An American classic, Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott remains inspiring and surprisingly educational, especially to first time readers.
Through Alcott's realistic characterization the March sisters each teach their own lesson to readers, which I found to be a particularly enchanting discovery upon completion of the novel.
Meg, the eldest, is charming and pretty, yet faulted with vanity and envy for those above her in economic status (Alcott 34). Upon meeting and falling in love with poor man John Brooke, Meg sets her focus on cherishing what she has rather than wishing for more. Though very in love with John, and all together quite happy in her life, Meg still finds herself occasionally desiring more. She confides in her husband that, "I try to be contented, but it is hard, and I'm tired of being poor" (Alcott 289). John teaches her that being content involves more than just finances, but all aspects of home and happiness, of which she is very full. Meg, as well as the reader, learn that slip-ups are bound to happen, but persevering through them is what helps one to grow.
Jo, the second oldest, states, "I can't get over my disappointment in not being a boy" (Alcott 3). A fault for her time, Jo aches for a manly life, and can't picture herself ever marrying (Alcott 370). Having stuck to her proclamation against marriage for quite some time, Jo finds herself feeling unbearingly lonely (Alcott 446). That is, until she finds love as her much needed medicine, and she learns that change can bring much good, as the reader realizes alongside her.
Following Jo in order of age, Beth is perfection personified. Beth wants nothing more than to take care of her family forever (Alcott 145), and her only fault seems to be her shyness and fear of the unfamiliar (Alcott 61). Despite being quite shy, Beth leaves an impact on everyone she meets (Alcott 205). When she dies, she leaves the world being loved by so many. Even Beth has her faults, but teaches readers how minimal faults can be in the grand scheme of life.
The baby of the family, Amy transfigures from a self-absorbed child to a "true gentlewoman" (Alcott 454). A child at the novel's start, Amy is pampered and does as she pleases, even going so far as to burn Jo's cherished book (Alcott 75). However, Amy blossoms into a young woman and finds strength in herself in many forms. In her time abroad, she learns to live and thrive away from her dear family, and when her older sister dies, she learns to comfort herself before Laurie can get to her to help her grieve (Alcott 433). Most importantly, she learns to listen to her heart and find strength in her ability to make her own life prosperous, as Alcott shows in Amy's decision to turn down Fred Vaughn's marriage proposal (Alcott 431). Readers learn from Amy's bold choice, and from her strong character that one's strength is within.
I agree with all of the points you make, especially with what the reader learns with Meg. It’s an interesting idea that the reader learns something different from each of the girls.
ReplyDeleteAs for Jo, I feel that it’s especially her resistance to the social norms for women at the time that lead her to have such opposition to marriage. She doesn’t want Meg to be married, and is absolutely horrified upon seeing her “strong-minded sister enthroned upon [John’s] knee, and wearing an expression of the most abject submission” (183). She simply cannot imagine herself in that position. However, she learns that having a companion like that of a husband is not so terrible, especially when he complements her intelligence like Professor Bhaer does. I believe Jo learns to let her guard down and, as you say, that change can bring much good.
I feel that the reader learns quite a few things from Beth, especially that living for others is to be admired and that we should strive to think of others more than ourselves. This is something that the other three sisters pursue throughout the book, especially Amy. It’s possible that Amy transformed the most in this novel, although that is expected as she made the maturing transition from a child to a teenager. I believe that one of the main lessons the reader can take away from Amy’s journey is not only that it is important to actively learn and develop oneself for the better, but the fact that it is possible to do so. Amy exerts herself in an effort to improve herself during her time with Aunt March. Though “her burden seemed very heavy[,]” “[s]he tried to forget herself, to keep cheerful, and be satisfied with doing right, though no one saw or praised her for it.” (155). I believe it is this moment that the reader begins to truly see change within Amy, and as you note, she continues to develop and grow during her time abroad and into her marriage with Laurie. The reader learns from Amy that with focused effort, one can change one’s habits, behaviors, and attitudes for the better.