Nawaz 1

Saad Nawaz

Ms. Rimsha Malik

LIT4042

10-October-2023

Little Women: A Marxist-Feminist Critique

Greta Gerwig’s 2019 Little Women movie, which is based on Louisa May Alcott’s

timeless novel of the same name, was released on December 25. Saoirse Ronan plays Jo March,

Emma Watson plays Meg March, Florence Pugh plays Amy March, Eliza Scanlen plays Beth

March, and Timothée Chalamet plays Laurie in the film. The movie was hailed for its visually

gorgeous and emotionally resonant storytelling and combines current photography with a

historical setting. The four March sisters’ life throughout the Civil War are the focus of the

narrative. It focuses on their particular goals, challenges, and adolescent experiences as they deal

with society norms, romantic relationships, and familial ties.

The movie explores March sisters’ individual and group problems, aspirations, and

adolescent experiences as they confront society expectations, gender roles, and the obstacles to

achieving their personal goals. The video interweaves their lives through a non-linear narrative,

highlighting the enduring sisterhood ties and the changing roles of women in the 19 th century. An

emotional and provocative examination of the complications of family, love, and ambition is

produced by Gerwig’s adaption, which honours Alcott’s original text while adding a new

perspective.

From a Marxist Feminist viewpoint, the March sisters’ economic situation and their fight

to assert themselves in a patriarchal society are obvious. Even though they are not indigent, the

March family, who represents the petite bourgeoisie, has financial difficulties. The Marxist idea
 Nawaz 2

of class struggle is reflected in their financial difficulties and the requirement for resourcefulness.

The sisters’ goals of achieving financial freedom and personal fulfilment, especially Jo’s desire

to succeed as a writer, go against cultural conventions that restrict women’s access to

opportunities for advancement and personal freedom in a sexist system.

Due to monetary disadvantages, the mood is frequently dreary which illustrates the

alienation endured by the working class in a capitalist society as well as by the March sisters in

sexist, semi-feudal, capitalistic setup. The March sisters’ clothing contrast with other, wealthier

characters emphasises economic inequities and supports the idea of double colonialism, in which

women are subjugated as both workers and as women within a capitalist framework. The March

sisters’ understated appearance and restricted access to fancy goods serve as a signal of their

financial dependence. The movie’s tone alternates between periods of revolt and conformity. Jo’s

reluctance to follow gender expectations by pursuing a literary profession is an example of her

disobedience to the patriarchal system. However, events like Meg’s marriage to John Brooke,

which follows conventional gender norms, highlight the restrictions that a capitalist patriarchal

society places on women.

Little Women remains relevant to Marxist Feminism through its exploration of alienation,

where characters like Jo experience a sense of estrangement from their creative labor due to

societal pressures and financial constraints. This resonates with Marxist theories of alienation

where workers are disconnected from the fruits of their labor. The concept of double colonisation

is evident as the March sisters face both economic exploitation and gender-based oppression.

They are economically dependent on male relatives, demonstrating the dual oppression women

faced in capitalist societies. Moreover, the film portrays the struggle for agency within a

patriarchal structure, echoing the Marxist Feminist idea that women’s liberation is intertwined
 Nawaz 3

with the overthrow of the capitalist system. Jo’s pursuit of her writing career and the sisters’

desire for financial independence represent a challenge to the existing power structures.

In conclusion, Little Women provides ample material for a Marxist Feminist critique

through its depiction of economic struggles, gender roles, and the aspirations of the March

sisters. By examining the plot, creative elements, and its relevance to Marxist Feminism, we gain

insight into how the film explores the intersection of class and gender in a capitalist society,

offering a poignant commentary on the challenges faced by women striving for independence

and self-determination.