A few years ago I read a book where different female characters were “studied” by the author. It was interesting to get a different perspective on characters I loved, and some I hadn’t read yet. However I was more than a little disappointed by the scathing remarks made about the March sisters. 

As a child with undiagnosed dyslexia I had a very difficult time learning to read. One of the books that helped me to learn was Little Women. I had watched movie versions with my mom and was excited to finally read the original source material. I loved the March sisters and was swept up in the story. It is a novel, musical and series of movies that I still turn to. As I have grown away from both girlhood and the religion of my youth I was worried I would grow away from these beloved characters so I am grateful to still find comfort with them.

One of the criticisms of the novel was the use of religion to promote the girls’ “good” behavior. It is true, there is quite a bit of religion in the novel. That makes sense though, knowing the times that Lousia May Alcott grew up in and her real life experiences leading up to writing the novel. Her education and her feelings on the civil war are gifts given to her characters. So were her ideals about how women should be, which, it can be argued, are colored by her religion. 

The book opens with Christmas. The girls are each given a small notebook from their mother to write their hopes, dreams and progress through the year. She reminds them of when they were young and “Playing Pilgrims.” That they would “travel” through their home working to be closer to God. Now Marmee encourages them to use their books to continue their pilgrimages now that they are older. To curb their sins and polish their best selves.

While religion does play a large role in the story it is not the only thing. Each of the sisters is on her own journey. While Alcott has some harsh words for “frivolous” girls she does also give a few different examples of feminism with each girl’s journey. Honestly, for the time written the novel is very progressive.

Meg is the oldest. She remembers when their family had some money –before the Civil War– and it is hard for her to now go without. She is a kind, generous person who takes the most traditional role, ending the story as a wife and mother. Jo is independent and hot headed. She also cares so deeply for others and is desperate to pave her own way in the world as a writer.

Jo also ends up married by the end of the story while also being an author. Beth is the next in line: a sweet and shy girl who loves music. Many people choose to view her as nothing but a tragic figure used to teach the other girls with her death. However Beth does not start off tragic: though shy, she is constantly playing music and creating for others. Amy is the youngest and an artist. She starts the book off as a very young girl. The reader arguably spends the most time watching her grow.

Unfortunately, that means that many people only focus on her flaws. However, Amy also has dreams outside of marriage. She wants to be great or nothing, and always feels she is coming up short of her sisters. She also is put under a lot of pressure to marry well to help their struggling family. I have always felt bad for her that her other dreams seem to be overshadowed by that aim. Her love story is also a point of contention among fans.

The girls also act as foils for each other. Meg is outgoing and struggling to give up worldly things. Beth is too afraid of people to leave the comforts of home but always gives everything she has freely. Amy and Joe both are ambitious. While Jo is “boyish,” Amy is often “too prissy” as she tries to be a woman before her time. Both of them also go through big changes and obstacles to their ambitions as they leave their homes. 

I grew up religious: very shy and seeking to only be of service in hopes that people would like me. I loved these stories. Now I am grown. I am working on being less shy. I have left behind that religion. I also do not see myself as just a woman. I now use She/They pronouns. So how is it that I can still find so much comfort in these stories?

Because I grew with the March sisters I found comfort in Beth’s example of service. Some part of me was moved by Jo and Amy as well, even without knowing it. At some point I realized I could strive to be great outside of the convention of a home setting. I wanted to write! I want to be a great writer. Now I am taking strides to do so. 

I have learned that wanting little comforts is nothing to be ashamed of. Wanting things is not bad. Wanting greatness. Wanting security. Wanting love.  Wanting fulfillment. Meg reminds us of these things and that it okay to strive for happiness. 

Being yourself and fighting for what you want out of life so long as you are not hurting others are values I now take away. To be proud of my achievements instead of counting my daily failures. I can be kind but also take up the space I deserve. I can find comfort in stories of small daily struggles. I can find comfort in the family I have made. Little Women taught me that my hard work will pay off. Therefore it continues to be a source of comfort, tears, warmth and laughter for me. 

I hope you all find what you think of as greatness. I hope you find the keys to your own castles in the sky. I hope you find love and inspiration in all the little moments in your lives. That is also what I have learned to hope for others is another thing I learned growing up with the March sisters in Little Women.