Living for Others: Beth's Contribution to Little Women

While Beth is by far the quietest and simplest daughter in Alcott's Little Women, she is also extremely caring. Hardly thinking of herself, Beth spends her childhood days sweeping the hearth, warming her mother's slippers, and completing a number of similar tasks that help keep the March house homely and peaceful. The very first line she utters at the beginning of the novel, "We've got Father, and Mother, and each other" (1) portrays Beth's humility and satisfaction with living a simple and virtuous life centered around the home. Even as her sisters lament the absence of presents on Christmas morning, Beth is able to think only of her family. In fact, familial love and music seems to be the only pleasures Beth longs for. She takes her greatest risk near the beginning of the novel, agreeing to make use of Mr. Laurence's piano and promptly buying him a pair of slippers out of gratitude. This act of kindness pays off, leading to Mr. Laurence's gift (a piano) in return and the satisfaction for Beth that she has everything she could ever want. 

Beth's infinite acts of kindness touch everyone around her, and when she first sits down with Mr. Laurence, her shyness seems to melt away: "Beth ceased to fear him from that moment, and sat there talking to him as cosily as if she had known him all her life; for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride" (64). While these precious moments may be overlooked by those invested in the boyish behavior of Jo, or Amy's humorous interactions with her sisters, I believe there is much we can learn from Beth's unusual ability to live for others. Even after she catches scarlet fever and realizes she won't last much longer in this life, Beth refuses to share her secret because (speaking to Jo) "It would have been selfish to frighten you all when Marmee was so anxious about Meg, and Amy away, and you so happy with Laurie" (373). Even on her own death bed, Beth embodies the sentiment that love casts out fear and gratitude can conquer pride. This brings the March family even closer together, and it reminds us of all the ways in which selflessness and humility are virtues to be celebrated.

In the last chapter of Little Women, it is hard not to notice Beth's absence, as the March family has a wonderful picnic together during the yearly apple-picking at Plumfield. To me, Beth's dedication to others shines through in her family's behavior during this heavenly picnic. Jo and Professor Bhaer bring along their boys to sing for Mrs. March, Meg and Amy admit that their castle in the air is complete with the simple presence of a loving family, and a glimpse of their past is revealed in Laurie's frail child, often sick but very sweet, who is aptly named Beth.