Gender Behavior and Class Envy in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

This literary research analyzes the gender behavior and class envy of the four female major characters in Little Women. Specifically, it investigates frame reference, characterization, its gender norms and social class, and moral dilemma. The study assumes that Little Women reveals class envy and gender normative behavior. This hypothesis is reinforced by the theories of Marxism, Feminism and Formalism. The four female major characters in Little Women elucidate their behaviors and stand by their choices in spite of the situations and former textual evidence. They are instilled with values that always resurface in solving a moral dilemma. Their resolutions often arrive for the greater good or for their own long- term happiness. In terms of social class, the four characters exhibit class envy that manifests when they are young and becomes a motivation or a demerit to them. The gender norms may cultivate injustice and toxic expectations. Situations and textual evidences are gathered for three main problems as a reference for discussions. In conclusion, class envy and normative gender behavior are revealed in Little Women through its frame of reference, gender norms, social class, and moral dilemma. This novel shows four powerful women who pursue their ambitions regardless of their circumstances, abide by their values and navigate with their limitations as a woman by making a step to make it better. It is recommended to be educated in getting rid of harmful stigmas attached by gender binary roles. To learn from powerful women and be aware of gender issues and one’s rights, it is also important to question one’s feelings of class envy and make a resolution that will not compromise others and oneself.

Keywords- gender behavior, class envy, female major characters, Little Women