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Our Thoughts on Little Women (PMJ Book Club)
Hello, PMJ readers!
This past March/April, The Postmodern Journal Team chose Little Women (Alcott) for our book club read- and we're dying to share our thoughts! We thought we'd do things a little differently this time around. Instead of writing a formal review, we've decided to share with our readers which March sister we relate to the most individually. We hope you enjoy our little anecdotes and make sure to let us know in the comments which March sister you resonate with!
Happy reading,
J.E Stanway
The Postmodern Journal Editor
Katies Story: Why I Relate to Jo March
"When reading Little Women for the first time earlier this year, I found myself paying attention to Jo March a little more than all the other characters. She has this adventurous spirit that I really relate to and admire. There’s also this side of her that tends to idealize people in her life, thinking they need to fit this role in her play, and when those roles started to shift, Jo took it extremely hard. I found that hit a little too close to home. We all tend to have this one version of someone in our mind, and, when they change without warning, we take it personally. Or at least, I’ve done that. But Jo learns to accept it eventually, as we must.
I felt a connection to her in the sense that sometimes all one can do is write. People come and go, circumstances change, but Jo recognized that art stays with you. Writing can be a form of escapism, an outlet for adventure seekers. Jo knew that was what her life was about. Maybe I don’t write as much as she probably did, but I know it’s the only time I’m in control, the only time I decide what happens. That’s a powerful thought. So with ink-stained hands, I’ll go on romanticizing life, and I’ll never feel sorry for my free spirit. Jo taught me how important it can be.
Aside from her personality and character traits, I was also drawn to her sense of style. She doesn’t stay in any one category; very eclectic in a way. She seems to me a businessman of sorts, a traveller, but she still has her own feminine touch. I’m forever drawing inspiration from her carefree approach. I encourage everyone to read Little Women at least once in their life because chances are you'll relate to at least one character in the novel!"
- Katie Houghton
Addi's Story: Why I Relate to Amy March
"We all know Amy as the spritely, artistic, ambitious, and socially aware youngest member of the March family. I’d like to dive into the various aspects of her character and the many reasons why I relate to her. To all of you fellow fans of Amy March out there, this is for us.
Amy was always fascinated by the arts; she drew, painted, sketched, and sculpted from a young age. Her artistic interests hit very close to home for me. Much like her, I have always dabbled in various forms of art, with interests in a very wide range of subjects and skills. She was always eager to try something new and liked to fantasize about what her future accomplishments could be.
Another way I relate to Amy is in her nature. She was very extroverted and loved to make new friends and learn new things about the world. She cared deeply about those who were close to her and tried to solve all the problems she saw. Amy was also quite stubborn and prideful at times, but in the end, she was always determined to do the right and proper thing and expected those around her to do the same.
I like the way she understood people and the way they thought; she was a deeply empathetic person based on the way she interpreted the feelings of others throughout the book, giving them carefully tailored advice. She had to deal with people who did not share her mild manner and friendly nature, but she learned to rise above such unpleasantness. It was no easy feat, but she kept on learning and improving.
Amy had very high hopes for herself as well as high standards and lived each day striving to meet those goals. She envisioned herself living her dream of being one of the best painters in the world and worked hard for that life. Even when things didn’t end up exactly the way she had hoped, she never gave up on herself. She always had a plan. Filtering her ambition and resolve into something new, she became a master of the life she found for herself.
In short, Amy is a lovely character full of both faults and virtues, whose personal journey is fun and inspirational to read. She deserves a lot of recognition for her growth and changes over the years and for her courage and determination. She faced the world with grace and bravery and loved her family very deeply. So let’s all go get some pickled limes and draw a picture in honour of our joyous little March sister."
- Addison Horsell
Micah's Story: Why I Relate to Beth March
"Watching the 1994 film adaptation of Little Women growing up, Jo’s love of writing and desire to do something great spoke to me, and, therefore, I found myself relating to her the most out of the March sisters. As I got older, however, my love of writing greatly diminished, and I found myself relating to Beth more and more, especially when I met and became friends with young women who possessed a talent for writing that I no longer felt I had. I began to see in myself many of the traits that Beth displayed and became quite content in my new role as the Beth of my friend group.
Beth has such a love of home and is perfectly content to stay there with her cats and music. I myself have never been any good at the piano, but the love of music is something she and I share, as is the love of cats, having three cats at home that I adore. Though not being much of a writer myself, I, like Beth, very much enjoy reading the work of my dear friends and giving them my support in their endeavors. Beth doesn’t make any plans for herself, but she lends a listening ear to her sisters as they speak about their hopes and dreams. Beth has the ability to be a peacemaker for her sisters, observing them quietly but offering words of wisdom to them when needed.
While I share many of the desires and dreams of the other March sisters, I am quite content in my little life surrounded by loving friends and family as Beth was. I feel so honoured to see my best friends, as dear to me as sisters could ever be, doing so well and reaching their goals. To Beth, the best things in life had to do with her family. I look forward to observing just what the future holds for mine."
- Micah Peters
J.E's Story: Why I Relate to Meg March
"I read Little Women for the first time when I was fifteen. I related to every sister in one way or another: Jo for being a writer, Amy for her love of beauty, Beth for her attachment to home, but, out of them all, Meg is the one that I did and still do relate to the most.
Meg March carried the disposition of true maternal instinct and a deep longing for finding the love of a husband. She found true satisfaction in the work of home and enjoyed the little domestic responsibilities Marmee gave her. But most importantly, she never viewed these things as demeaning or like she lacked an independent spirit. She was independent in her own way, and, as a young woman who always carried the same dreams and disposition in my pocket, I felt keenly drawn to her character.
There were also times where Meg longed for the finer things in life. She loved balls, theatre, parties, fancy dresses, and expensive finery. Growing up in an oilfield town, I was rarely able to experience things like attending theatre, visiting art galleries, or having opportunities to dress and feel sophisticated. But, like Meg, I also always knew that despite occasional longings for things I couldn’t have, I would always prefer the domestic joys of family and simple life. This is reflective of Meg in her marriage to John. He wasn’t grand or socially important but was instead a good, kind man, who loved her more than anyone else in the world.
It’s easy to see that Louisa May Alcott was not against Meg’s dreams when she wrote about her. The entire book reads with true respect toward women who are in their element as housewives and mothers, painting the role as equally important to the aspirations characters like Jo and Amy had. For me personally, I always appreciated that perspective, growing up in a generation where such a lifestyle is often regarded as less valuable. Meg is a character that reflects the true meaning of the term ‘old soul,’ not only in her actions and interests but in her outlook on life. And as a quiet romantic, I will always carry the perspective of Meg in my heart."
- J.E Stanway
Which March sister do you relate to the most? Let us know in the comments below!
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