Little Women: Feminism and Family

There is not only one theme in Little Women; what they are become very evident throughout the novel. All actions from the characters, whether obvious or subtle, revolve around the importance of family and femininity, sometimes both. Actually, all the time both. Personally, the relationships between the March girls and their development from naive girls to strong women are clearly the centre of the story. Louisa May Alcott’s emphasis on balancing family and domestic duties often can overpower different aspects of a story, such as the personal development of the characters. While Alcott’s views on femininity and relationships are exceedingly outdated to the present day, she was very ahead of her time when Little Women was written. Alcott clearly establishes the purpose of a family not only as a practical, sensible one, but a very meaningful one as well. All four March girls are deeply intent on the selfless support of one another. From trivial matters such as helping Amy sell her art at the local fair, to holding Beth’s hand in the face of death, the sisters are there to comfort, where “everything can be forgiven and forgotten with one sisterly kiss.” (Alcott 97)

As Alcott based Little Women on her own family and experiences, she writes the portrayal of the importance of a strong household in a very realistic manner. The March sisters’ mother (Marmee) is a very contemporary character and seems to have all the solutions to the girls’ trifles. I believe it is in Marmee’s character where Alcott places her liberal, ethical views on society, especially in gender roles. Nearly all of Marmee’s advice relates to the independence of women. She conveys this in a very motherly tone but with a hint of disdain towards the gender roles present at that time. It is in Marmee’s dialogue where I am truly cognizant of Alcott’s attempts to depict to the reader her views on feminism. “Money is a needful and precious thing -and when well used, a noble thing- but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.” (Alcott 115).

At Alcott’s time her views would seem radical, whereas today they are noticeably old-fashioned. If someone in modern day society were to say that “to be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman” (Alcott 116) might not be as appropriate, only because women now would find it objectifying to be “chosen” by a man. Alcott however does pose important principles to live by. One, to never constrain yourself to standards regarding gender. The other, that encouragement for and from others is greatly reassuring.