Lessons on Womanhood: A Reflection on Little Women
Graphic by Catherina Jiang
Sights | Mikayla Reitsma
Greta Gerwig’s Little Women was released nearly five years ago, and its stunning autumnal scenery makes it the perfect film to watch this November.
When I first watched Little Women in 2020, I was 16. Since then, I’ve continued to revisit the movie once or twice a year. Now, at the age of 21, the lessons I’ve learned from this film throughout my evolution into womanhood hold a deep significance in my heart. I feel inclined to share these lessons.
It’s frustrating when people respond with “Oh, the one with Timothee Chalamet?” when asked if they’ve seen the film. Yes, Timothee Chalamet is a fantastic actor, and Laurie is a well-written character, but this film is not just about romance or love triangles, and it’s certainly not about men. It’s about womanhood and the value of sisters, mothers, and aunts. It paints a picture of how to feel and experience the world as a woman.
“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I'm so sick of people saying that love is just all a woman is fit for. I'm so sick of it.” – Jo March, Little Women, (2019)
The six March women all live their own version of womanhood. Here’s what I took from each:
Aunt March
Resiliency from a woman in a patriarchal society may seem harsh, but the feminine urge to be supportive and generous will always remain true.
Margaret “Marmee” March
Even the kindest of people need continual effort to be patient when living their lives in service to others.
Meg March
Adapting your goals as you age is a natural process that reflects the different shapes and sizes of dreams.
Jo March
Passion and willfulness provide more support than comfort ever will.
Beth March
Seeing things simply and feeling things deeply will bring you gratitude for the life you’re given.
Amy March
Defying the status quo to prioritize your own needs takes self-recognition and boldness.