Novel Response Model
Bibliographic Entry
Alcott, Louisa May, Little Women. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2000 (1868).
What is the subject of the Novel?
In Little Women, the four March sisters grows up struggling with conflicting
ideas and mistakes; mistakes intended to teach lessons about life, virtue
and morality. They spend their childhoods and adult lives trying to balance
these ideas to fulfill their necessities.
Find and state (in the author's words) a "defining" passage,
one which best summarized the direction of the novel-its theme and note the
passage number on which it appears.
"Our burdens are here, our road is before us, and the longing for goodness
and happiness is the guide that leads us through many troubles and mistakes
to the peace which is a true Celestial City." (pg. 13)
Paraphrase this passage (in your own words):
This quote implies that life's happiness leads people through many obstacles.
To seek for this goal and reach the end of the road, one must overcome the
obstacles and learn from the mistakes along the way. One must learn from these
mistakes and follow the right path.
Paraphrase three subsidiary, supporting ideas, images or symbols using
complete sentences and note the page number of each.
In Little Women, many incidents identify greatly with the subject of the book.
The first example is the death of Beth. She was a character who believes in
simplicity but sadly dies from the scarlet fever. The mourning of her death
brought the March family together, even with the additional members of the
family, such as boyfriends and husbands. The whole family unites and reminisces,
seeking ways to uplift the family spirit once again. (pg. 474) The second
example is Amy's preparation for a sketching luncheon with the wealthy girls
at school. Amy thoroughly plans a luncheon to try and impress the girls at
school only embarrassing she due to the fact that only one person showed up.
She learned not to try excessively hard to impress others but to appreciate
what she has. (pg. 80) The last example is when the girls' mother, Marmee,
departs to Washington due to the illness of their father. This caused Meg
and Jo to become strong role models for their sisters because they were left
to take care of the family. They were to act responsible as adults and sacrifice
their needs for the family. (pg. 31)
Make a list of and name the characters you have found in the essay; supply a characterizing quotation and tell why you think the author used the character.
1. Meg
She was the oldest out of all the sisters. Weakness for luxury and leisure
would best describe her character. "There is this lovely old-fashioned
pearl set in the treasure box, but Mother said real flowers were the prettiest
ornament for a young girl, and Laurite promised to send me all I want."
(pg. 96) Meg portrays a kind character that was quite naive about the world
that revolves around her. She was created to implement the typical assumption
about a woman's only desire, which was proven false when her character took
a positive turn throughout the novel.
2. Jo
Second oldest child she was, but the strongest and the least feminine out
of the four. She hates romance in her real life and attempts to remain independent
and hold her family together. "I can't get over my disappointment in
not being a boy; and it's worse than ever now, for I'm dying to go and fight
with papa, and I can only stay at home and knit, like a poky old woman!"
Jo evidently hates the stereotypes of women and has the desire to be a strong
female figure for others. Her character creates strength and empowerment for
women and show that they are capable to stand up for themselves.
3. Beth
The third youngest of the sisters, Beth illustrates a character of simplicity
and tranquility. She finds peace in music and the piano. Quiet and virtuous
best describes her character, although she always puts effort in pleasing
others. "Beth ceased to fear him from that moment, and sat there talking
to him as cozily as if she had known him all her life.." (pg. 74) Beth's
characteristics create a kind and sensitive character, causing her to be the
first to leave her family. She was simple; no dreams no aspirations, but her
simple domestic goals were what was remembered.
4. Amy
Youngest of them all, Amy was the gifted artist. "She could not resist
the temptation of displaying, with pardonable pride, a moist brown-paper parcel…."
(pg. 76) She adores visual beauty but at the same time, she was capable of
having a weakness of luxury. She was arrogant and sometimes desired too much
attention from others.
Summarize the plot, noting the complications, climax or crises and resolution
of the piece:
Little Women tracks the four March sisters' lives as they grow from girlhood
to adulthood. The Marches find themselves in scrapes as they try to overcome
their weaknesses. Meg tries to stop desiring luxury and leisure. Jo struggles
to control her quick temper. Beth quietly attempts to defeat her shyness.
Amy tries to forget her vanity. They constantly face the trouble of the necessity
of being good whenever they feel the need to be bad. They struggle with motherhood
sisterhood, pride, intellect and privilege, trying to balance everything.
Things took a turn when they were all forced their separate ways due to family
problems and new lovers.
Explain your view on the issues raised in the book. Do you agree, disagree
or partially agree with the author? Give at least three reasons you believe
as you do.
After reading this book, I have must applaud the efforts these girls took
to hold their family together, despite some of the misfortunes they have encountered.
I do agree with the author that in life, we must overcome obstacles and learn
from out mistakes in order to reach our goal. This means we are up for any
challenges that society embeds on us. We have the ability to make changes,
learn from one another, and to stand tall for our beliefs.
Name your Junior Project theme
Women Depicted in Literature
How does this book express your Junior Project theme?
This book expresses my theme because is presents another perception of a woman's
role in society. These women experienced changes and maturity throughout their
lives, only implementing the strong and determined female figures. They expressed
their dreams and even though they were tempered by other desires and responsibilities,
these dreams were never forgotten.
List the other books and authors you have read on this theme:
1. The Scarlet Letter: Nathaniel Hawthorne
2. Little Women: Louisa May Alcott
In this book, the relationship between men and women established into love
and passion over a period of time. In the beginning, the women avoided confrontation
with men, but only later did they realized that they could no longer. The
interaction between the two was sociable, with no conflicts. The men, in this
book, played quite a significant role because they changed the perspectives
of the women. These girls formed tight connections with their husbands and
compromised their dreams for marriage. Their economic situation was not too
great. They were dependent on themselves, tying to provide for the family.
As females, they were taught to stay home, knit, or do housework. They did
not have the freedom to work like the males. The characters were depicted
as strong female figures that even thought attempted to avoid the misconception
of women; they still failed to resist certain aspects. Still, they portrayed
independent characters.
The character of Jo was quite similar to Hester in the Scarlet Letter. The
both believed in freedom of rights and independence. They did not want to
depend on males to help them. They portrayed strong and fierce female figures.
SH 11-12-01
