The underlying feminism in the famous classic Little Women by Louisa Alcott is a topic widely discussed since the novels publication in 1868, just after the first wave of the feminist movement. The real discussion revolves mainly around the main protagonist Jo Josephine March and her character traits that are very clear to critics and readers alike; however, it seems that the endings of the sisters are what is truly up to subjective interpretation. Throughout the course of the story, it is very evident to the readers that Jo is the more tomboyish of the four sisters. She is always the one to defy the so-called proper manners set within the March familys community and the overall society at the time with her unladylike temper and burning passion for writing. Jo very openly voices her displeasure with societal obligations on women straight from the beginning of the novel, when she says in the first chapter Its bad enough to be a girl, anyway, when I like boys games and work and manners. I cant get over my disappointment in not being a boy. Alcott characterizes each of the sisters from the first chapter as well in a one-paragraph description of each; this helps the readers get a better understanding of the sisters before the story progresses. She begins by characterizing Meg Margaret March Margaret, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft brown hair, a sweet mouth, and white hands, of which she was rather vain. this portrays meg as the more feminine and proper sister. In the mid-1860s being plump and fair was a show of elegance, wealth, and overall a positive attribute to a lady. Alcott moves on to Jo, Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin, and brown, and reminded one of a colt, for she never seemed
to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decided mouth, a comical nose, and sharp, gray eyes, which appeared to see everything, and were by turns fierce, funny, or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty, but it was usually bundled into a net, to be out of her way. Round shoulders had Jo, big hands and feet, a flyaway look to her clothes, and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didnt like it. Jos description is almost that of an adolescent boy, and gives a clear visual of her as well as an insight into who she is as a person; she doesnt care about looks or fashion, much to her sisters dismay, and is very adventurous and lively. She also foreshadows Jos later apparent attachment to her family and resentment for growing up. The next sister Beth Elizabeth March is the polar opposite of Jo which is quite ironic considering that throughout the book we see that Jo and Meg are almost what one would call mentors to the younger ones, except usually, Jo handles Beth while Meg handles young Amy. Alcotts description of Beth is a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression which was seldom disturbed…she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved and that of Amy Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person, in her own opinion at least. A regular snow maiden, with blue eyes, and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. this gives the image that the two youngest sisters are similar in nature yet different in behavior, both somehow a mix of their elder sisters.