Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women - Movie

I recently saw 'Little Women'  in Netflix. The movie made in 1994, takes us through the journey of the lives of the four sisters of the March family - their friendships, fights, ambitions, love, marriage, sickness, death, and work. Winona Ryder in the role of one of the sisters Jo, is a treat to watch. All the other actors are apt for their roles and have played their roles well. The movie has a rating of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes which is a good score. Do watch the movie if you get a chance.

 

I was browsing for the book 'Little Women' by Loiusa May Alcott and downloaded a 861 pages pdf copy! Don't know if I will ever get to read the book, but I think it must be worthwhile.  

 

Meanwhile, was browsing GoodReads for some quotes from the book and liked the following ones:

 

Little Women - Book

“You are getting to be rather conceited my dear, and it is quite time you set about correcting it. You have good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long; even if it is, the consciousness of possessing and using well should satisfy one, and the great charm of all power is modesty."

“A quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes, and her life was a series of ups and downs, which were both comic and pathetic.”

"To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. It is natural to think of it, Meg, right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it, so that when the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy. My dear girls, I am ambitious for you, but not to have you make a dash in the world, marry rich men merely because they are rich, or have splendid houses, which are not homes because love is wanting. Money is a needful and precious thing, and when well used, a noble thing, but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace.”

“Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don't let it spoil you, for it's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can't have the one you want.” 

 

“You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones.”

“...for love casts out fear, and gratitude can conquer pride.”

“Many wise and true sermons are preached us everyday by unconscious ministers in street, school, office, or home; even a fair table may become a pulpit, if it can offer the good and helpful words which are never out of season.”

 “{Mrs. March to Jo} You are too much alike and too fond of freedom, not to mention hot tempers and strong wills, to get on happily together, in a relation which needs infinite patience and forbearance, as well as love." 

 

“Have regular hours for work and play, make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life become a beautiful success, in spite of poverty.” 
 

“I don't envy her much, in spite of her money, for after all rich people have about as many worries as poor ones, I think” 
 

“The sincere wish to be good is half the battle.”  

 


“We all have our temptations, some far greater than yours, and it often takes us all our lives to conquer them.”

"Work is wholesome, and there is plenty for everyone. It keeps us from ennui and mischief, is good for health and spirits, and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion."

 

“Into each life some rain must fall, Some days must be dark and sad and dreary.” 

Author Louisa May Alcott

The author Louisa May Alcott never married and died when she was just 55. But, she has portrayed a vast array of emotions and philosophy in style. 

The ten fascinating facts about Little Women book and movie are listed in MentalFloss here.

Google had made a Doodle on 184th birthday of Louisa May Alcott with the four sisters Meg (with her handwork), Jo (with her books), Beth (on the piano), Amy (with her painting) and their neighbor Laurie (at the doorstep). Alcott's photo is there in the hall wall.

 

Little Women Doodle for Louisa May Alcott's 184th Birthday - by Google