Little Women: A story for many generations
Stories. Something that can reveal new ideas about a person’s life. Something that can inspire generations of readers and authors. Something that can shape our world and let it become what it is today – through several aspects of adaptations.
Over time, there have been many stories that have been classics for many years, decades, and even centuries – from Alice in Wonderland to The Chronicles of Narnia. One great example of a classic piece of literature is Little Women: a tale that has been passed down over many generations through films, television, and theatre. However, the main and original story stays best at heart. Written by Louisa May Alcott, all the way back in 1861, Little Women is about the four March sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy – who are overcoming adversity in times of the American civil war and growing up from childhood to womanhood. The novel overall discusses the main themes of feminism, poverty, gender roles, love, and what it was like to be a woman in the past centuries.
Surprisingly, this story and its characters were discovered to be based on events and people from Alcott’s own life, since she was one of four sisters growing up in the 19th century. Through the book, the author also discussed the ideas of breaking many gender stereotypes, as Jo March – the main protagonist – experiences the hardship of being the “tomboy” and writer of the household. Back in the late 1860’s, women were not expected to write as many novels then male authors, but Alcott broke this stereotype due to the book’s success and her inspiration to other female authors.
This one timeless novel has also inspired many adaptations in television, theatre, and film industries, ever since the 1910s, where there was both a theatrical production and a silent film version of Little Women, highlighting a movement of women’s acting roles. Following this was the major Little Women movie in 1933, which was nominated for many film awards and became a box office hit of its time. Then, there was the 1949 film, which was in full colour, and featured many big stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Janet Leigh. After this, there was the BBC and NBC mini-series versions, displaying the high passion for adapting the beloved story.
Later, Japanese ‘anime’ also had a spin off on Little Women, too! In the 1980s, Japan’s Fugi network released a 48-episode series of the story, which was soon translated to English. Following this, came the 1994 movie, which captured more of the warmth of the original story. And lastly, the Little Women feature film from 2019, directed by Barbie’s Greta Gerwig, and featuring Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, and many more brilliant actors. The latest Little Women movie has been nominated for many awards – as well as having many fantastic reviews by film critics. This movie is a must watch!
Little Women is only one of many classic novels and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation through books, movies, and other forms of adaptations. And through these adaptations, Little Women remains to be an inspiring story for everyone to enjoy.
Ruby C, Year 8