Exploring Women’s Struggle In The Victorian Era: A Gynocritical Analysis Of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

Abstract

This study explores the complexities of women’s problems throughout the Victorian Era via a gynocritical examination of Louisa May Alcott’s iconic novel, “Little Women.” The story examines several facets of Victorian-era women’s lives in the eyes of the March family. Examining the interplay between family relationships, educational opportunities, and civic engagement, this research aims to shed light on the many obstacles women encountered at that time. The study delves into how Alcott depicts the March sisters’ and their mothers’ experiences within the limitations of Victorian society using a gynocritical perspective. The study, which draws on the story and historical backdrop, elucidates the expectations placed on women, the roles they played in the home and the classroom, and the agency they displayed in the public sphere. The research finds striking similarities between the story and the larger social and cultural milieu of the Victorian era using a mix of textual analysis and secondary sources. In addition, it delves into the interplay between gender, class, and authorial viewpoints, specifically with regard to Alcott’s own ideas and life events. The results of this study highlight the importance of “Little Women” as a portrayal of the challenges faced and triumphs achieved by women during a critical era in history. This study sheds light on the multifaceted experiences of Victorian women and how they continue to impact modern conversations about gender and society by placing the book in its socio-historical context and using a gynocritical perspective.