importance of
perseverance, self-reflection, and personal development.
3. Women’s Independence and Ambition
The novel explores the roles and aspirations of women in 19th-century society. Jo, in
particular, challenges traditional gender roles by pursuing a writing career and rejecting
conventional ideas about marriage and femininity.
4. Love and Sacrifice
Love in Little Women is multifaceted, encompassing familial love, friendship, and
romantic relationships. Sacrifice is a recurring theme, with characters like Jo and Beth
putting others’ needs before their own.
5. The Value of Simplicity and Contentment
The story contrasts materialism with the fulfillment found in a simple life rich in love and
meaningful relationships. Meg learns to appreciate her modest life, and the sisters find
happiness not in wealth but in their shared experiences and achievements.
6. Resilience and Perseverance
The March family faces financial hardships, illness, and loss, yet they remain resilient.
Their ability to endure challenges with grace and hope underscores the importance of
perseverance in the face of adversity.

Moral Lessons in Little Women

1. Happiness Comes from Love, Not Wealth

The novel teaches that true happiness lies in meaningful relationships, personal
achievements, and moral values, rather than material possessions or social status.

Popular, Emergent, and Contemporary Literature

Little Women

2. Selflessness and Compassion Are Essential

Acts of kindness and generosity are central to the story. Marmee’s guidance teaches her
daughters to prioritize helping others, as seen in Beth’s care for the poor and Jo’s
sacrifices for her family.
3. Be True to Yourself
The characters, especially Jo, demonstrate the importance of staying true to one’s values
and pursuing one’s passions, even when societal expectations push them in a different
direction.
4. Embrace Growth and Change
Each sister evolves through their experiences, showing that personal growth is a lifelong
process and that mistakes and setbacks are opportunities for learning.
5. Cherish Family Bonds
The March sisters’ enduring love for one another illustrates the importance of supporting
and appreciating family, especially during difficult times.

Little Women inspires readers to value the simple joys of life, pursue their dreams, and uphold
principles of love, kindness, and perseverance.

References:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Little-Women-novel-by-Alcott

https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/littlewomen/summary/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Women-DVD-Saoirse-Ronan/dp/
B081NR4TWC

Popular, Emergent, and Contemporary Literature