Student Essay on Gender Stereotypes in "Little Women"

Gender Stereotypes in "Little Women"

Summary:   "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott is a story about four sisters growing up in New England during the Civil War. The book explores themes of unjust gender roles for women and the struggles between duties to family and self.

Never before has there been a novel so rich and compelling that captures the readers emotions so realistically. Louisa May Alcott's unpredictable, real life story of the March sisters shows what it's like growing up in New England during the Civil War. Strong and willing, the four sisters (Meg, Amy, Jo, and Beth) stick together through the rough times. Their mother, Marmee, works hard to raise the girls while her husband and the girls father serves as a Union chaplain in the Civil War. Event after event, the girls grow to love each other through their hate and anger. Meg marries and moves into a home with her new husband. After Beth's death, Jo and Amy both marry unlikely matches. The story ends happy, as one would expect. Reading Little Women was quite an experience. Usually I enjoy suspense novels that keep the attention of the reader, but I thought this book was quite entertaining. The story keeps you guessing, and you can never be quite sure what these ladies will do next. Each character brings a different light to this classic. Meg March, the oldest, is a wise writer who mothers her younger sisters with responsibility and kindness. She has a weakness for luxury and wealth, but her better side is gentle and morally vigorous. Josephine March, is quite the protagonist in the novel. Josephine, Also known as Jo and the second eldest daughter of Marmee March, wants to become a writer and is actually based of Louisa May Alcott herself. Jo's character makes this story semi-autobiographical. Easily considered a tomboy, Jo has a hot temper and quick tongue, but wants nothing more than to keep her family in one piece. Beth March is the quite and virtuous sister of the four. Beth loves music and enjoys playing the piano.

Last but not least is Amy, the youngest March sister. Amy is quite the cliche youngest sister. Often whiny, she is given to fits of temper and admires pretty possessions. Very artistic and fun, Amy works hard to improve her often pouty-like attitude.

Themes are the fundamental and often universal ideas explored in a literary work. Little Women represents the gender stereotypes in the 19th century. Jo often confuses the female stereotype with her tomboy actions. This novel shows the dangers of stereotyping a girl and her purpose in life. Another strong point, is the struggle between familial duty and personal growth. Both Jo and Meg want desperately to work hard to become writers and satisfy their needs. At the same time they need to work hard to keep their family strong. Another important theme, is the importance of being genuine, and expressing who you wish to be in life. How you want to be viewed as a person, and what people think of that may, or may not matter. Many symbols are used in the story that go along with the themes. In the novel, Umbrellas represent the protection a man offers a woman. When Jo takes the umbrella offered by Professor Baher, it shows that Jo is ready to accept that men are supposed to protect women, and she is accepting the professor's love and protection. Burning is often used to symbolize anger and frustration . When Amy burns Jo's manuscript, it represents Amy's anger towards Jo's actions. I strongly recommend this story to all readers. Whether you are male or female, this novel is touching and has much hidden meaning that makes you think twice about life and love.