CPB: Little Women Chp. 1-10

*...Alcott's books for girls reveal that she simultaneously resisted and revised traditional female models of femininity while mediating her readers' desire for conventional female plots. As a result, Alcott brought about an important development in the history of juvenile literature: in shaping a new kind of fiction aimed specifically at adolescent girls, she ushered in realistic female characters and plots that were as distinct from previous models of femininity and womanhood in fiction, as from the characters and plots of boys' books against which they were inevitably defined. (40)

This passage is from Wadsworth's article concerning the development of juvenile fiction from unisex-themed and styled fiction into two separate and distinct forms; one aimed at females and the other at males. Certainly Little Women is a primary example of a book meant for girls and young women. It was written during a time when the Separate Spheres had a strong influence on society. The majority of the novel describes the lifestyle and homemaking duties of women, which probably would not interest too many young men. Boys then and now have a natural inclination for action and adventure. While there is always some overlap, this general division is apparent.

That being said, I can definitely see the realistic range of female personalities that Alcott wrote into the story (it's sometimes hard to believe they are sisters because they are so different). Meg is the oldest and as such remembers a time when the family had a fortune and a fine home. She always longs to be a part of higher-living. The best way to describe Jo would be to repeat what she says on page 3:

*"I hate to think I've got to grow up and be Miss March, and wear long gowns, and look as prim as a China-aster. It's bad enough to be a girl, any-way, when I like boy's games, and work, and manners." (3)* Jo's personality acknowledges the tomboyish nature of girls and young women that many proper adults wished they could stamp out. Jo herself shows a desire to be free from stereotypes and the will of society over her life. It's worthy to note that it is at the wish of a man, her father, in his letter to his family, that she decides to try and be more mindful of her womanly duties around the home.

While Amy is more rambunctious and Beth is quiet and content, both young girls have the innocence of youth and the will to learn about the world. Through them, Alcott presents the reader with a view of the world that is different than how most people would perceive. The reader finds himself or herself learning life lessons along with the girls rather than standing as an indifferent outside force.

Question: I want to know more about the play in chapter 2: "A Merry Christmas." I feel like the characters of Zara, Hagar, and Don Pedro are important commentary on the novel's themes as a whole, but I can't figure out how.

Also, I'm noticing a lot of motherhood imagery in all the girls. Interesting to note is how Jo has taken Beth under her wing whereas Meg has a special connection with Amy. The older girls naturally have maternal instincts for the dear sisters younger than themselves. It's almost like them pairing off is teaching Meg and Jo what it is like to be a mother.