“Little Women”

Western Literature
By Louisa May Alcott

Country of Origin: The United States of America —19th Century (1801 - 1900)
In the United States, the nineteenth century was a time of tremendous growth. From a small nation
of farmers to an industrial power with overseas interests. The Louisiana Purchase and the
Mexican-American War expanded the U.S.’s territory. Industrialization and urbanization led to the growth
of cities and corporations. The Civil War ensured the nation would remain unified. Yet these changes also
brought about political corruption and poor working conditions.

Progressive Movement
This movement was aimed to address the problems of industrialization and urbanization, such as
poor working conditions, political corruption, and the power of big business. They also supported
women's suffrage and increased government intervention to regulate business and protect consumers.
The United States had established itself as a major industrial and agricultural power with possessions
abroad by the end of the 19th century.

The Author: Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888)

A 19th-century author, who wrote relatable female characters that challenged the norm. She
adopted literature as a source of comfort and income after growing up in a progressive household. A
strong advocate for women's rights, Alcott never married and dedicated her life to writing and activism.
Her literary career was solidified with her most well-known piece, "Little Women".

“Little Women” (a short background)

Published in 1868, Little Women is a semi-autobiographical account of Louisa May Alcott's life
growing up. Thomas Niles, one of her publishers, urged her to write a story for girls in 1867. She didn't
think she was cut out to write Little Women at first. A tomboy as a child, she had “never liked girls or
knew many,” other than her three siblings: Anna, Elizabeth and May. In order to do so, she simply
reflected back on her childhood with her sisters. After it was published, she was asked to write a second
part, the two volumes forming the single book encountered today. Since then it has sold an estimated 10
million copies and been translated into as many as 50 languages.

Structural Plot
● Exposition: In the midst of the American Civil War, there lived a remarkable family called the
Marches. Their home was filled with love and laughter, because of their dedicated mother, known as
Marmee, and her four extraordinary daughters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. The four March sisters work
together to support themselves, their home, and each other while their father is away in the war. Jo
and Meg went to a dance where they met Theodore Laurence or Laurie. Laurie instantly becomes a
close friend to Jo and her family, offering them support along with his grandfather, James Laurence.
After a while, romantic interests develop. Laurie's tutor John Brooke becomes attracted to Meg, and
Laurie develops feelings for Jo, while Amy has a hidden affection for Laurie.
● Rising Action: Amy burned Jo's manuscripts because she was envious of Jo's closeness to Laurie. As a
result, their relationship got tense, but they eventually reconciled. Marmee goes to Washington to take
care of Mr. March after knowing that he became ill during the war. While she is away, Beth falls ill with
 scarlet fever and recovers but remains weak. Things eventually improved, and Mr. March returned
from the war. Amy got a chance to travel to Europe with their Aunt March, and Meg soon weds John
Brooke. Laurie tried to ask Jo to marry him, but she declined. Shortly afterwards, Jo goes to work in
New York and meets Professor Bhaer.
● Conflict: Jo struggles to balance her desire for independence with her obligation to fit into gender
roles. Meg faces the challenges of marriage and money problems. Beth's declining health creates a
constant worry for the family, and Amy deals with her own artistic goals while thinking about the role
of marriage in her future.
● Climax: Jo receives a letter from Marmee telling her that Beth's condition is getting worse, so she goes
home and reunites with Marmee, Meg, and Beth. Soon after, Beth passes away. Her passing marks a
turning point in the sisters' lives by leaving an empty space that allows them to accept their emotions
and possible futures.
● Falling Action: In Paris, Amy reunites with Laurie and she reveals her feelings for him. At some point,
Amy learns about the death of her sister. Laurie proposes to Amy in Europe and they get married soon
after. Laurie returned home with Amy and reunited with her family. The Marches find comfort in their
memories of Beth and in their shared support of one another following their loss.
● Denouement: Professor Bhaer visits Jo in her home and declares his love to her. Jo reconciles with
love, accepting Professor Bhaer's proposal and finding fulfillment in both family and writing through
opening a school with him. In the end, Jo March published a book dedicated to Beth and she titled it,
“Little Women”.

Elements of the Story

Settings:
- Concord, Massachusetts, during the mid-19th century (Civil War Era)
- New York City
- Europe (Paris)
Characters:
● Margaret "Meg" March: The eldest sister with responsible nature and nurturing spirit. She longs for
a comfortable life
● Josephine "Jo" March: The second sister, a spirited and independent young woman with a passion for
writing. Portrayed as a fiercely loyal sister and a strong-willed protagonist.
● Elizabeth "Beth" March: The third sister with gentle nature and musical talent. Portrayed as a source
of quiet strength and a beloved character by both her family and friends.
● Amy March: The youngest sister, artistic and refined. She aspires to a cultured lifestyle and desires to
be a successful artist. Depicted as a complex character.
● Marmee (Mrs. March): The March sisters' mother, a central figure in the story. Portrayed as a strong,
compassionate, and wise woman who serves as a moral compass for her daughters.
● Theodore "Laurie" Laurence: A neighbor and close friend of the March sisters. He is a lively and
spirited young man. He becomes an important confidant and source of support for the sisters
throughout the story.
Plot: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March are raised in genteel poverty by their loving mother, Marmee, in a
quiet Concord, Massachusetts while their father serves as an army chaplain during the Civil War. The
lonely grandson of the wealthy elderly man next door, Theodore Lawrence (Laurie), becomes their friend.
The vital force of the family is Jo, a headstrong tomboy who is the emotional center of the book. In the
course of the novel, the beautiful Meg marries Laurie’s tutor, John Brooke, and starts her own family;
quiet and sickly Beth dies from scarlet fever; artistic Amy marries Laurie after being turned down by Jo;
and Jo marries Professor Bhaer, whom she meets while living in a boarding house, and together they set
up a school.
Theme:
● Family and sisterhood: The story centers around the relationship between the March sisters,
emphasizing the value of love and support from family.
● Individuality: Every sister challenges social standards and expectations while dealing with their own
personality and goals.
● Growth: The novel explores the challenges and successes of personal growth by following the
characters as they grow from innocent childhood to adulthood.
Values: "Little Women" promotes love, compassion, perseverance, dedication to family, personal growth,
and the pursuit of one's dreams.
Mood: The mood of the story changes throughout, including comfort, nostalgia, and a sense of familial
comfort. It also had moments of sadness, grief, and contemplation.
Figures of Speech:
● Simile - “A quick, bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine.” (Chapter 1 page 12)
● Personification - “...the fire crackled cheerfully” (Chapter 1 page 7)
● Allusion - ‘‘I don’t see how you can write and act such splendid things, Jo. You’re a regular
Shakespeare!” (Chapter 1 page 11)

References:
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/louisa-may-alcott?fbclid=IwAR3azEY8bmUH-h2N0Wzq6oqKjEVBGvj6H
0a8k1JiXl82AY_54tMnZQMWmGw
https://www.literaryladiesguide.com/literary-musings/louisa-may-alcott-came-write-little-women/
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2021/12/before-writing-little-women-louisa-may-alcott-penned-blood-and
-thunder
https://www.google.com.ph/books/edition/Little_Women/1Dgr0JBEtLwC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=little+women&printsec=frontcover
https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Little-Women/plot-summary/#plot_diagram