Gender roles, 19th century
What were daughters expected to do in the 19th century?
Get married and take care of the home.
What profession was one of the few options for educated women in the 19th century?
Teaching.
Why does Meg decide to marry John Brooke despite her family’s financial struggles?
Because she loves him, even though he is not rich.
Amy aspires to be "elegant," but she is often accused of being "pretentious." This means she is trying to appear more (blank) than she actually is.
important
Who was the real-life inspiration for Jo March?
Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women.
Why was it unusual for Jo March to want to be a writer?
Because writing was considered a job for men.
Why did Jo refuse Laurie’s marriage proposal?
Because she wanted independence and a career.
Why does Amy consider marriage a financial decision?
Because women had no rights to earn or inherit money.
Jo looks at the ink on her hands; she ________ (write) all night."
is going to write
What year was Little Women originally published?
1868.
In the movie, which character represents the ideal traditional woman?
Meg March.
Why did Amy have better chances of success than Jo, according to Aunt March?
Because Amy was willing to follow society’s rules.
What does Jo mean when she says, "Women have minds and souls as well as just hearts."?
That women are more than just wives and mothers.
A term for a girl who enjoys activities or clothes traditionally associated with boys; Jo is the ultimate example.
tomboy
Why was Little Women considered revolutionary for its time?
Because it showed women pursuing their own dreams, not just marriage.
What did Amy March think about marriage?
That it was more of an economic decision than a romantic one.
Why was Jo’s decision to cut her hair so shocking?
Because long hair was seen as a symbol of femininity and beauty.
Why does Aunt March want Amy to marry well?
To secure the family’s social and financial future.
When Amy says, "I am going to be an artist in Paris," she is expressing this—either a spontaneous decision or a pre-planned intention.
pre-planned intention
What rights did married women NOT have in the 19th century?
They couldn’t vote, own property, or have financial independence.
Why couldn’t Jo and Laurie have the same freedom in society?
Because men had more rights and opportunities than women.
What does Aunt March tell Jo about her future if she doesn’t get married?
That she will be a poor and useless spinster.
What does Jo regret after rejecting Laurie?
She fears she might end up lonely and unhappy.
The sisters often engage in "domestic" duties. This Latin-rooted word refers to anything related to this 4-letter place.
home
Why was it unusual for a woman like Jo to want to publish books?
Because most female writers used male pen names to be taken seriously.