Moral Influence

One of the aspects of Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, which most intrigues me is the great moral influence which women hold over those with whom they interact. The most apparent example of this moral influence occurs between Laurie and the March family as they attempt to influence him in positive ways as he grows older throughout the course of the book. From their first interaction Jo and Laurie clearly have a connection which is mutually beneficial to both parties as even Mr. Laurence observes, “She’s right; the lad is lonely. I’ll see what these little girls can do for him” (83), clearly approving of the womanly positive influences which he believes the March sisters can impose on Laurie. As they grow closer Laurie learns of the importance of good company and hard work which the whole March family encourage him to pursue. Mrs. March especially influences him, becoming a surrogate mother to him who is always ready to hear of his good and bad deeds with an open and loving heart and a “kindly questioning look” (384).

Even as Laurie leaves to go to college his moral character continues to be influenced by the March women, constantly writing letters and visiting his adoptive sisters and mother. The Marchs do not approve of Laurie’s drinking, smoking, and other less than pious habits, and at Meg’s wedding they implore him to give up his vices, and “the pledge [was] made, and loyally kept, in spite of many temptations” (398). The March women are generally a model of virtue, despite the occasional faults which plague them, and they use their womanly influence in order to improve all those who they can help. Despite their lack of financial stature they are rich in their moral influence, which Louisa May Alcott seems to hold in higher regard than any sum of cash which can be made through immoral work or actions.

After Jo’s refusal of his proposal Laurie grows very sullen and lazy, which Amy quickly recognizes and works to rectify despite her past struggles regarding virtue. Amy’s greatest wish in life is to become a gentlewoman in the upper parts of society, and despite Laurie’s wealth she realizes that he needs more than just money in order to be a fully prosperous individual. In order to turn Laurie back on his morally correct path Amy expresses to him that “with every chance for being good, useful and happy, [he is] faulty, lazy and miserable” (645). The importance of hard work is clearly an important theme throughout Little Women which individuals constantly struggle with, and must learn to overcome, often with the help of womanly or motherly advice.