I was late catching on to the novel Little Women. For some reason, I never read it in grade school, unlike so many girls out there.
Then came Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaptation. As a lover of her directorial debut, Lady Bird, I was ecstatic to see another Greta/Saoirse project. Consequently, I went into the theater anticipating a magical, touching performance unraveling on screen (albeit a surface-level understanding of the plot, oops). I left with nothing short of that.
The more I think of Little Women, the more and more I appreciate the film in all its aspects—the dialogue, delivery, cinematography (everything looks like a painting!), accompanying score. Reading parts of the screenplay allowed me to rediscover poignant gems scattered throughout. But this is not a film review. Rather, I want to take the time to write down my thoughts on Jo’s character—and how there is a part of her in me, and frankly, every woman.
Jo is portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, who is absolutely brilliant (although I have yet to see the 1994 version with Winona Ryder, so I will refrain from comparing the two). Although my personality is not the most similar to Jo’s, I aspire to be like her, as I can imagine most people do. At one point, Jo has a monologue:
“Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and talent, as well as just beauty, and I’m so sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for—I’m so sick of it. But I’m so lonely!“
That last line hit me in the theater—it was so unexpected, yet so incredibly true. I don’t think I have related to a quote this much, especially at this stage in my life. I know where my priorities lie; I have ambitious goals for the present and for the future, and all I know is how to work hard to get there. I am independent (and proud of that), and I don’t want to compromise myself for anyone else. But I am alone because of this, in a world where everyone else has someone. Jo has all the warmth from her sisters, but she is still lonely. I am surrounded by my loving family, but I am still lonely. I know how to be alone. I cherish it, but I am still sometimes ashamed. How can I simultaneously find comfort in my loneliness while also yearning for more?
Until I saw this film, I couldn’t really metabolize this idea. It was a constant nagging in my mind, but Jo/Greta summed it up perfectly and articulated what I could not. My womanhood is a constant rift between “intending to make my own way in the world” and wishing I had someone to share that with.
Some beautiful, deeply resonating quotes to conclude, both from the book and the film:
“I want to be great or nothing.” —Amy March
“You are the gull, Jo, strong and wild, fond of the storm and the wind, flying out far to sea, and happy all alone.” —Louisa May Alcott
“I’d be respected if I couldn’t be loved.” —Amy March
“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.” —Louisa May Alcott
art of film 