Little Women has a special place in the hearts of millions, adored for its resonant portrayal of sisterhood as a source of lifelong friendship, as well as for its nostalgic, hopeful approach to themes of girlhood, love, and female ambition. Louisa May Alcott’s timeless tale has been retold countless times for stage and screen, adapted for modern audiences by the likes of Gillian Armstrong (1994) and, more recently, Greta Gerwig (2019). Here’s a brief intro to the novel for those who may not already be familiar, as well as a round-up of our most well-loved quotes, brought to us by everyone’s favourite literary sisters.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a beautiful coming-of-age story following the lives of the four March sisters as they navigate childhood and womanhood in 19th-century New England during the American civil war. Over the course of the novel Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy explore their individual dreams, struggles, and identities – working to pursue their own ambitions whilst remaining ever-committed to maintaining their special bond with one another.
Meg, with her innocent, romantic heart, yearns for a husband and home of her own someday, whilst tomboy Jo dreams of becoming a best-selling novelist, vowing to never be married. Quiet, sweet Beth never wishes to leave her family, except of course to play the wonderful pianoforte in the neighbour’s house; meanwhile, spoiled, precocious Amy feels torn between her ambitions to become a brilliant Parisian artist, and make a good match with a wealthy man and thus gain security for her entire family.
This is a book that everyone is able to enjoy, for there is certain to be at least one multi-dimensional March sister you can relate to or empathise with. Here, Louisa May Alcott offers a compelling insight into 19th-century American society, especially in relation to the limits and attitudes projected onto the young women of this period, all whilst delving into the complexities of family life and the loss and personal growth borne from it. This is a classic that you simply must read if you haven’t already. I have no doubt that it will fill your hearts with the same tenderness and warmth it has done for more than 150 years.
Little Women Quotes
“’Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,’ grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“I’ll try and be what he loves to call me, ‘a little woman’, and not be rough and wild; but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“I want to do something splendid…something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead. I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“Don’t try and make me grow up before my time.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“…because talent isn’t genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“I’ve got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“I never wanted to go away, and the hard part is leaving you all. I’m not afraid, but it seems as if I should be homesick for you even in heaven.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“You are the gull, Jo, strong and wild, fond of the storm and the wind, flying far out to sea, and happy all alone.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for.”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“I like good strong words that mean something…”
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
These quotes embody the pure sentiments at the heart of this incredible novel, and have left impressions on the minds of so many readers around the world. Come visit us on our Bookstr Socials to tell us which of these quotes was your favourite, or to share what Little Women means to you.
Love this? Read our other article: Why Little Women is the Best Representation of Sisterhood.
Head over to our Bookshop for more amazing Classic Book Recommendations.
