Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is highly regarded as one of the most influential works of American literature. Alcott's use of gender roles in her novel pushes the boundaries of what is expected from men and women. Through the characters of Jo, Amy, and Laurie, Alcott explores how gender roles in the nineteenth century were changing and transforming.
Jo March is a primary example of how the boundaries of gender norms were pushed and stretched. Throughout the novel, she consistently challenges the expectations that others have about womanhood. She turns away from the conventional life of a woman and instead values her independence and her own career over marriage and household life. Jo's refusal of Laurie's marriage proposal is a distinct moment that emphasizes her rejection of traditional gender roles. The relationship between Jo and Laurie is particularly interesting in consideration of typical gender norms. Not only do those in Jo's family expect her to marry him, but readers do as well. Alcott uses their relationship to not only bring attention to gender roles at the time, but also to call the reader's attention to their own expectations for men and women.
Amy March provides a stark contrast to Jo in the way that she leans into her womanhood and uses the gender norms of the time to her own advantage. Although she also attempts to challenge traditional gender norms, she does so in a different way than Jo. Both artists, Jo and Amy are polar opposite in the way that they confront people's expectations for them. Amy is more willing to conform to the traditional role of women, and eventually gets what she wants in marrying Laurie. Jo, while she does eventually marry, retains her independence and puts her own career before marriage and home life.
Laurie Laurence explores gender roles from the opposite direction of Jo and Amy. The conflict between Laurie and his uncle over Laurie's future highlights the expectations of men at the time. Although Laurie gives in to the role of manhood and abandons his artistic pursuits, his struggles with gender roles mirror Jo and her rejection of femininity. Both must confront their own ideas about their place in society and discover what femininity and masculinity mean to them.
I agree wholeheartedly with your opinion that Alcott created this novel to encourage young readers to break the status quo, and you picked your supporting evidence well. However, there are many more scenes that support your claim than just the handful you chose. Jo's decision to marry Mr. Bhaer also breaks several social norms of the time and empowers each reader to choose for his or her self.
ReplyDeleteMr. Bhaer is very different from the ideal 1800s husband. He is denoted as quite humble, working in a spare room in Mrs. Kirke’s house, the place Jo goes to work for a time, educating and caring for young children (369). He is described as “very learned and good but poor as a church-mouse” by Jo in her letter to her mother and sister (369). However, Jo is impressed by his kindness. So, when Bhaer proposes to Jo, she accepts quite joyously (517). When Bhaer remarks that he is afraid he cannot adequately provide for her, Jo reassures him, saying he is “not too poor, but the one precious thing she needed" (522). All of this is very against the status quo of wanting to marry someone young and handsome who would make her wealthy. Jo is so opposed to wealth that when she gets a chance to become rich by selling her aunt’s estate, she refuses, and instead proclaims she will use the property to educate and care for children just as her husband loves doing (526).
Alcott, Lousia, Little Women, U.S.A., SeaWolf Press, 2020.
I strongly agree with your idea that Alcott uses the characters in her novel to send the message that gender roles were changing.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear that while Jo is a woman, she represents the independence and freedom only men were rewarded with in the nineteenth century. When Jo turns down her proposal to Laurie it reinstates the idea that she wants to be independent and put her career above all else. On the other hand, when she marries Mr. Bhaer, rather than breaking the social norm of a single woman, she is now breaking the social norm by willingly marrying someone she knows to be poor (369).
Amy is a stark contrast to Jo, as she leans into her womanhood and uses that to become a successful artist. Unlike Jo, Amy is not disgusted at the thought of marrying someone for their money, she just believes that should not be the only reason for marriage. I agree with the notion that Amy willingly conforms to the traditional roles of women, but at the same time she truly believes that if she were unable to be loved she would be respected. I think this thought process allows her to be successful while also conforming to social norms.
Finally, I completely agree that Alcott uses Laurie Laurence to highlight the change in gender roles from the male perspective. While Jo wishes to be a man in order to experience true freedom, Laurie feels stuck in his life with his grandfather, unable to pursue his dreams. Laurie enjoys music and singing, but to his grandfather this is an unacceptable career for a man of his wealth and status. This shows readers that even men in the nineteenth century experienced a loss of freedom.
I agree with the idea that Alcott used Little Women to be a tool for her readers to think more progressively on the roles of men and women. In the time period written, men and women had very specific gender roles placed onto them. Jo shows that by saying right in the beginning of the book, "I can't get over my disappointment in not being a boy" (Alcott 3). Alcott shows the readers through the sisters and Laurie how restricting these roles were and how men and women were not equal. I also agree that Laurie and Jo are two characters who are good to contrast eachother with, because both characters break societal norms to chase after their persuits and dreams.
ReplyDeleteJo wanted to become a writer and be independent and provide for her family, and so she does. She didn't love the work she was writing for the Young Volcano however she did anyways and got compensated twenty five to thirty dollars (384). Jo shows that even a woman at that time can make it on her own and does not need a man to provide for her through her actions. Laurie can also be seen breaking gender norms in the time period throughout the book. He shows emotions more than any other man. He can be described in a more feminine manner shown through his confession to Jo, "I've loved you ever since I've know you, Jo; couldn't help it, you've been so good to me" (398).