Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832 in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Growing up, she lived with her father, mother and three sisters. She followed her father in the direction of education, but soon realized that she needed to help her father supply for the family. This lead to her working as a domestic and teacher; soon turns to her passion of writing. Alcott wrote under 2 different names (Flora Fairfield and A.M. Barnard) while publishing stories and poems, before going by her original name. Alcott was a hard worker and determined to provide as much help as she could for her family.

Alcott’s greatest work includes the novel, “Little Women,” released on September 30th of 1868. This book is described as a autobiographical due to the ideas included that represents her childhood with her sisters. The picture drawn out inside this book includes four sisters leaving their childhood and discovering challenges of their future. “Little Women” was an immediate success; with approximately 1,000 copies sold every single month. The book “Little Women” has two sequel books: “Little Men” and “Jo’s Boys”.

Going back to the idea that “Little Women” is drawing out the reality of leaving your childhood to pursue your future, the character Jo represents this idea very well. Jo struggles with leaving her childhood to become a woman in her community. “Don’t try to make me grow up before my time.. let me be a little girl as long as I can” (Alcott). Jo is afraid of the realities that will come from being woman: the restrictions and expectations. Everyone has a reality of moving from their childhood to considering where their future is going to be heading.

Alcott’s significance in American literature was huge for everyone during the 19th century, especially women. She strongly believed in social reforms, as well as the importance to educate strong female heroines. Alcott was able to go off of this and draw out relatable characters throughout her journey of novels to represent others during this time. She also promoted women’s rights and advocated for the women’s suffrage movement.

When first reading upon Louisa May Alcott, I was very intrigued by her willingness to help her family when they were in desperate need. She was concerned for the welfare of her family, so she decided to work as a domestic, teacher, nurse and writing. Her writing began to pop up in “The Atlantic Monthly” due to her family needs being pressured. I was amazed in the dedication to work more time and harder than usual just for your family to have food on the table. I believe this shows a lot about her character and what her main values in life are.

Why is leadership within a family necessary? This essential question led to a curiosity of mine while researching Alcott. This curiosity sparked when learning about her home life and how she had to work very hard to help support her family. Typically in families, the leader is portrayed as the parents because they have raised, supported and supplied for you. This doesn’t mean that others in the family do not lead in some way. The children may have to work at a younger age due to the parents being in a hard situation. This can lead to stress, anxiety and a damaged mindset and attitude. Having to work at such a young age can also teach life skills that will already be developed once going on to pursue one’s future.