Little Women | Essays and Criticism

  • Autobiographical Elements in Alcott's Novel

    Bussey holds a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. She is an independent writer specializing in literature. In the following essay, she discusses autobiographical elements in Alcott’s novel in contrast to the fictional decisions the author made. Factors such as Alcott’s duty to her readership and wish fulfillment are considered.

  • The Borders of Ethical, Erotic, and Artistic Possibilities in Little Women

    In the following essay excerpt, Murphy surveys critical approaches to Little Women, finding “the novel does not permit rigid answers” to attempts to analyze its meaning and significance. Comparison is made with Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

  • Reading Little Women

    In the following essay excerpt, Elbert discusses the major themes in Little Women: “domesticity, the achievement of individual identity through work, and true love.”