Thoughts on the March Sisters

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I’ve been rereading Little Women (by Louisa May Alcott) for school, and as I’m nearing the end of the book it seemed like the perfect time to think of each of the March sisters in turn.

I have had many conversations with fellow book lovers about the four sisters and which ones we relate to the best. My answer is almost always Jo, though there are also moments in which I find myself more similar to Meg. But in truth there is a little bit of all of the girls in me, and I find that to be truer and truer every time I read the book.

In this post I’m going to talk about each of the sisters individually. I’ll share the lessons I think can be learned from their character growth as well as how they’ve matured over the course of the book. On that note, there will be spoilers in this post, so please be aware of that while reading.

Meg

Meg is the oldest of the sisters, and her heart constantly desires after pretty things. She has a weakness for luxury and often struggles to stop comparing her simple life with the extravagant lives of her friends. There are instances where she has difficulty remaining true to herself in the midst of her own temptations, but you always know she is honest and good at heart.

That makes it all the more beautiful to see her grow up and settle down and find peace in with what she used to flee from. Meg is the first of the sisters to marry and become a mother, which teaches her patience and humility so truly that she’s almost a different person than she is at the beginning of the book. Her character becomes refined and strengthened as she follows the example set by her own mother, and her mind no longer lingers over silly dreams.

Jo

Jo is the topsy-turvey, bold, and excitable writer of the family. Her heart is nearly always in the right place, but often her personality bends away from a ladylike posture and into the mischievous range. There are times that her anger and quick temper get the better of her, but Jo repents and tries her best to grow from her mistakes.

I am not ashamed to say that Jo is my favorite of the sisters. Not only is she fun and especially entertaining, but watching her character grow and mature is extra special. I admire the way she learns to choose the good and quieter path through time. She finds that her writing is more than just scribbling whatever words that will make money onto the page, and her character is sharpened into a bright and interesting person who has steadied her temper and mastered her tongue the best she can. It is truly through trial and suffering that her character becomes so strong, which makes it all the more powerful.

Beth

Beth is quiet, gentle, and pleasant. Her ‘fault’ if one must be given, is being too shy and cowardly, but she makes up for those failings so strongly in goodness and virtue that they’re almost impossible to remember. She is the character that all the others aspire to be, following after her quiet example of service and submission. The effect she has on all her sisters (Jo in particular) is gentle and inspiring.

Of course, if you’ve read the book you know that in the end Beth passes away. I suppose she was too good for this world. What a true and lovely character she is, too. Always loving, serving, encouraging, and altogether seeking others before herself. She is an excellent role model to strive for and touching example.

Amy

Oh, Amy. Of all the sisters, I have always been the least drawn to her, and that is true for other people I’ve discussed it with as well. Her nature draws out the childlike selfishness and petty hurts that so often claim importance in our lives and brings them to the light. People don’t usually love the character who illustrates their faults, and I feel like that is why she is mostly disliked.

But just because most of us can relate to her shortcomings doesn’t mean that there isn’t more to her character. Reading the last few chapters of the book, I feel as though Amy doesn’t receive enough credit for the woman she becomes. Although at the beginning of the book she is notably more prideful and self praising than her sisters, over the course of the book those faults blossom into beautiful strength and dignity.

Final Thoughts

The March sisters are beautiful of heart in many ways, and reading their experiences as they grow from young girls into loving little women is inspiring and lovely to see. I have grown to love their story very much, and every time I read it I discover new things about each girl.

Is there one of the sisters that you relate to most? Which one do you struggle to compare yourself too? Let me know in the comments. 🙂