Little Women: The Secret Sadness of a Classic

How did Louisa May Alcott break social and literary conventions? Is Little Women the first coming of age story in a novel? And, what do Tabby and Dominic think of Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaption? 0:00 Introduction and plot summary 5:27 Historical context and the world of Little Women 14:52 Louisa May Alcott’s family and early life 25:19 The books and ideas that influenced the novel 32:42 The four March sisters 39:12 Jo and Laurie 43:17 Female ambition, marriage and independence 51:42 Jo’s writing career and Professor Bhaer 57:58 Beth’s death and the fate of the sisters 1:00:59 Should Jo and Laurie have ended up together? 1:03:04 The ending Alcott really wanted 1:07:22 Greta Gerwig’s adaptation and final verdict