Feminist Themes in “Little Men”, Essay Example

Thesis statement

While the book “Little Men” focuses on the transformation of boys into men, it – just like “Little Women” has several feminist themes hidden in the text. Jo’s vision he shows Laurie depicts a “perfect world” where men and woman are equal and free to take on the role they choose in the society: a feminist utopia.

Introduction

Overall feminism of Alcott across her works:

The feminist vision of the 19^th-20^th Century was focused on equal treatment, social roles, and opportunities for men and women alike. In “Little Women”, “Little Men”, and “An Old-fashioned Girl”, Louisa May Alcott confronts the society’s norms regarding roles of women. She openly criticizes the conventional views, restrictions and limitations women need to face.

Biographical elements

The author has used her own father to create the character of Professor Bhaer, who disciplines children for not telling the truth. She also shares her experience with growing up as an unconventional child; “a tomboy”. There are several similarities found in the book with the author’s memoir: “Recollections of My Childhood”.

Secondary sources citation: the definition of feminism and feminist thoughts. Milojevic (2007) states that “, as a movement for social change, feminism is inevitably concerned with offering alternative visions of the future” (p. 330).

Feminist trajectories

Feminist writers often depict a future vision, just like Louisa May Alcott. They envision a better world and contrast them with the present of the book. The difference in measuring and depicting time between female and male authors is also notable. Milojevic   (2007) confirms that time is less important for female authors, and this is why “Little Men” is a loose collection of stories, instead of a linear narrative.

Analysis of Feminist Themes

Role of women in society

The author contrasts “traditional” female roles (domestic) with new, revolutionary approaches. Nan can be a good mother and care for children, even though she has her own way of thinking. The author confirms: “”Nan found as much pleasure in using her quick wits and fine memory as her active feet and merry tongue, while the lads had to do their best to keep their places, for Nan showed them that girls can do most things as well as boys, and some things better” (Alcott, 122)

Parent-daughter relationships

Depicting father-child and mother-child relationships, the author reveals how equal treatment of boys and girls can make a difference. Further, a strong maternal figure as an authority is described in the book.

Vision of a new world

Alcott uses strong characters and their thoughts to depict her own vision of an new world that provides equal opportunities for both boys and girls.

Analysis of “Little Men”

1. Nan, the “tomboy”
2. Louisa and the “different aspect of domesticity” as a woman
3. Daisy, as the domestic element
4. Jo
5. Father figure (Professor Bhaer)

Main Themes Identified

1. intellectual and social equality
2. women as teachers
3. contrasting docility and rebellion (Daisy and Nan)
4. opportunities to learn
5. enduring pain to succeed

Conclusion

While the work “Little Men” has a central theme of boys growing up, it also features several characters who have a strong feminist vision. The themes of Alcott’s feminist ideology are present in the way the characters speak about the future, how they behave and challenge the social norms related to gender roles.

References

Alcott, Louisa May (1871)  Little Men. New York: Penguin, 2004.

Greene, J. (2000) A woman’s legacy: An analysis of feminist themes in the work of Louisa May Alcott. University of Tennessee Honors Thesis Projects. Retrieved from  http://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_chanhonoproj/383

Milojevic, I. (2007) Timing feminism, feminising time. Futures.  40 (2008) 329–345

Shealy, Daniel, (ed.) (2005)  Alcott in Her Own Time: A Biographical Chronicle of Her Life, Drawn from Recollections, Interviews, & Memoirs by Family, Friends, & Associates. Iowa City: U of Iowa P, 2005.