Nineteenth-Century Feminism: A Close Study of Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women'

Course Overview

This ten-lesson programme takes students through Louisa May Alcott's 'Little Women.' Written in 1868, Alcott's progressive novel was a crucial breakthrough and inspiration for America's female writers. The novel follows the lives of the four March sisters, detailing their transition from childhood to womanhood. It investigates gender roles in the nineteenth century and explores themes of marriage, familial duty, gender stereotyping and life as a working woman in the nineteenth century. Each March sister embodies different aspects and characteristics of society. It's a crucial piece of literature for students to study, as it gives an insight into the challenges faced by women of this period. It also provides opportunity for students to compare and contrast with modern society. The course will take students through each chapter of the novel, requiring them to read in-between lessons. The lessons will encourage group discussion as they analyse the text and dissect the themes, motifs and language used in the novel. The programme will conclude with a lesson in which students answer some essay questions, requiring them to think critically. They will be given digital handouts throughout the course, including reference imagery and articles. These will help provide a picture of life in the nineteenth century.