Reflections on "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
As part of the Little Women Blog Party, I'm here today to share my thoughts on the novel itself by Louisa May Alcott! I'm not going to call this a true review, because since the book is rather long, it would take too much time for me delve into every aspect of it. Rather, I'm just going to discuss what it is that makes me love this story. :)
(Just so you know, there will be some spoilers ahead!)
Now, I didn't grow up with Little Women like some people did. In fact, it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I first read the book and watched the 1994 adaptation! But despite the fact that I so recently discovered this story, it has quickly become one of my (many) favorites. The characters are wonderful and the writing is lovely, but I think the main reason I find this book so enjoyable is because it's such a beautiful story about family.
All throughout the novel, it's obvious that the Marches are a very close-knit family. Whether it's through a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or simply time spent together, one can easily tell that Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, and their parents all love each other deeply.
I also love how the March family is willing to do practically anything for one another. I think the best example of this is when Jo spontaneously decides to cut off her beautiful hair for money, in order to help pay for Marmee's visit to their wounded father in Washington. It was such a selfless act on Jo's part to give up her "one beauty" (haha) for her mother's sake, even if she did regret losing her lovely long locks soon thereafter. But really, if I had gorgeous hair like Jo's and suddenly decided to cut almost all of it off, I would definitely sob over it, too! ;P
On that note, the scene where Beth finds Jo crying and asks if she's worried about their father, to which Jo replies that she's just crying over her hair, is probably one of my favorite parts! It's so, so funny and I can't help but laugh over it. ;)
(Just so you know, there will be some spoilers ahead!)
Now, I didn't grow up with Little Women like some people did. In fact, it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I first read the book and watched the 1994 adaptation! But despite the fact that I so recently discovered this story, it has quickly become one of my (many) favorites. The characters are wonderful and the writing is lovely, but I think the main reason I find this book so enjoyable is because it's such a beautiful story about family.
All throughout the novel, it's obvious that the Marches are a very close-knit family. Whether it's through a word of encouragement, a helping hand, or simply time spent together, one can easily tell that Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, and their parents all love each other deeply.
To start off, I just love the relationships that the March sisters have with one another. While of course they quarrel every now and then--what siblings don't?!--at the end of the day there is no doubt that they love one another with all their hearts. I think the sisterly bond between spunky, energetic Jo and calm, timid Beth is especially sweet, and I feel like this is best shown towards the end of the novel. When Beth becomes extremely ill and doesn't have much time left, Jo remains faithfully by her side, comforting and tirelessly taking care of her younger sister.
I also love how the March family is willing to do practically anything for one another. I think the best example of this is when Jo spontaneously decides to cut off her beautiful hair for money, in order to help pay for Marmee's visit to their wounded father in Washington. It was such a selfless act on Jo's part to give up her "one beauty" (haha) for her mother's sake, even if she did regret losing her lovely long locks soon thereafter. But really, if I had gorgeous hair like Jo's and suddenly decided to cut almost all of it off, I would definitely sob over it, too! ;P
On that note, the scene where Beth finds Jo crying and asks if she's worried about their father, to which Jo replies that she's just crying over her hair, is probably one of my favorite parts! It's so, so funny and I can't help but laugh over it. ;)
And then, of course, there is Marmee! She's such a wonderful character, and I adore the relationship that she has with Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Whenever the girls are facing a difficult situation or decision, or are simply upset or discouraged about something, they turn to Marmee for advice and encouragement, and she always responds lovingly and understandingly.
The quote below, where Marmee is speaking to Jo, is an excellent example of this, and one of my favorite lines from the novel. (While Little Women isn't exactly the best book for advice on faith, since there are a few references to having to be "good enough" to go to heaven, this quote is a beautiful one!)
"My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learnt o feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom. His love and care never tire or change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."
Overall, Little Women is one of my favorite classics because it paints such a beautiful picture of a family that is totally devoted to being there for one another no matter the cost. While the March family is by no means perfect and certainly has its own share of struggles and problems--after all, what family doesn't?--, they are nonetheless a wonderful example of a family that values, loves, respects, encourages, and inspires each other.
If you've read Little Women, what is your favorite thing about it?
Sincerely,
Molly
I love the humor the best; humor is like salt and adds depth to a story.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are so right, Livia! Humor really does spice up a story and make it that much better.
DeleteOne funny line from Little Women that stands out in my mind is actually the one that you shared in your answers to the tag: "Jo’s nineteen hair-pins all seemed stuck straight into her head, which was not exactly comfortable; but, dear me, let us be elegant or die!" ;P
You're so right; faith and family really shine through in this book (though it is unfortunate with what you mentioned about the being good enough parts). No family is ever going to be perfect, but that's no excuse to give up continually working on the closest relationships around you: your parents and siblings!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you agree, Abby! And I love what you said about constantly working on and investing in our relationships with our parents and siblings; it's such an important thing to keep in mind!
Delete