Title: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Published by: Signet Classics
Published in: April 2004 (Originally in 1868)
Pages: 449
I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.
--Chapter 13: Castles in the Air, Part 1
I think Joey sums it up best:
Little Women tells the story of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, each with their own characteristic. Meg was the adult and responsible one; Jo was rather eccentric and way ahead of her time; Beth was sweet and shy; and Amy was artsy. The girls lived with their mother, whom they affectionately called Marmee. Their father was serving in the army -- it was the Civil War time.
The Marches weren't exactly wealthy. In fact, they were middle-to-low class. And what they lacked in money as well as posession, they made up in love and warmth. The sisters were very close, though they also had their bickerings. And when I say sisters, it was mostly Jo and Amy. Both were strong of characters and will. Jo wanted to be a writer, Amy an artist. In general, I could relate more to Jo and her dreams, as well as frustration of being a woman in a male-dominated world. Really, she would have had a blast living in the 20th century, lol. Meg was mostly the one who sighed the most when these bickerings occured, and Beth would be the one keeping the peace.
They didn't only share their love internally. When a neighbour was in need, Marmee taught her children to not just sit around but to do something. Also, when another neighbour, this time a wealthy one, had his grandson stay at his place, they got to know each other and became close. The grandson's name was Laurie, and soon he got very close with Jo. These kids grew up together, amidst war and other real life stuff coming their way. It is truly a warm coming-of-age story.
EGGLYSIS
Little Women didn't tell a story so much as tell many, all at once. But Louisa May Alcott did it in the most beautiful way possible that it did not feel too crowded or even clogged. We basically watch four little girls grow up to be young women -- or as their father called them, little women.
Each March girl is relatable. And I think it's a no brainer that, as a writer myself, I relate more with Jo. It also helps that she is basically the main character. Some even say that Alcott wrote herself into the story as Jo. And while I love each sister wholeheartedly, Amy was the one I had the hardest time forgiving. In one scene, as a retaliation to Jo for not taking her on a night out with the older kids, she *takes a deep breath* took *takes another breath* Jo's manuscript *sat in a corner* and burnt it.
She fucking burnt it.
I mean, if I were Jo I don't think I could ever forgive her. No one touches a writer's manuscript and do things they are not given consent to. In fact, I would argue this should apply to everyone's work. Jo saw red and so did I. They did in the end make amends, and upon closer look I guess Louisa wanted to highlight how sisterly love is more important than some personal ambition. Or it's just the effect of Florence Pugh's Amy from the 2019 movie.
"Scold as much as you like, you'll never see your silly old book again," cried Amy, getting excited in her turn. "Why not?" "I burned it up." "What! My little book I was so fond of, and worked over, and meant to finish before Father got home? Have you really burned it?" said Jo, turning very pale, while her eyes kindled and her hands clutched Amy nervously. "Yes, I did! I told you I'd make you pay for being so cross yesterday, and I have, so--" Amy got no further, for Jo's hot temper mastered her, and she shook Amy till her teeth chattered in her head, crying, in a passion of grief and anger-- "You wicked, wicked girl! I never can write it again, and I'll never forgive you as long as I live."
--Chapter 8: Jo Meets Apollyon
I dunno, Lou. I think I'd just let her drown.
Meg had the potential to be interesting, but sadly as soon as she got married she didn't participate much in the story. While Beth, oh my darling. She was just too pure for this cruel, cruel world, wasn't she?
Overall, Little Women...
