Little Women
Louisa May Alcott
1868
Short summary:
"Little Woman" is a novel about the life of 4 sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. The story
begins with the sisters talking about their poor lifestyle in December 1861, when the Civil
War just started and their father went away to serve. The story is about their development
in society during the time period around the Civil War.
Main characters:
~ Josephine March
Also known as Jo, is the protagonist of the story. The character is based on Louisa May
Alcott herself. Jo is the second-oldest sister who wants to pursue her writing career. Her
mother calls her too boyish and Jo is not more annoyed with something than the limitations
woman have to face in contrast to men.
~ Meg March
Meg is the oldest March sister. She is a gentle, kind woman who cares for her family.
~ Elizabeth March
Also known as Beth, is the second-youngest sister. She is a big lover of music, mostly the
piano.
~ Amy March
Amy is youngest sister. She has a weakness for the richer lifestyle and is an artist.
~ Theodore Laurence
Laurie, whose real name is Theodore Laurence, is the neighbor of the Marches. He
becomes a very good friend of them and has besides his wealth also an honest heart.
~ Marmee
The girlsʼ mother. Marmee is a kind, loving mother to the daughters and an amazing
woman. She cares for everyone around her, is an instant role model and easy to look up to.
~ Mr. March
The father of the 4 sisters and wife of Marmee. He is mostly away to serve in the Civil War
as a chaplain in the Union army.
Theme:
The major themes in this novel are: personal growth, society, family and poverty.
Louisa May Alcott
1868
Short summary:
"Little Woman" is a novel about the life of 4 sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. The story
begins with the sisters talking about their poor lifestyle in December 1861, when the Civil
War just started and their father went away to serve. The story is about their development
in society during the time period around the Civil War.
Main characters:
~ Josephine March
Also known as Jo, is the protagonist of the story. The character is based on Louisa May
Alcott herself. Jo is the second-oldest sister who wants to pursue her writing career. Her
mother calls her too boyish and Jo is not more annoyed with something than the limitations
woman have to face in contrast to men.
~ Meg March
Meg is the oldest March sister. She is a gentle, kind woman who cares for her family.
~ Elizabeth March
Also known as Beth, is the second-youngest sister. She is a big lover of music, mostly the
piano.
~ Amy March
Amy is youngest sister. She has a weakness for the richer lifestyle and is an artist.
~ Theodore Laurence
Laurie, whose real name is Theodore Laurence, is the neighbor of the Marches. He
becomes a very good friend of them and has besides his wealth also an honest heart.
~ Marmee
The girlsʼ mother. Marmee is a kind, loving mother to the daughters and an amazing
woman. She cares for everyone around her, is an instant role model and easy to look up to.
~ Mr. March
The father of the 4 sisters and wife of Marmee. He is mostly away to serve in the Civil War
as a chaplain in the Union army.
Theme:
The major themes in this novel are: personal growth, society, family and poverty.
