In the mist of all the horrible things going on in the 19 th century, Louisa May Alcott publishes her iconic book Little Women . The story is about four sisters and their mother trying to survive during the Civil War, while their father/husband is off at war. These "little women" consist of Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, and Marmee the mother.

            The story takes us through the lives of four girls trying to conform and live up to the expectations of women. Meg March is the eldest of the girls, and is very intelligent. She is very girly and wishes to have lots of the luxuries "rich" women have. She's the kind of girl who likes to change who she is in order to please other people or to fit in. She also enjoys role playing with her sisters. The next March sister is Jo. She is very different from the rest of the girls. For one she is a tomboy, and enjoys things "normal" girls don't. Since her father left for the war and she isn't prime and prissy like the rest of the girls, she's taken the job of her father and became the "man" of the house. Like I mentioned earlier she's very different from the rest of the girls because she's very outspoken and also enjoys writing. The third March sister is Beth march. Beth is Jo and Meg put together. She is constantly trying to please other people but is also worried about keeping the family together and safe. She is very quiet and shy, and very humble also. She even received a very suitable nickname from her dad; "little miss tranquility". Last but not least is Amy. Amy is the youngest of the bunch, and unlike Jo she's very lady like and a little self absorbed. She feels she matters most. Although they are all very different, they all care very much about their mother and others.

            Louisa May Alcott writes very differently than people do now. Her diction is very old fashion. She uses words that people might not necessarily use today, such as "hither" and "thee". This is language used everyday, in the 19 th century which seems a bit unusual to us now only because that language died out as time passed. An example of this is when the mother says to the girls "airy sprite, I bid thee come". That phrase is not really used now a day, and it really gives the reader the feeling of an old story.

            The girls and their mother had to endure so much as the war was going. Their father was off at war, their not really doing good with money, and the girls are trying to find their place in society as young girls growing into women. Through all that happens, the girls remain strong, not just for themselves but for each other. This book shows us the importance of support and strength, and also the importance of your will to survive and persevere.

Book Sources:

Little Women- Louisa May Alcott

Picture Sources:

Little Women and (their father) March - Two novels: http://dplrecommends.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/littlewomen1.jpg

Louisa May Alcott (1832 - 1888): http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/pictures/louisa_may_alcott.jpg