Based on her own childhood, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, discusses topics such as gender stereotyping and familial duty. Being published in the late 1800s, when women were not typically main characters in serious stories, this book pushed gender norms and explored the idea of women pursuing lives outside of the home. The book, originally intended for young girls, explores the dynamics between the 4 March sisters (Meg, Beth, Jo, and Amy) and their experiences from childhood to adulthood. The story takes place during the American Civil War and while their father is off fighting, the sisters explore their passions and find their way in the world, while building their familial bonds.
This story has been adapted to film numerous times, since it was written over 100 years ago, but more recently was the 2019 adaptation directed by Greta Gerwig. The cast is quite impressive with iconic actors and actresses such as: Timothée Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlon, and Meryl Streep.
The movie flashes between two timelines, one where the girls were children and the other, where they are grown up. Throughout the childhood scenes the sisters’ personalities and values are established, but so is their bond. Meg is the eldest and a romantic, Jo is the second eldest sister and a feminist. Jo is the protagonist and she believes women should be able to pursue anything they want, and should not be forced to be caretakers of their families. Beth, the third sister, is shy and reserved with no strong viewpoints, and Amy is the youngest sister, she is the carefree sister who dreams of becoming an artist. In their childhood years, Amy and Jo are at crossroads most of the time and constantly squabble, leaving Meg and Beth to mediate their relationship. Their mother, Marmee, spends her time and resources aiding other families, oftentimes leaving the March sisters without food because others are in need. The sisters still lived a comfortable life, though, and were able to pursue their many passions.
When the sisters are grown up, Jo goes to New York to become a teacher and sell her writings to newspapers, Meg settles down with her husband, Amy goes to Europe to procure a suitor, and Beth becomes sick. The movie explores their struggles with staying connected to their family while also pursuing what they want.
While focusing on the sisters’ dynamics, the movie is centered around Jo and her feminist beliefs. Jo provides for her family with the stories she sells and her teacher’s salary. She continues to enable her family to break the gender norms and branch out. The story shows the complexities of the ability to balance a fulfilling career and home life.
This movie does an amazing job at exploring the complexities of sibling and familial relationships as well as showing the plight of women trying to make their own way. The movie keeps a lighthearted romantic feeling about it, while generating important discourse. It is a true classic.