Louisa’s mother—caught in a spell of depression—confessed that she imagined Louisa would one day provide for their family. These words planted a dream in the child’s heart.
I have always been fascinated by the transcendentalist movement and, somehow, forgot to remember that this author was connected to it through her father. I really appreciate your research! As a parent of two little boys now, I can attest that the life he was seeking was not in alignment with a family(even more at those times). There have been moments since becoming a mother that I have had to grieve the fact that my days are not entirely my own anymore and that what used to be worthwhile pursuits of aimless thought or reflection have been dethroned for the ordinary moments of home life now. I am not even truly resentful or upset about it, only remembering the sadness when my mind caught up to the reality that children's needs sometimes come at the expense of what I would desire to do. Long ago are the days of spending hours reading or learning on a topic only to find myself neglecting basic needs like hunger. I empathize for Alcott's father but at the same time believe that he undervalued his role as father and provider. Children that are brought to this world really do humble(or at least I hope) the adults in their lives, at least for a while, into putting dreams and certain aspirations on a shelf to pick up another time or accept their lack of viability.
Yes I really think that he maybe wasn’t prepared to set his dreams aside for children - but it would have been better for everyone, wouldn’t it, if he’d waited until his daughters were older and stable elsewhere before following his dream? Thank you for your comment xx
Interesting to read this as I'm in the middle of re-reading LITTLE WOMEN. It seems to me a good argument against the tendency of contemporary filmmakers who adapt the book to insist that the Marches *are* the Alcotts 100%—Bronson Alcott really does not sound at all like the Mr. March of the novel. (Although it might very well account for Mr. March being a slightly vague, not really three-dimensional character compared to others in the novel if he was far less drawn from life than the characters of the mother and sisters.)
Mr. March is truly left out for most of it except towards the end and, notably, Marmee is the parent that is most adored and trusted. I do keep finding sentences in the book that would almost feel like subtle jabs at Mr Alcott. I wonder how he truly felt when he read the book.
Wonderful piece, my dear. Educating readers about the lives and times of these authors is so important. The intensity of your connection to Louisa is palpable, yet the essay is balanced and flows so very well. Way to go!
Really fascinating piece. I wonder if Louisa was ever introduced to Bronson's editor who was a pioneering feminist in the movement - Margaret Fuller; perhaps her views on equality would have been both contrasting and similar to that of Bronson's. Can't wait to read the next piece.
I love the way that you entwine with the people you’re writing about. Not involving yourself overly with harsh judgements upon them, but try to ride along with them, as if you were sitting alongside of them in your parlour, sipping at your teacup as you unravel their lives. Do make sure that the teapot doesn’t go empty and the teacups themselves are always full.
Thanks for writing this well researched article. I would like to suggest reading the book Marmee by Sarah Miller. It is a re-telling of Little Women from the viewpoint of Marmee.
Little Women is one of my favourite books, Jo March inspired me to be a writer. I was fascinated to read about her life. Thank you for this fine article.
Jo March is one of the best characters in existence in my opinion. It’s fitting that she’s based on the author herself, who became a strong woman and learned it from the time she was a child!
Little Women is definitely a favorite read this time of year! Thanks for the peek inside her childhood and the revelatory motivations behind her iconic characters of the March sisters and my favorite, Jo! ❤️
So interesting to read more about Louisa and her life growing up, thank you for sharing! I look forward to re-reading Little Women at some point and as you said, pay more attention to her words and see if I can pick out some parts of the book that were inspired by her life. 😊
I enjoyed this. Looking back on reading Jo's Boys and Little Men, it's interesting that Alcott had Jo and her husband take in even the "problem" boys like Dan or an incorrigible little girl like Nat. Maybe Alcott could identify with their high spirits or naughty tendancies? It's also interesting that Plumfield the school wasn't a traditional school and followed some Transcendentalist ideals.
One of my absolute favorite authors!! Boy could she ever turn a phrase, I’d give anything to be able to write like that! Little Women is my favorite of hers but I also love Eight Cousins and An Old Fashioned Girl. I’m just finishing Jo’s Boys and preparing to reread Eight Cousins for the eleventy seventh bazillionth time 😂
If I had to choose a favorite author of my entire Ife--it would be Alcott. Her life was highly challenging. Her father was a difficult person. I have read everything I could find about her along with some of her more obscure writings. She was born way too early in history or she would have been a force to reckon with. I've read Little Women every year since I was 9. I love your project--harkening back to classic reads.
