Meg March

Definition

Meg March is a central character in Louisa May Alcott's novel 'Little Women,' representing the traditional values of domesticity and the role of women in the 19th century. As the oldest sister, she embodies the expectations placed on women to marry and manage a household, while also navigating her own desires for independence and self-fulfillment. Her character illustrates the complexities of femininity during this transformative period in domestic fiction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Meg March aspires to marry for love but feels societal pressure to secure a stable future through marriage.
2. Throughout 'Little Women,' Meg struggles with her desire for luxury and material possessions versus her commitment to family values.
3. Her character development highlights the tension between personal ambition and familial responsibilities.
4. Meg's experiences reflect the evolving roles of women during the 19th century, as they sought both domestic fulfillment and personal agency.
5. By the end of the novel, Meg finds a balance between her domestic role and her individual aspirations, representing a shift in societal expectations for women.

Review Questions

• How does Meg March's character illustrate the conflict between traditional gender roles and personal desires in 'Little Women'?
  • Meg March embodies the struggle between adhering to societal expectations of women as homemakers while pursuing her own desires. Throughout 'Little Women,' she grapples with wanting to marry for love versus the pressure to achieve financial security. This internal conflict highlights the challenges faced by women during this time, as they navigated their roles within the family while seeking individual fulfillment.
• In what ways does Meg March's character evolve throughout 'Little Women,' and how does this reflect changes in 19th-century American society?
  • Meg March evolves from a young woman focused on wealth and status to someone who values love and family above material possessions. Her growth reflects broader societal changes as women's roles began to shift during the 19th century. By recognizing the importance of balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibilities, Meg's journey illustrates how women started to redefine their identities beyond traditional expectations.
• Analyze how Meg March's choices throughout 'Little Women' represent broader themes of domesticity and female independence in 19th-century America.
  • Meg March's choices, such as her eventual marriage and decision to embrace domestic life, signify the complexity of women's roles during this period. While she initially struggles with societal expectations, her acceptance of motherhood and marriage does not equate to loss of agency. Instead, it showcases a nuanced understanding of independence that coexists with domesticity, illustrating how women could find fulfillment in both personal desires and traditional roles during 19th-century America.

Related terms

Domestic Fiction: A genre of literature that focuses on the lives, experiences, and moral dilemmas of women within the home and family context.

Louisa May Alcott: An American novelist best known for her novel 'Little Women,' which explores themes of female identity, family dynamics, and societal expectations.

Female Independence: The pursuit of autonomy and self-determination by women, challenging traditional roles and societal norms.