Blog 1: I Am the March Sisters

              Young adult literature is a loosely defined grouping of literature. Bucher and Hinton, in fact, note varying definitions of what young adult literature is and who young adults are. These definitions differ in age spans, qualifying characteristics, and rates of quality. Bucher and Hinton graft together several definitions into a consensus of ideas. The pair explains that young adult literature exhibits an excellence of form, depicts a unique adolescent point of view, and reflects young adult issues (Bucher and Hinton, 8). Although Little Women contains antiquated ideologies of the female’s role in society and daily habits not regularly observed in the 21^st century, the text adheres to Bucher’s and Hinton’s definition of young adult literature while allowing readers to identify with each March sister.

            From the opening lines of Little Women, readers can identify with each sister’s point of view. Readers first glimpse the sisters on the eve of a Christmas without gifts. Jo, Meg, and Amy are each sadden by the knowledge that they will not receive gifts. In turn, the sisters lament their misfortune. Beth, however, attempts to discover something positive in their situation. She explains “We’ve got Father and Mother, and each other” (Alcott, 1). Readers can readily identify with wanting gifts and the disappointment of not receiving any. Alcott features four sisters who desire what many young adults desire today: new things. The situation the March sisters find themselves in is still relatable to readers today.

            In addition, readers can relate to the sibling dynamics Alcott introduces throughout the text. Readers can easily understand Jo’s outrage at Amy when she discovers her manuscript was burned (41). Readers who experienced a sibling date or marry a new partner can identify with Jo’s jealousy of Meg and Mr. Brooke’s relationship and marriage. Many readers can remember a similar sense of humiliation Amy experienced after she was punished at school. Even the outgoing young adult can identify with timid Beth who fears the new and different. Each sister, while characterized very differently, contain characteristics that young adult readers find within themselves.

            As readers are able to relate to each sister’s point of view, they become aware of issues they share with the March sisters. As the sisters grow, their perspectives begin to shift from the family to the outside world. Amy continues to seek high society and art. As she takes art lessons, she becomes acquainted with many young women. Amy wants their friendship and invites her art class to a special dinner party (146). Her efforts are nearly in vane as only one young woman attends. Amy’s need to be accepted and liked drives her to wonder “where all her money had gone to” (148) as she purchased the necessary items for the dinner. Young adults can identify with Amy’s desire for acceptance by those outside of her family.

            Young adults can also identify with the frustrations and pain of the other March sisters. Jo becomes frustrated with her dependence and desperately seeks independence. Mr. March and Beth become ill. Love interests develop for Meg, Amy, and Jo. Perhaps an issue young adults can most easily understand is that of body image. Amy despises her nose and feels she is uglier because of it. Jo, after she cuts her hair, is sad because it was the only feminine feature she and the family valued. Young adults confront a world obsessed with one’s body image. Readers observe their own experiences through the March sisters’ lives.

            While some of the experiences explored in Little Women may feel outdated, the text presents these experiences and characteristics in a way that allows young adult readers to say “I am the March sisters”. Each sister has characteristics readers can identify with. Jealousy, disappointment, and fear are emotions every person experiences. As their bodies change, they battle insecurities about their body image just like Jo and Amy. It is difficult to define the characteristics of young adults and to categorize young adult literature. While some literary scholars may find the characteristics of young adult literature futile to define, those definitions are invaluable. Young adult readers need literature they can identify with and be engaged in. Guidelines and definitions allow teachers to select age appropriate literature for students that students will be read. In order for students to read the classics, they must first be confident, engaged readers. Alcott’s Little Women presents readers with dynamic, relatable characters and experiences that engage young adult readers. It is a timeless example what of defines young adult literature.

Works Cited

Alcott, Louise May. Littler Women. Google E-book.

Bucher, Katherine and Kaavonia Hinton. Young Adult Literature: Exploration, Evaluation,       and Appreciation. 3^rd ed. Boston: Pearson, 2014. Print.