Gender Expectations in Alcott´s Little Women

Abstract

The aim of this thesis is to analyze Louisa May Alcott's heroines in Little Women and Good Wives from gender point of view and their transformation from girls to women. At the beginning, gender stereotypes, stereotypes of men and women and gender role theory will be depicted. Next, this thesis will focus on historical background and the position of women in 19th century America. Later on, this thesis will deal with the novel itself and author's background. Excerpts from the novel will be provided and analyzed. In the final part of this thesis the analysis will be thoroughly summarized.