Overview, Context & Setting

Overview

Little Women (2019) is a film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, directed by Greta Gerwig. It follows the lives of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—as they navigate love, ambition, and societal expectations in 19th-century America.

Gerwig's adaptation is non-linear, moving between the sisters' childhood and adulthood to explore how time shapes their identities. The film highlights themes of female independence, ambition, and artistic pursuit, making it both a faithful and modern retelling of Alcott's novel.

Context

Historical Context:

• The film is set in the 1860s during the American Civil War, a time when women had limited rights and opportunities.
• Many women, like the March sisters, had to rely on marriage for financial security.
• Amy's speech on women and marriage reflects these societal constraints: "I will become an ornament in society… as a woman there is no way for me to make my own money."

Modern Relevance:

• The film was made during the #MeToo movement, highlighting female voices and empowerment.
• Gerwig blurs the lines between Jo March, Louisa May Alcott, and herself, reinforcing the film's feminist themes.
• The meta-ending, where Jo negotiates owning her book's copyright, highlights the importance of female financial independence.
• Key Quote: "You keep your 500 dollars and I'll keep my copyrights." → Jo asserts control over her own work, challenging traditional norms.

Setting

1. Time Period & Locations

• The film takes place in Massachusetts and is split into two timelines:
  • Childhood (past) → Warm tones, soft lighting, nostalgic feel.
  • Adulthood (present) → Cooler hues, blue/grey tones, serious and reflective.
• The contrast in lighting and colour palettes symbolises the loss of innocence and the weight of adulthood.

2. Key Locations & Their Meanings

The March House – The heart of the film is filled with warmth and symbolises childhood security.

Laurence House – Represents privilege, opportunity, and loneliness (especially for Laurie).

Paris – A world of wealth and expectation, where Amy realises the constraints placed on women.

Jo's School (Final Scene) – A utopian vision of female empowerment, where Jo is in control of her own destiny.