This paper discusses how Alcott utilized the theme of family among the protagonists in her book, Little Women. This five page paper has sources listed in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: D0_MTlitwom.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
were not normally considered the "right" themes for its day - that day taking place in the 1800s. The book, overall examined women who were frank in their motives and
reasons for doing the things they did and the main reasons why they behaved in such a way was to secure wealth. It discussed women who would rather have a
career than a man and a home. And the one woman who did everything "right," i.e., the one who didnt care about wealth, and who stayed home to look after
her parents because that was her sole ambition in life, ended up dying, almost a recluse, near the end of the story. Although considered revolutionary for its times, Little Women
today might seem outdated. It could, however, be considered a good story for women growing up in the 21st century. Much of the struggles that Alcotts little women underwent during
the 19th century arent a whole lot different than those faced by women today - a major theme, of the book, in fact, stresses the importance of family closeness and
love over material things and arbitrary wealth. As each girl grows into a young woman, each gains maturity and self-assurance to determine what is really important in life.
Little Women centers on the four March sisters; Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy; all of whom are proper young ladies with a proper
young upbringing. While Jo and Beth are extremely opinionated and outspoken (especially given the times during which this novel was written), Meg and Beth are gentler, less vocal and keep
their opinions to themselves. These four "little women" (called so because they range in age from pre-teen to late teens when the story first opens), live in "genteel poverty." In