Jo March: Feminist Icon

Jo March being the protagonist of Little Women- a young adult novel- she has certain characteristics to uphold. When we first meet Jo March, she's hot-tempered, blunt and very opinionated. Jo also loves literature, both reading and writing it. It is in Jo’s written works where we can draw parallels to Alcott. Like Alcott, Jo begins her publishing career by writing thrilling stories such as horror and historical thrillers. And also like Alcott, Jo is most successful as a writer when she produces sentimental works about everyday domestic life. I believe Alcott’s intention was to create a character that can be looked up to. Jo March is an independent woman, and the character that most resembles Alcott herself.

It is through her writing that Jo wishes her successes lie. She hates the idea of marriage, even for her own sister. “I just wish I could marry Meg myself, and keep her safe in the family.” (Alcott 237). Jo views herself as the sensible one, the one who doesn't need love and attention. "Oh dear, we are growing up with a vengeance. Here's Meg married and a mamma, Amy flourishing away at Paris, and Beth in love. I'm the only one that has sense enough to keep out of mischief " (381). However Jo does indeed find romance, and her desire to make her way in the world makes room for love. As Jo discovers her feminine side, she also figures out how to balance her determined personality with the constraints placed on nineteenth-century women. The question is: how much do these limitations reflect the contemporary situation of twenty-first century women readers?

Throughout the novel Jo is an independent free women. Never could be tamed or restricted to the household. She is a role model, and by marrying and essentially conforming to society doesn't make her less of one. In my eyes she is still feminist icon despite following the expectations of women in that century. Isn’t it romantic novels that succeed, rather than novels on feminism? Novels like Pride and Prejudice, and dare I say it, Twilight? Although expectations on twenty-first century women have changed immensely when it come to relationships, we all have those romantic qualities; qualities that Jo March develops as well. It are these traits that are evident by old-fashioned means, as well as contemporary ones.