Literary Inspirations: Louisa May Alcott on Knowing Yourself


I am not afraid of storms, for I have learned how to sail my ship - Louisa May Alcott (Photo Credit)

Most famous for her novel "Little Women", Louisa May Alcott was reflected most in her character of Jo, the clear tomboy of the dear family that mirrored her own upbringing very clearly. Prior to her untimely death from mecury poisoning, Miss Alcott was both an abolitionist (as was her father) and an early feminist along with many of the female american authors at the time. Little known is the "blood-and-thunder" novels that she published under the pseudonym A.M. Barnard - the same sensationalist novels that she has Jo reprimanded for as unladylike in her March Family novels. Miss Alcott never married (unlike her "Little Women" counterpart, Jo) and Alcott explained her "spinsterhood" with the retort"... because I have fallen in love with so many pretty girls and never once the least bit with any man". Interesting comment there Louisa... something you want to share with the group?

This quote resounded with me as I take my dating hiatus. This time spent getting to know myself and feel comfortable with myself will allow me to weather the inevitable storms of future relationships so much better. It's given me time to reflect who I am in relationships and what I need to work on moving forward. It extends into other areas of my life too - if I know who I am, if I know what brings me down and builds me back up again then I'll deal so much better with whatever is thrown at me.

1 comment:

  1. I didn't really know much about Louisa other than what was written in the introduction to Little Women. She seems like such an amazing woman! Thanks for sharing :D

    PS. I hope you have a magical christmas tomorrow xoxo

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