Little Women

~Realism & Naturalism~

With their father away fighting in the Civil War,

Joe, Meg, Beth and Amy grow up with their mother in somewhat reduced circumstances. They are a close family who inevitably has their squabbles and tragedies. But the bond holds even when, later, men friends start to become a part of the household.

Overview

Wrote Little Women based on her own experiences

growing up with three other sisters. The novel, published September 30, 1868, was a

success and sold more than 2,000 copies. In fact, her publisher asked for a second volume because the story was so popular. The second volume was released on April 14, 1869 with a response of more than 13,000 copies sold immediately.

Alcott's story of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy had launched her into celebrity status and helped to alleviate the family's financial problems.

Louisa May Alcott

Realism

Pre-war—idealistic view of life War and harshness of frontier life shattered this

view Sought to portray life as realistically and

accurately as possible Attempted to remain objective and “factual”

Naturalism

Branch of Realism People were not in control of their own destinies Forces beyond people’s control:

Fate Nature Heredity

War, frontier life, and severity of industrialism lead people to believe they had no control over change—or their own lives

You will have a short writing assignment based

on the notes you take using the following two charts. MAKE SURE TO PAY ATTENTION and complete your charts!

Post-Viewing

Jo March 

 

Meg March 

 

Beth March 

 

Amy March 

 

Mrs. March 

 

John Brooke 

 

For each of the following characters, describe the characteristics of REALISM/NATURALISM that can be applied to the character. Include what each character values in life.

Element Description Realistic Characteristics

Naturalism Characteristics

Setting  

     

Conflicts 

 

     

Resolution 

     

Describe the characteristics of REALISM/NATURALISM in the following story elements. Be sure to include descriptions of each element: