Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, originally published in two volumes in 1868, is set in New England and inspired by her own family and life events. It is a coming-of-age domestic novel about four sisters who grow up during the American Civil War. Due to its popularity, Alcott wrote two sequels: Little Men (1871) and Jo’s Boys (1886).

The novel has been adapted many times for the screen, including the 1994 film for which Winona Ryder was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, and the 2019 adaptation directed by Greta Gerwig, which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Plot Summary

The novel begins with the March girls—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—reading John Bunyan’s Christian allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, which influences the, throughout their development. They reference it heavily in the first part of the novel.

Mr. March, their father, is away serving as a chaplain for the Union Army. His absence takes a heavy toll on the family. On Christmas day, Marmee, the girls’ mother, gives each of her daughters, most of whom are in their teens, a guidebook that assists them in overcoming their follies and staying true to their values. It discusses faithfully conducting one’s work and showing compassion to others, lessons which the girls take to heart. On Christmas morning, they sacrifice their breakfast and time to take care of the Hummels, their neighbors who are living in poverty.

Upon hearing the stories of their good deeds, Mr. Laurence, a wealthy neighbor, gives them some delicious food, and Jo becomes acquainted with his grandson, Laurie, who lives alone with his grandfather. Almost the same in age, the two become close, and the relationship between the two families blossoms through the years, despite their socioeconomic differences.

As the story unfolds, each of the girls is challenged by their internal struggles; Marmee, is their moral compass. Meg is tempted by her desire to live a decadent life. Jo takes control of her temper after her anger almost results in Amy’s death. Beth works to overcome her shyness, and in the end, she enters the graces of Mr. Laurence, who gives her a piano. Amy must learn to follow rules after she is humiliated and punished at school.

One day, Marmee receives an urgent telegram to join her ailing husband. With Mr. John Brooke, a local tutor, as her escort, she goes to Washington, DC, to take care of him. Meanwhile, Beth falls gravely ill with scarlet fever. With Marmee gone, the girls and Hannah, their servant, try to keep Beth’s condition a secret; when it worsens, Laurie sends for Mrs. March without their knowledge. Jo sends Amy to live with their wealthy Aunt March to prevent her from catching Beth’s scarlet fever, where she learns that there is more to life than vanities and riches, and she starts to pray for her selfless and loving sister. Right before Mrs. March’s arrival, Jo succeeds in nursing Beth back to health, and the girls are relieved that their prayers have been answered.

By Christmas, they find themselves more blessed than they could have imagined: Mr. March returns and their family is reunited. Marmee discusses Mr. Brooke’s affection for Meg, who is casual and noncommittal about the prospect of marrying him. When Mr. Brooke runs into Meg, he tries to talk to her about his feelings, which she dismisses. Aunt March tells her not to marry Mr. Brooke because he is poor and has no connections, but Meg decides to be with Mr. Brooke because his poverty has made him a man of value. Although most of the family is excited at the prospect of a wedding, this decision upsets Jo, who cannot bear her family going their separate ways.

When Part 2 begins, three years have passed. Mr. Brooke returns from the army, Mr. March acclimates to life at home, and Mrs. March remains preoccupied with the girls, as they prepare for adulthood and Meg’s wedding.

With Meg and Mr. Brooke moving into their new home, the other girls follow their interests: Jo pursues her literary ambitions, Amy experiments with art, and Beth keeps the household running. Eventually, Jo experiences a taste of success when she gets paid for her sensation stories. She decides to continue on this path to ensure her financial freedom. In the meantime, Amy perfects herself at being a lady, which impresses Aunt March, who takes her on a coveted trip to Europe.

As Laurie shows feelings for Jo, she decides to leave, thinking that Beth likes him. To rid her of her own restlessness, she goes to New York to be a governess for Mrs. Kirke; while there, she meets a German professor, Friedrich Bhaer. His influence grows on Jo, and she ceases to write sensation stories. She is attracted to Bhaer’s likable and humble persona. Meanwhile, in Europe, Amy discovers that she can never be a genius but chooses to incorporate art into her life while toying with the idea of marrying the rich Fred Vaughn.

When Jo returns from New York, Laurie graduates from college and professes his love for her. She declines to be in a relationship with him because they would prove an unsuitable match. Disheartened, Laurie goes to Europe with his grandfather to mend his broken heart. At the same time, Beth grows sicker, and the family must come to terms with her imminent death. While in Europe, Laurie and Amy bond and discover that they are compatible and capable of loving each other.

Beth’s death leaves Jo feeling alone, especially as she realizes that everyone will go their own way in life. However, the professor surprises her with a visit, and her whole family likes him. Jo and Bhaer finally confess their feelings for each other, and they plan on starting a boarding school for boys at Plumfield, the house which Jo has inherited from Aunt March.

In the end, the extended family comes together to celebrate Marmee’s birthday, and the sisters express their contentment as they watch their loved ones and realize that they are living their dreams.