When Louisa May Alcott wrote part one and two of her famous novel “Little Women” in 1868/69 the main reason for this was money. Being already 35 and having a lot of experience with writing in different genres, she tried to produce a girl`s story and followed her editor`s request. She never expected it to be such a success. Until today the story about Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy has never been out of print and has been translated into twenty-seven languages. In 19th century New England it was regarded modern and unique in children`s literature and despite time has changed, it is still popular with young readers today.
But what is it that distinguishes Alcott`s work from that of other children authors of that period and makes her so unique? One central aspect in “Little Women” is the education of the four March-sisters and their growing-up into womanhood. They are accompanied by their loving mother who introduce them into society by giving helpful advice. In how far does this process and the novel at all reflect real life and cultural values of Victorian age? What picture of family life, society and the position of women within it did Alcott develop?
To solve this question special attention shall be paid to educational values and sexual definitions of the 19th century described in the book, the importance of work on the one hand and domesticity on the other, the different characters with their individual features, especially of Alcott`s alter ego Jo March. Education plays a very important role in solving the question because it sets the foundation of every individual life and might define the development of a whole society. It will be interesting to analyse the children`s novel and perhaps find both modern and contemporary components in it. With the help of secondary literature – biographies, critical essays, statements of the author herself – it will be possible to answer the question what role society and feminist ideas play in “Little Women”. Since Alcott obviously used her own autobiographical background as an inspiration for writing the novel, it is sometimes necessary to look at the author`s life, acquaintances and surroundings as well as to consider the customs, mores and the situation of women and society at all in the 19th century.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Education
- 2.1 "Marmee" - The Centre of the Family
- 2.2 Spirituality and Matter
- 3. Sexual Definitions
- 3.1 Female Stereotypes
- 3.2 Jo March: Alcott's Rebellious Heroine
- 4. Conclusion
- 5. Works Cited
Objectives and Key Themes
This analysis of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women aims to examine the portrayal of society and women within the novel, focusing on the educational values and social expectations of 19th-century New England. It explores how Alcott's work reflects or deviates from the cultural norms of the Victorian era.
- The role of education in shaping the lives of women.
- The depiction of family dynamics and the mother-daughter relationship.
- The presentation of female stereotypes and their subversion.
- The exploration of societal expectations placed upon women.
- Alcott's use of autobiographical elements and their impact on the narrative.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the analysis by establishing the context of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. It highlights the novel's unexpected success and enduring popularity, questioning what makes Alcott's work unique within the context of 19th-century children's literature. The chapter introduces the central theme of the March sisters' education and their journey into womanhood, emphasizing the influence of their mother and the societal values of the Victorian age. The author outlines the research questions that will guide the analysis, focusing on educational values, sexual definitions, the importance of work versus domesticity, and the individual characters, particularly Jo March as Alcott's alter ego. The chapter underscores the importance of analyzing Alcott's own life and the social context of 19th-century New England to fully understand the novel's complexities.
2. Education: This chapter delves into the educational aspects of Little Women, primarily focusing on the influence of "Marmee," the March sisters' mother. It examines Mrs. March's modern and loving approach to raising her daughters, highlighting her emphasis on mutual respect, understanding individual personalities, and practical life lessons. The chapter contrasts Mrs. March's methods with those of Aunt March, emphasizing the importance of sympathy and realistic guidance over strict lectures. Examples from the text, such as the Christmas sacrifice and the "Experiments" chapter, illustrate Mrs. March's unique approach to teaching her daughters valuable life lessons through experience and non-violent discipline. The chapter also notes the atypical nature of Mrs. March's prioritization of her daughters' happiness, whether married or single, challenging the typical 19th-century societal expectations for women.
Keywords
Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, 19th-century New England, Victorian society, women's education, family dynamics, female stereotypes, mother-daughter relationship, gender roles, social expectations, autobiographical elements, Jo March.
Frequently Asked Questions: Louisa May Alcott's *Little Women* Analysis
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic analysis of Louisa May Alcott's *Little Women*. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on the portrayal of society and women in the novel, particularly within the context of 19th-century New England.
What are the main themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis explores several key themes, including the role of education in shaping women's lives, the depiction of family dynamics (especially the mother-daughter relationship), the presentation and subversion of female stereotypes, societal expectations placed upon women, and Alcott's use of autobiographical elements.
What aspects of education are discussed?
The analysis examines the educational values present in *Little Women*, focusing on the contrasting approaches of "Marmee" (the March sisters' mother) and Aunt March. It highlights Mrs. March's modern and loving approach, emphasizing mutual respect, understanding individual personalities, and practical life lessons, contrasting this with more traditional and stricter methods. The influence of education on the March sisters' development into womanhood is a central focus.
How are female stereotypes addressed?
The analysis investigates the portrayal of female stereotypes in the novel and how Alcott may have subverted or challenged these stereotypes through her characters, particularly Jo March, who is presented as a rebellious heroine.
What is the role of the mother-daughter relationship?
The mother-daughter relationship, specifically between Marmee and her daughters, is a central theme. The analysis explores Marmee's influence on her daughters' development and her unique approach to parenting within the societal context of 19th-century New England.
What is the significance of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide a concise overview of the arguments and findings presented in each section of the full analysis. They offer a roadmap of the academic work, highlighting the key points discussed in each chapter.
What is the significance of the keywords?
The keywords offer a concise list of the most important terms and concepts examined in the analysis, aiding in searchability and providing a quick overview of the topics covered.
What is the overall objective of the analysis?
The analysis aims to examine how Louisa May Alcott's *Little Women* portrays society and women in 19th-century New England, focusing on educational values, social expectations, and the complexities of female identity during that era.
Where can I find the full analysis?
The full analysis is not included in this preview document. This is a preview, providing an overview of the content and themes of the complete academic work.
For whom is this analysis intended?
This analysis is intended for academic use, supporting the structured and professional analysis of themes within Louisa May Alcott's *Little Women*.
- Quote paper
- Ines Hermeling (Author), 2004, The Image of Society and Women in Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/148320
