The Development of the Hero in Little Women Essay -- Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott furnishes a probing look at the maven through with(predicate) recognition of how the imaginary hero of romantic fiction is non ceaselessly the ideal while bringing the reader to see the gallant in the everyday lives of four young women with the primary emphasis go on Jo. In the chapter, Castles in the Air, as each of the showcases envisions the distant next (ten years hence anyway), Jo remarks, I want to do something splendid beforehand I go into my castle-- something epic or wonderful that wont be bury after Im dead. I dont know what, but Im on the watch for it, and soused to astonish you all some day (Alcott 133). As the book progresses, more references are made to show the shallowness that has begun to be associated with the valiant. . . . Laurie heroically take out his eyes . . . (Alcott 264). Fred is not my model hero (Alcott 294). Finally, Jo focuses the conflict in recognizing the heroic when she reaches the point of realizing that she preferr ed imaginary heroes to real ones, because when tired of them, the former could be shut up in the tin kitchen till called for, and the latter were less(prenominal) manageable (Alcott 298). With Jo March, Alcott presents a modern young woman in a day when women were very much relegated to a specific role indoors the home. From the opening pages of the book, Jo exhibits a unique strength of character that refuses to be mould to the traditional form. She longs to be a boy, primarily because of the opportunities available to the male in society. However, taking her unusual family upbringing and applying it to Jos determination to be different creates an exclusive who is heroic in her strength and courage to stand out in society and her ability to share that quality with othe... ...he wife and mother. Rather, she insists that she will send her share and help in the earning of the home as a hold back of marriage (Alcott 438). Jos journey to the heroic ultimately leads her to a rol e where her life-time is spent in giving herself to others, shaping them to be themselves while becalm maintaining proper place in the grand scheme of things. Through her characterization, a hero is fully developed as one with the strength of character that allows one to be uniquely different while seeking always to help others in the journey of life by placing them ahead of oneself. Jos heroic act that will not be forgotten after shes dead, however a dream as a young lady, is realized through the lives she touches and the future generations she ultimately affects. Works Cited Alcott, Louisa. Little Women. Intro. Ann Douglas. NY Signet Classic, 1983.