Little Women: Analysis of Major Characters
"Little Women" is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott that intricately explores the lives and personalities of the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of growing up during the Civil War era. Each sister embodies distinct traits and aspirations, contributing to the book's rich character tapestry. Meg, the eldest, seeks stability through marriage to John Brooke, showcasing themes of family and societal expectations. Jo, characterized by her tomboyish nature and literary ambitions, often grapples with her desires for independence against traditional roles, eventually finding fulfillment in her marriage to Professor Bhaer. Beth, the gentle and nurturing sister, faces health struggles that profoundly impact her family's dynamics, while Amy, the youngest, pursues her artistic dreams and ultimately marries Laurie, adding complexity to the relationships within the story. The narrative also features supporting characters such as their mother, Marmee, and their neighbor Laurie, whose interactions with the March sisters highlight themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. Through these characters, "Little Women" delves into the universal experiences of sisterhood and the pursuit of individual identity within the framework of family and societal expectations.
Little Women: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Louisa May Alcott
First published: Part 1, 1868; part 2, 1869; illustrated
Genre: Novel
Locale: A New England village, New York City, and Italy
Plot: Didactic
Time: Nineteenth century
Meg March, the oldest of the March girls, a plump governess to unruly neighborhood children. She marries John Brooke.
Jo March, a tall, awkward, tomboyish girl who likes to write and to devise plays and entertainments for her sisters. In character and personality, she corresponds to the author. She resents Meg's interest in John but later is happy to have him as a brother-in-law. She writes and sells stories and becomes a governess for Mrs. Kirke in New York. Proposed to by Laurie, she rejects him. She later marries Professor Bhaer, with whom she establishes a boys' school at Plumfield, Aunt March's old home.
Beth March, a gentle homebody helpful to Mrs. March in keeping house. She contracts scarlet fever, from which she never fully recovers. She dies during the spring after Jo's return from New York.
Amy March, a curly-haired dreamer who aspires to be a famous artist. She is a companion of Aunt Carrol on a European trip. She marries Laurie.
Mrs. March (Marmee), the kindly, understanding, lovable mother of the four March girls.
Mr. March, her husband, an army chaplain in the Civil War who becomes ill while away but who later returns well and happy.
Theodore Laurence (Laurie), a young neighbor who joins the March family circle. He falls in love with Jo, but after his rejection by her he transfers his feelings to Amy, whom he marries.
Professor Bhaer, a tutor in love with Jo, whom he marries.
Mr. Laurence, the wealthy, indulgent grandfather of Laurie.
Aunt March, a wealthy, irascible relative who wills her home to Jo.
John Brooke, Laurie's tutor, who falls in love with and marries Meg.
Aunt Carrol, a relative of the Marches.
Mrs. Kirke, a New York boardinghouse keeper.
Daisy and Demi, Meg's children.