Plot Summary
Little Women follows the lives of the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, during the Civil War and the years following. The sisters face poverty, loss, and personal struggles as they navigate their adolescence and young adulthood, while also forming strong bonds of love and sisterhood. Throughout their journey, they learn valuable lessons about family, friendship, love, and the importance of finding fulfillment in both material and spiritual pursuits. The novel culminates with Meg's marriage, Jo's decision to devote her life to caring for her family and opening a school for boys, Amy's coming-of-age and eventual marriage to Laurie, and the tragic but peaceful death of Beth.
Story
The story begins with the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, during the Civil War. Their father is away serving as a chaplain, and the sisters are left to manage their home and support themselves. Meg works as a governess, Jo takes a position as a companion to their wealthy but grumpy Aunt March, Beth helps with household tasks, and Amy attends school. Despite their poverty, the sisters find joy in their close relationships, their creative pursuits, and their simple pleasures. As they grow older, they begin to face the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, including romantic entanglements. Meg falls in love with their neighbor, John Brooke, and eventually marries him. Jo struggles with her strong will and her desire to find success as a writer. Beth, the gentle and devoted sister, is deeply affected by her family's poverty and her own longing to learn music. She finds solace in her music and her love for her family. Amy, the youngest, is ambitious and vain, but also artistic and kind. She travels to Europe with her wealthy aunt and develops a friendship with Laurie, the neighbor's grandson. The novel explores themes of poverty, ambition, love, loss, and the importance of family. While the sisters face hardships, their strong bond and their faith in each other and in God help them overcome obstacles and find happiness. The story ends with Meg's marriage, Jo's decision to open a school for boys at Plumfield, Amy's eventual marriage to Laurie, and Beth's peaceful death.
Story Details
Setting
The novel is primarily set in Concord, Massachusetts, during the American Civil War and the years immediately following. The story takes place in the March family home, the Kings' house, Aunt March's house, and other locations in and around Concord. The novel also features scenes set in New York City and Europe, where Amy travels.
Themes
The novel explores themes of family, love, friendship, poverty, ambition, personal growth, and the importance of finding fulfillment in both material and spiritual pursuits. It highlights the power of sisterhood and the importance of supporting one another through life's challenges. It also explores the complexities of romantic relationships, the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations, and the search for individual identity. The novel also emphasizes the importance of faith and the power of love to overcome hardship and find peace.
Key Quotes
- "'Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents,' grumbled Jo, lying on the rug."
- "'We've got father and mother and each other,' said Beth contentedly, from her corner."
- "The more you love and trust Him, the nearer you will feel to Him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom."
- "Money is a needful and precious thing,--and, when well used, a noble thing,--but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for."
- "'Tink ob yer marcies, chillen! tink ob yer marcies!'"
- "Work is wholesome, and there is plenty for every one; it keeps us from _ennui_ and mischief, is good for health and spirits, and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion."
- "'Here lies Pip March,
Who died the 7th of June;
Loved and lamented sore,
And not forgotten soon.'"
- "If you'd remember that, and practise it, you'd be better liked than I am, because there is more of you."
- "Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and sad and dreary."
- "'I am content with what I have,
Little be it or much;
And, Lord! contentment still I crave,
Because Thou savest such.'"
- "Four little chests all in a row,
Dim with dust, and worn by time,
Four women, taught by weal and woe
To love and labor in their prime."
- "There's no need for me to say it, for every one can see that I'm far
happier than I deserve."
- "O, my girls, however long you may live, I never can wish you a greater
happiness than this!"
Main Characters
Meg March
The eldest sister, Meg is pretty, kind, and somewhat vain. She longs for a luxurious life and struggles with her family's poverty.
Jo March
The tomboyish and independent second sister, Jo is tall, thin, and brown. She loves to write and dreams of becoming a famous author.
Beth March
The gentle and quiet third sister, Beth is rosy, smooth-haired, and bright-eyed. She loves music and is a devoted homemaker.
Amy March
The youngest sister, Amy is described as a pale and slender snow-maiden with blue eyes and yellow hair. She is artistic and enjoys the finer things in life.
Laurie Laurence
The neighbor's grandson, Laurie is a kind and handsome young man who enjoys life's pleasures. He is initially a bit lonely, but finds a warm welcome and companionship with the March sisters.
Overall Message
Little Women celebrates the enduring power of family, love, and compassion. It emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in both material and spiritual pursuits, and the beauty of a life dedicated to serving others. The novel encourages readers to embrace their individual strengths and strive for personal growth while navigating the complexities of life with resilience, faith, and a spirit of generosity.