Little Women Reflection

I really enjoyed reading Part 1 of Alcott’s “Little Women.” Although this novel was written well before my time I felt that it had much relevance to society today the importance of being feminine. Although the concept of femininity is a timeless one, the actual ideas incorporating the image of a feminine girl have changed. In the late 19th century feminine women were supposed to be obedient, naturally beautiful, pure and motherly. All of these characteristics are evident in Alcott’s novel and are enforced on the audience via the text. Although these ideas are still recognized, it seems as though they have transformed into images of sexy bodied women covered in make-up and in heels. Although all things change over time (the idea of femininity being no exception to the rule) it seems as though the feminine beauty today is quite the opposite of one during Alcott’s time. I must therefore ask the question, how have standards of women gone from virtuous to voluptuous?
Although Jo is my favorite character, I find Meg the most interesting in regards to the afore mentioned question. Meg concentrates very heavily on her looks and is always concerned about her image. I think that there are two possible explanations for this behavior. The first is that Meg is insecure about her family’s new financial situation. She is worried that her old friends will no longer see her as an equal. Another explanation could be that Alcott uses Meg’s character to highlight the insecurities all women face. Beauty is something highly valued in the American culture and women will go to great length to achieve it, even if that means wearing another women’s dress and showing an uncomfortable amount of skin (Meg Goes to Vanity Fair.) The title says enough itself as it includes the word VANITY. I am very happy that Alcott chose to include this concept in one of her characters because I believe insecurities and vanities are prevalent characteristics in many little women today.