I have always been fascinated by the transcendentalist movement and, somehow, forgot to remember that this author was connected to it through her father. I really appreciate your research! As a parent of two little boys now, I can attest that the life he was seeking was not in alignment with a family(even more at those times). There have been moments since becoming a mother that I have had to grieve the fact that my days are not entirely my own anymore and that what used to be worthwhile pursuits of aimless thought or reflection have been dethroned for the ordinary moments of home life now. I am not even truly resentful or upset about it, only remembering the sadness when my mind caught up to the reality that children's needs sometimes come at the expense of what I would desire to do. Long ago are the days of spending hours reading or learning on a topic only to find myself neglecting basic needs like hunger. I empathize for Alcott's father but at the same time believe that he undervalued his role as father and provider. Children that are brought to this world really do humble(or at least I hope) the adults in their lives, at least for a while, into putting dreams and certain aspirations on a shelf to pick up another time or accept their lack of viability.
Yes I really think that he maybe wasn’t prepared to set his dreams aside for children - but it would have been better for everyone, wouldn’t it, if he’d waited until his daughters were older and stable elsewhere before following his dream? Thank you for your comment xx
Interesting to read this as I'm in the middle of re-reading LITTLE WOMEN. It seems to me a good argument against the tendency of contemporary filmmakers who adapt the book to insist that the Marches *are* the Alcotts 100%—Bronson Alcott really does not sound at all like the Mr. March of the novel. (Although it might very well account for Mr. March being a slightly vague, not really three-dimensional character compared to others in the novel if he was far less drawn from life than the characters of the mother and sisters.)
Mr. March is truly left out for most of it except towards the end and, notably, Marmee is the parent that is most adored and trusted. I do keep finding sentences in the book that would almost feel like subtle jabs at Mr Alcott. I wonder how he truly felt when he read the book.
Wonderful piece, my dear. Educating readers about the lives and times of these authors is so important. The intensity of your connection to Louisa is palpable, yet the essay is balanced and flows so very well. Way to go!
Thank you!! Louisa is such a powerful figure that it’s hard not to connect with her if one does a little digging…I’m having so much fun…
Thank you for the comment & the encouragement 🤍
Really fascinating piece. I wonder if Louisa was ever introduced to Bronson's editor who was a pioneering feminist in the movement - Margaret Fuller; perhaps her views on equality would have been both contrasting and similar to that of Bronson's. Can't wait to read the next piece.
I love the way that you entwine with the people you’re writing about. Not involving yourself overly with harsh judgements upon them, but try to ride along with them, as if you were sitting alongside of them in your parlour, sipping at your teacup as you unravel their lives. Do make sure that the teapot doesn’t go empty and the teacups themselves are always full.
Thank you for your beautiful comment! I will ensure that the cups are always filled with the best quality tea I can find 🤍🤍
Thanks for writing this well researched article. I would like to suggest reading the book Marmee by Sarah Miller. It is a re-telling of Little Women from the viewpoint of Marmee.
Little Women is one of my favourite books, Jo March inspired me to be a writer. I was fascinated to read about her life. Thank you for this fine article.
Thank you so much for the comment!
Jo March is one of the best characters in existence in my opinion. It’s fitting that she’s based on the author herself, who became a strong woman and learned it from the time she was a child!
Little Women is definitely a favorite read this time of year! Thanks for the peek inside her childhood and the revelatory motivations behind her iconic characters of the March sisters and my favorite, Jo! ❤️
You’re welcome! Little Women is such a tender and familiar novel; I’m excited to go back to it! Thank you for the comment! 🤍🍂
So interesting to read more about Louisa and her life growing up, thank you for sharing! I look forward to re-reading Little Women at some point and as you said, pay more attention to her words and see if I can pick out some parts of the book that were inspired by her life. 😊
I enjoyed this. Looking back on reading Jo's Boys and Little Men, it's interesting that Alcott had Jo and her husband take in even the "problem" boys like Dan or an incorrigible little girl like Nat. Maybe Alcott could identify with their high spirits or naughty tendancies? It's also interesting that Plumfield the school wasn't a traditional school and followed some Transcendentalist ideals.
One of my absolute favorite authors!! Boy could she ever turn a phrase, I’d give anything to be able to write like that! Little Women is my favorite of hers but I also love Eight Cousins and An Old Fashioned Girl. I’m just finishing Jo’s Boys and preparing to reread Eight Cousins for the eleventy seventh bazillionth time 😂
Clicked the link to read along! Can’t wait!
If I had to choose a favorite author of my entire Ife--it would be Alcott. Her life was highly challenging. Her father was a difficult person. I have read everything I could find about her along with some of her more obscure writings. She was born way too early in history or she would have been a force to reckon with. I've read Little Women every year since I was 9. I love your project--harkening back to classic reads.
I really enjoyed reading this