Module 2-Little Women

Book Info:

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.  Online Version published by The Literature Network, 2000-2010. http://www.online-literature.com/alcott/littlewomen

Summary:

Originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1896, this story of four sisters learning how to survive and economize during tough times (namely due to their father’s service in the Civil War) is one that has been loved for generations, so much so that it has been adapted into a play, a musical, an opera, several films, and even an animated film. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March all face hardships while their father is away, serving as a Chaplain for the North, either from being on dire financial straits or from trying to rebel against the strictures their sex and its perception in society has placed on them, all while trying to determine their own happy ending.

My Take:

Sadly, I had never read the book before (I remember my sister owning a copy when we were younger, but I never ended up reading it as I did most of her other books). However, I do remember watching the animated movie several times as a child, and a few of the films at various times throughout my growing up. Since then I’ve gone on to try and watch every film version I could find (much thanks to TCM, especially as I had no idea Katherine Hepburn and June Allyson had both played Jo, and I still can’t decide which performance I like better…though I’m definite on liking both of them better than Winona), but I still hadn’t read the actual book until this class. Though it took some time (especially as I ended up reading it online), I definitely enjoyed the book, especially the extended ending (not really extended, just never really touched upon in most of the film versions) about Jo’s school for boys and the sort of coda which showed how everyone turned out (one of my pet peeves in books are when the ending is just left hanging, like they could ride off happily into the sunset, or they might get hit by a bus. I need a little more than that please). I’m very glad that I finally got a chance to read this book, mostly because it resonates much more with me now given that, like Jo, I also have three sometimes silly sisters who I love dearly and an itch to write (and I’m the second-oldest like Jo, too!).

Reviews:

Jandy's Reading Room (Blog) 10/26/2005 http://www.jandysbooks.com/children/lttlwmen.html

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March live in New England with their mother while their father has gone to fight in the American War Between the States. Once their family had been well-to-do but their circumstances had reversed. While the March family doesn't have monetary riches, they have love and family riches. Meg and Jo have jobs, Beth stays home with Marmee, and Amy goes to school.

Jo is the adventurous sister, the one who acted like a boy. She didn't often act like a lady like her sisters would. Jo is the one who befriended the lonely boy next door, Theodore Laurence. Soon Laurie is involved in many of the girls' adventures. As the five grow up, they enjoy many activities that grew from and strengthened their imaginations.

In time Mr. March returns home and the girls grow. They move from girlhood to womanhood, with the romances and businesses involved with that activity. Beth, the favorite of all the family, suffers from a life-threatening disease. Although she recovers, she never regains her full strength. Jo's untempered words get her in trouble more than once. Meg, then later Amy, meet the men who become the loves of their lives. Beth continues to comfort the March family. Laurie falls in love with Jo and is rejected - she knows they are better in a brother/siser relationship rather than husband and wife. Given time, a wise grandfather, and the right woman, Laurie recovers from Jo and discovers a new love. Jo continues to write, trying to make a small amount of money with her stories. She is certain she is to never marry, but even Jo finds someone who changes her mind.

This novel for girls is about 150 years old and is still charming to a young girl's heart. The March girls excite the imagination of the young reader. Miss Alcott brings the girls and her time period to life through a loving haze. Bad things happen in the book - tears are inevitable - yet overall this is a joyful book, full of hope.

I first read Little Women more years ago than I want to admit. I hope young girls can still enjoy this endearing novel, but they may be too jaded with all the amusements available in their environments. As an adult I find it overly sweet at times. It's overdone for my tastes now, but was perfect for my young imagination.

Yes, Little Women is a must read for all young girls, probably 10 and older. Us adult girls will enjoy it too, as long as we can let go of our cynicism. This is a charmer. A girl has to like Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.

Suggestions:

It would be interesting to use this in a classroom or library setting to help interest children, especially young girls, in historical events, like the Civil War. While not ideal for a storytelling event (unless there is a condensed and more illustrated version), it might be good for a book talk presentation, and could perhaps be supplemented with the various film versions to help pique the kids’ interest.