Little Women: My take on the March sisters
"I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen."
-Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
A lesson in morality, family, and life. Also, a test on how painful that lump in your throat can grow before you give in and let the tears pour out of your eyes with the power of a waterfall.
The most knowledge I’d had about Little Women was from an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. where Joey spoiled the fate of one of the sisters for me. So I never read it. I knew what happened so what was the point? With all the hype about the movie a lot of bloggers I follow started posting about it, reading it, giving recommendations, and I figured it was about time I seen what the big deal was. Besides, I refuse to watch a movie without having read the book first and I really wanted to see the movie.
My first impression was that it was cute. It starts at Christmas with the sisters realizing that giving is an important part of the season and how good it feels to be good. From there it continues on the same theme throughout their lives. Most of the book continued on chronologically but each chapter was like a new adventure throughout the lives of the sisters. They were like little short lessons on the trials of growing up. It made it hard for me to want to power through as each chapter was like an ending. It took me quite a while to get through it (to be fair it’s a pretty hefty book). Although it wasn’t exactly my style, I’m glad I read it, the March sisters are characters that will stay with me and here’s why:
All I ever heard about this book before reading it was “oh how well I relate to Jo” and “Jo just ‘gets me’” so I determined to not like nor relate to Jo before reading it, to be “different” from the rest….. but, it’s hard not to relate to loveable Jo. I think she is one of the most relatable characters I’ve ever read.
I connected with her on a few points. One of the parts of her story that hit home most with me was her struggle to reign in her temper. I myself know what it’s like to work your entire life to control a temper that never seems to rest and regret the actions taken and words said when the rage takes hold. Her struggles resounded with me.
"I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I have learned not to show it, and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so."
Meg was hard to read. She seemed to long for so much more, acted the mature older sister, yet behaved the complete opposite around her ritzier friends. She longed to be like them, to have money for nice dresses and material things that she could not have. She acted like someone she wasn’t to impress people that didn't even truly care. And then, all of a sudden, she seemed to just settle for what life had to offer. I lost a bit of respect for her for turning so meek but I also admired her for being able to find happiness and contentedness in the life she had. Still have some mixed feelings about that one.
Beth, of course, is one everyone loves and how could you not? She’s the best of them. There doesn’t seem to be a mean bone in her body and you can’t help but sympathize for her. It was a little disappointing that her character wasn’t given a more interesting ambitions but I understand why. But, for how little went on for poor shy Beth, her character had so much depth and emotion that she stood out just as brightly as the rest. Her love of music also endeared her to me. Pianists stick together!
Last but not least, Amy. She’s the character that most frustrated me. For the entirety of Part One and most of Part Two I couldn’t stand her. She may have been the youngest but she was so selfish and bratty I couldn’t handle it. Her destroying something Jo worked so hard on out of spite was something I couldn’t get past. I’m a younger sister, and no matter what my sister did to me I’d never be able to do what Amy did. Sure she was young, but she was old enough to know how hurtful that could be. She was forgiven a little too easily if you ask me, but I guess it is a book about kindness and foregiveness.
The movie, however, changed my perspective of her, and I’m glad it did. It shined a light on the fact that this girl, the youngest of the four, always felt looked over. Meg and Jo were both older and closer and would go out with friends to plays and parties leaving Amy behind and Beth was the angel child that could do no wrong and never really even wanted to stray too far from home. All the other girls got to be al little carefree and Amy was the one who was saddled with the fate marrying well and ssving her family. That’s a heavy burden to bear and Florence Pugh did an amazing job portraying a girl that’s just trying to enjoy her youth before she has to step into her role. Now looking back on her characterization in the book I understand her better. She became my favourite.
Even if you don't feel like it's really your cup of tea, I encourage you to give this book a whirl. Even if it takes a while to get through, it's worth the read. The lives, lessons, and ambition of the March Sisters will stay with you.