Themes in Little Men, Research Paper Example

From a strong theme of feminism, to the theme of modernity and change, the novel “Little men” seems to be a departure from depiction of a strong theme of feminism to that of equality in the social setting. The author presents the characters to be having equal chances and capable of making independent decisions regardless of their gender and backgrounds. The former novel revealed women as weak sex and constantly undergoing oppression, however, the present portrays them like intellectuals and capable of holding the social roles they desire (Alcott 12). For instance, Mrs. Jo is comfortably pursuing her career path as a teacher in Plumfield School. The theme of change is eminent in the “little men” novel and through it the author attempts to illuminate on the social changes that are likely to transpire within the social setting.

Introduction

A comparison of the two novels, little men and little women, reflects two distinct social paradigms. While the “Little women novel” depicts a world where women are not given their rightful social positions, the “little men” seems to be a complete departure from the same. The little men novel presents a world where women have equal chances with men and can equally make independent choices in regards to their careers. There is also an element of Christian morals in the novel little men where Professor Bhae attempts to teach Nat discipline by letting Nat strike him every time he (Nat) makes a mistake.  This is an element of leadership by example and is among the Christian doctrines.

Biographical elements

The storyline of most novels written by Louisa May Alcott are mainly drawn from her past family experience life. The idea of Plumfield School in the novel was mainly stimulated from her past life in which they were exposed to such an environment. As well, most characters in her previous books were also featured in the novel such as Mrs. Jo and the eight cousins which coincidentally are also novels on their own (Louisa 34).

Analysis of themes in little men

The story shows the children arriving to the institution as young and leaving as people that are already mature. This is revealed during thanksgiving when each student is made to present their skills before the audiences in the school. Moreover, they were seen to be able to make independent decisions regarding their lives and some students were already optimistic about their marriage partners as well as their lines of career (McFadden et al. 23).

In the novel, the Bhaer couple plays both the role of parents and teachers. They give equal treatment to all the children despite not having any blood relationship with the students. This proves to be a great success since even the most notorious students like Nat gets to change and develop the good character required of them.

The theme of modernity is also observed when Mrs. Bhaer introduces pillow fights at least once weeks to enable the students develop their interactive skills (Alcott & Ellain 14).  Pillow fighting would not seem to be a thing to be practiced during such a time by the institution. There were also modern approaches to finding solution to problems for instance applying psychological tactics to train good character on the students.

Analysis of characters in little men

1. Jo, portrayed as motherly and of great skills in finding solution to children issues
2. Professor Bhaer, intellectual and capable of finding alternative means to problem solving, fatherly
3. Nat, skillful, humble and a bit shy.
4. Nan, Tomboy
5. Nan, the “tomboy”
6. Daisy, loving and caring

Main themes identified

1. Theme of change from a sophisticated world to that which is independent
2. Theme of modernity
3. Theme of transformation
4. Theme of social equality

Conclusion

While the author lived at a time when women suffered oppression and discrimination, the novel, “Little men” reveals a departure from this belief, and the author expresses an independent world where both men and women can make independent decisions regarding their futures.

Works cited

“Louisa May Alcott.” Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. Web. 16 July 2014.

Alcott, Louisa May. Little women: Little men. Dingley, Victoria: Redwood Editions by arrangement with Anness Pub., 1998. Print.

Alcott, Louisa May, and Elaine Showalter. Little women ; Little men ; Jo’s boys. New York, N.Y.: Library of America :, 2005. Print.

McFadden, Deanna, Dan Andreasen, and Louisa May Alcott. Little men. New York, NY: Sterling, 2009. Print.