Alcott's Independence

            The concept of independence has been a topic of class discussion since the very outset of the novel.  Meg takes pride in the little money her governess work brings her; Jo is also happy with her own income, whether it be from attending to Aunt March, selling her hair, or writing pieces.  These are some of the first instances of Alcott emphasizing the importance of independently paying (at least a portion of) one’s own way.  However, by no means does Alcott champion financial independence as life’s main goal.  The hungry Christmas family and the woman in the fish shop with Mr. Laurence both accept gifts when in need, but neither are painted in a bad light.  As Marmee puts it, “money couldn’t keep shame out of rich people’s houses” and people were a great deal happier with “youth, health, and good spirits” (p 44).  Alcott depicts the March girls and others within Baym’s “working wealthy” as far more content and respectable than Aunt March and the Moffat’s.  Thus, financial independence in Little Women appears to mean carrying burdens to the best of one’s ability before relying on the seemingly infinite supply of neighborly assistance.

            In modern society we think of independence as much more than financial security.  Characteristics of independence brought up during class discussion included free thought, property ownership, and a fulfilling career; total dependence was described as living with one’s parents and relying on them for meals, money, and morals.  What does the author say of this?  One can draw many conclusions by observing Jo, the most unique and last to marry March sister.  From the start, she was annoyed by the social norms required of a “proper lady” and would much rather discuss cricket or skating.  She never appears to outgrow her “improper” tendencies as she has an emotional breakdown and kisses Mr. Bhaer in the mud and rain before wedding him.  Alcott describes the alternative single life of an old maid as “a woman early old, a woman in a lonely home” (p 477).  In the end, Jo lives on her own estate paid for by her own school; she is surrounded by a sea of boys and “freedom…the sauce best enjoyed by the boyish soul” (p 487).  Here, Alcott may be suggesting freedom, a trait thought male at the time, should be available to and appreciated by men and women.

            One should take note of the differences Alcott draws between independence and being alone.  Though Jo and her sisters might have many obligations to familial duties and work, they arrived at their respective home lives willfully and independently.  Just as Beth committed herself to hours of piano practice to enjoy her beloved music, the March sisters commit themselves to communities that afford them happiness and contentment.  Though they do not possess the multitude of life options (athletic careers, military roles, professional degrees, etc.) available to women today, they experience an independence that holds up fairly well to modern standards.