Little Women The March Women Analysis

Around the time of the Civil War, women in America had few rights, but had many expectations placed upon them. Women could not own land, vote, or sell property. Instead, society expected them to take care of their families such as cooking and cleaning their homes and to help others while their husband was at war. In part I of Little Women the March girls; Jo, Meg, Beth,Amy and Mrs. March make sacrifices to help others while having family hardships both financial and personal. During the civil war the March girls make sacrifices to help others. An example is, when the girls gave up their presents to support the troops, “… Meg said in an altered tone, "You know the reason Mother proposed not having any presents this Christmas was because it is going to be a hard winter for everyone; and she thinks we ought not to spend money for pleasure, when our men are suffering so in the army.” (3) [redacted] says Meg. In addition to giving away their presents, the March girls also gave away their Christmas breakfast to feed a hungry family “Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little newborn baby. Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing, for they …show more content…
March. Throughout the book Mrs. March teaches the girls about appreciating what they have and helping others, “ ‘We can't give up our girls for a dozen fortunes. Rich or poor, we will keep together and be happy in one another.’ ” (53) [redacted] says Mrs. March. The girls value what their mother taught them and adapt this lesson in their life to overcome their hardships "I don't believe fine young ladies enjoy themselves a bit more than we do, in spite of our burned hair, old gowns, one glove apiece, and tight slippers that sprain our ankles when we are silly enough to wear them."