Ortiz, Shaina

BSE 302 – B

FEMINIST CRITICISM: THE LITTLE WOMEN

The movie represents gender ideology which began to raise feminine values, The Little
Women by Louisa May Alcott had showcase it. In the film, like what the norm had taught us that
many young women would not be comfortable speaking to those of the opposite sex. The author,
defines Laurie (male main character), as a man with typical shyness around women, but still, he
shows that he is a man, is interested in playing piano and music which accentuate that this hobby
is not only for women. The relationship between men and women is seen to be the key to
deteriorate gender-stereotypical roles. Each gender group is no longer confined to their societal
sphere of expectations. They can cross those boundaries and interact with each other.
There is no such way as having power relationship between men and women in the film
because it just shows the importance of women and how they act according to their will and not
being controlled by the society. Machismo is a form of masculinity that emphasizes power and is
often associated with consequences and responsibility while traits such as nurturance, sensitivity,
sweetness, supportiveness and gentleness have been cited as stereotypically feminine. Opposing
to what a woman should act mannerly, Jo is a kind of boyish wo hates the constant changes in her
body. Additionally, she prefers to call her Jo that her real name Josephine, which in addition
constitutes femininity. While Jo is preoccupied with her femininity, another character, Laurie
Laurence, defies traditional gender roles. Laurie, the Marchs' wealthy neighbor, is actually
Theodore Lawrence, but he goes by the feminine-sounding nickname Laurie. The author plays
with the concepts of femininity and masculinity by using names and naming as agency, to the point
where Jo and Laurie are mistaken for the opposite gender as a result of their names, but also of
their characteristics and the specific way they reject the roles assigned to them.
In connection with the patriarchy in different aspects like social, as mentioned above others
mays feel uncomfortable speaking with opposite sex, but in the film, it is definite to see how Jo
and Laurie enjoyed their company since they experienced the same thing – being labeled based in
their gender. Same with other any cases, the film depicts that a woman may choose on what path
she will go. Not just being controlled by the stereotype that a woman should ended married.. The
film also delves into an intimate and complex relationship type: that of siblings, specifically sisters.
A study found that when teen siblings interact positively, it promotes prosocial behavior, academic
achievement, and empathy.
The film showed us how Jo had evolved from a solitary, strong-willed child who sought
escape in her creativity (and who sometimes was controlled by its darker side), to a woman
comfortable within a community, using her creativity to make life better for others. It is my belief
that the giving away of what we have (and having it accepted gratefully by others) makes the
creative act worthwhile and satisfying. The film is a woman-biased for it just highlights the
creativity, features, importance, and will of women.
The film was based on the author’s life. Reviewers raved over it, calling it “fresh, sparkling,
natural, and full of soul”. They were captivated by the book’s natural language and unaffected
portrayal of four very real girls, so unlike many of the pious, preaching novels of the day. Like so
many of you, we've read the book and saw the film, and it reminded us how much Meg, Jo, Amy
and Beth exemplify what it means to have and be a sister — and the complexities of navigating
the sisterly dynamic. Many people would say that this film is an eye-opener for all of us tht we
should end the stereotype about women, that we should and we must give consideration and
importance to the existence of women. We must pin in our mind that every woman deserves respect
and a place within our society.