The Power of Love in Louisa May Alcott Little Women

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The Power of Love in Little Women

"Truly, love does work miracles!" (335) The March family portrayed in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, was the classic American family. The father is fighting in war, the mother is all knowing and wise and the four daughters are budding seeds of independence. In the beginning of the novel we are introduced to all four of the sisters. Meg, the oldest, is wise and very concerned with class and the styles of the times. Jo was the least like any of her sisters. She longs to be a boy and not have to worry about such petty things as her hair and what she is wearing. Beth is a kind gentle soul who is always contented with what she has. Amy, the youngest, is very conceited. She is always concerned with her looks and who she will marry.

"'It's so dreadful to be poor!' sighed Meg, looking down at her old dress.

'I don't think it's fair for some girls to have plenty of pretty things and other girls nothing at all,' added little Amy, with an injured sniff.

'We have Father and Mother and each other,' said Beth contentedly, from her corner . . . . Jo immediately sat up, put her hands in her pockets, and began to whistle. 'Don't Jo-it's so boyish!'{Amy said}

'That's why I do it'" (p.3-4).

Though different in many ways, they all loved each other. It was, however, love from, and for, other people that changed them all in so many ways.

Being the oldest sister, Meg felt a lot of pressure on her to marry into the right class. She longed for pretty things and large house. She wasn't as conceited as Amy, but continually let Jo know how disappointed in her she was. Jo's unladylike tendencies disgusted her. After going to a coming out party for Annie Moffat, Meg was a changed pers...

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...n any other love. In her short life she changed many people for the better.

The March family survived many hardships and surpassed many obstacles. Without the love for each other, they wouldn't have made so far. Many years later, Mrs. an Mr. March are sitting back, watching their daughters and grandchildren romp in the orchard. They both see how much they have all grown and changed, Mrs. March turn to Mr. March and says, "Truly, love does work miracles! How very, very happy they must be"(335)

Work Cited

Alcott, Louisa May. Little Women. New York: Signet, 1983.

Douglas, Ann. Introduction. Little Women. By Louisa May Alcott. New York: Signet, 1983. vii-xxvii.

Elbert, Sarah. A Hunger for Home: Louisa May Alcott and Little Women. Philadelphia: Temple Press, 1984.

Hollander, Anne. "Portraying 'Little Women' Through the Ages. New York Times 15 Apr. 1994.

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