Little Women

“I hate to think I’ve got to grow up, and be Miss March, and wear long gowns, and look as prim as a China aster! It’s bad enough to be a girl, anyway, when I like boys’ games and work and manners! 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 longs for the freedom afforded to men. Jo’s personality is vibrant, independent and active—qualities that she must suppress as a girl. Her inability to change her situation bothers her because although she can get away with boyish mannerisms now, as an adult she feels she will have to adhere to the protocol required for a woman.

“‘It is one of her aristocratic tastes, and quite proper for a real lady is always known by neat boots, gloves, and handkerchief,’ replied Meg, who had a good many little ‘aristocratic tastes’ of her own.”

Meg’s definition of a real lady changes over time, especially with regard to marriage and motherhood. In this scene, she convinces Jo to attend Mrs. Gardiner’s ball with her, and as they leave, Marmee asks if they have their handkerchiefs. In spite of their poverty, they believe in taking care of themselves, and they use little things to make a difference to their appearance. However, this also reveals Meg’s weakness for luxuries, a weakness she ultimately sets aside when she chooses to marry for love and not money.

“These turnovers were an institution, and the girls called them ‘muffs,’ for they had no others and found the hot pies very comforting to their hands on cold mornings. Hannah never forgot to make them, no matter how busy or grumpy she might be, for the walk was long and bleak; the poor things got no other lunch and were seldom home before two.”

Meg and Jo travel to their respective employers, the Kings and Aunt March. Both the Kings and Aunt March are much more well-off than Meg and Jo’s family. Throughout the walk, although Meg complains about having to work, the girls understand that this allows them some financial freedom, and it shapes their work ethic in the future.