preview

The Power of Love in Louisa May Alcott Little Women Essay

Better Essays

The Power of Love in Little Women

"Truly, love does work miracles!" (335) The March family portrayed in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, was the classic American family. The father is fighting in war, the mother is all knowing and wise and the four daughters are budding seeds of independence. In the beginning of the novel we are introduced to all four of the sisters. Meg, the oldest, is wise and very concerned with class and the styles of the times. Jo was the least like any of her sisters. She longs to be a boy and not have to worry about such petty things as her hair and what she is wearing. Beth is a kind gentle soul who is always contented with what she has. Amy, the youngest, is very conceited. She is always concerned …show more content…

Now more than ever she wants to marry someone rich so she could have all of nice things that go along with money.

" 'I wonder if I shall ever be happy enough to have real lace on my clothes, and bows on my caps?' Meg said impatiently"(69).

The neighbor boy, Laurie, is quite close with all of the March sisters. While all of the girls are over at his house quite often, Laurie is made to stay at home with his tutor Mr. John Brooke. Over a period of 4-5 months, Mr. Brooks fell in love with Meg. When Meg first found out, she was against the whole thought of it. Mr. Brooke was poor and wouldn't give her the life she so wanted to have. After a confrontation with Aunt March, Meg realized that she did in fact have strong feelings for Mr. Brooke. They were married 3 years later. During their marriage, Meg learned to love Mr. Brooke as a wife would. At first, before love was strong, she pitied herself and her small house with few furnishings. She felt very sad that she didn't get many nice things at her wedding and she couldn't afford to buy them for herself. She had once bought a piece of silk for 50 dollars despite how little money her and John had. John was not mad but disappointed in her. He canceled the order he had made for a new coat with "I can't afford it, my dear" as the only explanation (214). This was the turning point for Meg. After this she realized how much she did care about John and she didn't want him to be disappointed

Get Access