Little Women's Exploration of Girlhood, Boyhood

Louisa May Alcott an American novelist and poet best known for her classic novel Little Women.

The novel is drawing inspiration from her own experiences growing up with three sisters, explores themes of family, love, and the challenges faced by young women.

The character of Jo March, an aspiring writer with a strong and independent spirit, is often considered a reflection of Alcott herself.

The Dual Perspective on Girls and Boys

Little Women by L. M. Alcott is indeed often categorized as a girls' book, given its focus on the lives and experiences of the four March sisters.

However, it’s not just about girls—it also gives a closer look at boys, challenging what others might expect from them.

Unconventional Friendship

One notable example is the relationship between Jo March and Laurie.
Their friendship defies traditional gender roles, as Jo’s not a typical girl, and Laurie, at first a regular boy, likes her adventurous spirit, which breaks the usual rules about how boys and girls should be friends.

Evolving Boyhood

Laurie, the boy character, changes among the story. At first, he’s carefree, but as he hangs out with Jo and her sisters, he learns from them and becomes more thoughtful, and gives a different view of boyhood.

Laurie's Struggle with Expectations

Laurie has to deal with his grandfather wanting him to act a certain way, which reflects what society thinks boys should do, showing the pressures they face.

In Summary

Little Women isn’t just a girls’ book, it gives a closer look at both girls and boys, challenging what society might expect from them.

References

Montgomery, H. and Watson, N.J., 2009. Children’s Literature.