Little Women

Summary: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are the four March sisters. They live with their mother, affectionately known as Marmee, and their father, at least when he isn’t away at war, in Massachusetts. There they navigate together the perils of growing up, including run-ins with neighbors and friends, dealing with their difficult aunt, putting on family plays, and falling in love and marriage. As long as they are there for each other, the March sisters can persevere through whatever the world throws at them.             

Critical Evaluation: For any young adult looking to get into classic novels, Little Women is a perfect place to start because of its lovable characters, pleasant tone, and timeless themes. 

The developed and well-rounded characters are perhaps the biggest reason that Little Women has stood the test of time. Louisa May Alcott writes about four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, who are each unique and have their own strengths and weaknesses. They each have their own interests, and although Jo is often considered the main character of the novel, Alcott is sure to give due attention to each sister and her story. Their sibling relationships are also highly realistic; they care for each other deeply but are often hurt by the other or have arguments. Despite sometimes disagreeing with each other, they are always there when it counts.

Although not by all, many consider Little Women a feminist novel. Jo, who wants to be a writer, often expresses her disdain over having been born a woman. Though the sisters are confined to the expectations of women in their time, they all are strong willed and determined, helped along by their parents who have fairly nontraditional ideals. In the novel, Jo has to come to terms with the fact that Meg is happy to grow up, get married, and have children. Even this concept-that women should be able to choose for themselves what they want, even if it is traditional-is a feminist idea. 

Alcott’s plotlines in Little Women are fairly simple, but this makes them relatable and timeless. No one is becoming “the chosen one” or discovering magical powers, and yet their life is full of adventure. Whether it be skating on the pond, experiencing everyday mishaps, or more exciting ventures like moving to New York, Little Women highlights the pleasure and beauty of everyday magic. The story is sure to make any reader recognize more of it in their own lives. That being said, the novel isn’t without its hard moments. The characters experience financial struggle, heartache, fear, and grief. The honest portrayal of humanity is what makes Little Women so endearing.  

Little Women’s timeless story, lovable characters, and enjoyable tone are sure to keep it a classic for decades to come. 

Reader’s Annotation: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are four sisters growing up in Massachusetts, each trying to find her own way despite what the world expects of them.