A Critic's Meta-Review: 4/5
Little Men by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). Published by planksip
A Critic's Meta-Review: 4/5
Review
As a recognized educational reformist, Louisa May Alcott emphasizes the idea of differentiation or the idea that different children need to learn different things. Alcott’s demonstration of performance and acting within the home created a fictional adaptation of her father’s nursery theatre, which stood to provide a means of peace between family members. Through their experiences with family theatre, the characters of Little Men learn to recognize their progress in patience, perseverance, and maintaining a good temper.
Centring the novel around a diverse set of students allows Alcott to explore the risks and benefits of science education on an individual basis rather than being confined to imagining students in the abstract. Her exploration of human culture in a physical, moral, intellectual, and practical sense is fascinating to read, particularly for those that have an interest in the development of education. Story-telling for domestic, regular life continues in Little Men, encouraging readers to fall in love with the sequel in the same way that they did with Little Women.
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Overview
Little Men: Life at Plumfield with Jo’s Boys was written by American novelist Louisa May Alcott and first published in 1871. The novel acts as the second book in the Little Women trilogy. Little Men recounts the life of Jo Bhaer, her husband, and the children that attend the Plumfield Estate School. The school was first introduced at the end of Little Women when Jo inherits Plumfield Estate from her late Aunt March. Alcott continues to borrow inspiration from her life,her travels, her reading, and her experiences, as readers saw in Little Women.
Plot
Alcott’s novel follows the lives of the students of Plumfield Estate School over a period of six months. The story begins with the arrival of Nat Blake, a young orphan who is a gifted violinist but is also shy and prone to telling white lies. Nat serves as the narrator of the story and introduces each of the remaining students and characters.
Plumfield Estate School is run by unconventional means. All children are responsible for their own gardens, and pets, and are encouraged to experiment with running their own businesses. Personal relationships play a vital role in the school’s dynamics and diversity is often celebrated. All students are encouraged to overcome their faults and strive for their own versions of independence.
