Little Women | Study Guide

Louisa May Alcott

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Little Women | Infographic

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

little-women-louisa-may-alcottSources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, IMDb, LouisaMayAlcott.org, Marmee & Louisa by Eve LaPlante, New World Encyclopedia, NPR Books, University of Mary Washington Copyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc.JoHeadstrong, passionate, and brave; wants to become a famous writer BethLoving and saintly; devoted to her family and music MarmeeWise, loving mother; discerns people’s natures Main CharactersMegDutiful; wants to marry well and gain prosperity Laurie Lonely, wealthy orphan; full of fun and fireAmyPrideful; wants to become a great artist and perfect lady Mr. March and Marmee, Chapter 4e can’t give up our girls for a dozen fortunes. Rich or poor, we will keep together and be happy in one another.Little Womenby the NumbersYear the Oscar-winning film adaptation starring Elizabeth Taylor was released 1949Weeks it took Alcott to write the first volume of Little Women ~9Times Alcott had to move with her family by the time she was in her 20s30FriendshipFamilyMarriedLOUISA MAY ALCOTT1832–88AuthorThe Pilgrim's ProgressLike in the spiritualallegory by John Bunyan, life is a spiritual journey toward perfection. WomanhoodA girl must learn tonegotiate the demandsof the patriarchy to be recognized as a woman. MotifsFire & BurningPassion fuels the creative fire but may also lead to anger and rebellion—and conformity when it goes out. The second daughter of nonconformists and abolitionists, Alcott grew up around philosophers and reformers. Her family waspoor, so she helped bring inmoney by working and writing. Penning many short stories,plays, and books—including a number of thrillers—Alcottachieved success with the publication of Little Women.Growing up in genteel poverty, the March sisters learn character-building lessons: love is better than money, patience makes the burdens of life bearable, and charity toward others beautifies the soul. The sisters are bound to each other and their parents in love, which extends itself to embrace the wider world.Happiness Is a Loving FamilyTHEMESFamily as a Model SocietyA loving family that works together for the good of the whole is the model for an ideal society. Gender & FemininityAs Jo matures, she fights the strictures of femininity but ultimately gives up writing to accept her role as a wife and mother. Value of SacrificeBy giving up their dreams, the March sisters show that self-sacrifice is necessary for self-conquest, the keystone of perfect character. EnglishOriginal Language1868–69Years Published Louisa May AlcottAuthorLittle WomenFictionNovel
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