The classic American novel, Little Women, has captured the hearts of plenty. A classic tale of four women flourishing in the challenging 19th century, as prevailing social attitudes dictated the appropriateness of their actions. It parallels some of the crucial themes expressed in an equally captivating film, Miss Potter. The literary mother of Peter Rabbit and a legendary literary figure known throughout the English-speaking world and beyond, she epitomises the essence of modern feminism and the ongoing struggle against the stereotypical expectation of women to have children. However, Little Women features a more complex, somewhat abstruse at times, plotline with the stories of four characters exposed, warts and all, whose attitudes towards marriage and childbirth deviated to an extent which dramatically affect their eventual fates.
The tale commences with a Christmas morning, when all four sisters gathered round the sitting room and expressed their opinions towards the unfortunate fact that they were to have no presents for Christmas. Set in the backdrop of the American Civil War, the Marches were deemed sufficiently resourced. Immigrants like the Hummels lacked even the meagre comfort of a warm fire and blankets. Women in that era were expected to behave in particular ways: to obey the commands of their elders; to meet suitable suitors by dancing and prancing like over-zealous peacocks with gilt-tipped feathers; to get married and ideally primed for childbirth; to manage a household on behalf of the husband, bereft of personal means as her place would rest with the household…
Jo March, the intrepid explorer, confident in her convictions, battled against the odds as she dismissed orthodoxy as obsolete, and adamantly believed in the autonomy of the female soul. A writer with lofty ideals, propelled by the one desire to defeat the insuperable, conquer the untenable, and tame the impossible. Even as her long-time friend Lorie (Theodore Lawrence) placed himself on one knee, beseeching for her hand of marriage, she disregarded it in such a cavalier manner that expressed her total contempt for the conventional. Poised on the offensive, her attitude contrasts that of Meg March, who opted to savour the fruits borne out of tradition. Marriage and kids instead of a commendable professional life in substitution of a solitary existence, were the future she envisaged for herself.
Amy March, whose firecracker personality is reminiscent of Jo’s, decided to systematise her actions in accordance with the framework she was proffered. In colloquial language, she ‘played according to the rules’. Given the indomitable enterprise of supporting her family as Jo gallivanted off to New York in search of her literary gold, she was inspired by her aspiration to become the finest painter in the world and financial burdens. She headed off to Europe with her aunt (Aunt March), a rich widow whose exacting personality made for hard conversation, in search of a wealthy suitor. Whilst everything was in full swing, Beth March took a metaphorical sip from her calming cup of Camomile tea, reflecting upon the wide world beyond. Convinced that all she ever wanted was peace and stability, she was disposed to retreat far from the battlefield – the dreaded ‘no man’s land’ where the likes of Jo and Amy battle for their own futures invidiously – and play the same tunes she had played when she was a child.
One story, four perspectives. One prison, four women. One desire, four hearts.
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