If Little Women Lived in the 21st century
There are some books and stories that feel like a warm hug on your days of distress. Little Women is one of them. The 2019 movie by Greta Gerwig is a take on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott and the seventh adaptation of the book. While the movie preserves its essential storyline, Gerwig has beautifully played with storytelling, alternating between the past and present scenes of the life of March sisters. The book was originally written by Louis May Alcott in the mid-19th century. (1868–69) Alcott wanted to bring about her frustration in how society views women only fit for love and not for their mind or talents. Gerwig has added her own interpretations, and some really powerful dialogues befitting to portray them as tough women.
Jo March is a feisty woman for her time, who is not attracted to the life of stability but wishes to explore her own path in the male-dominated world. When Aunt March says to Jo, that there is no way for a woman to make her own money except to marry a rich man: it hit the likes of many even today. When Jo asks her back why wasn’t she married, Aunt March says well that’s because she is rich!
Amy is questioned by her childhood friend and neighbor, Laurie about why would she marry a man she so clearly was not in love with. She gives a forceful reply about how marriage is at the end of the day is nothing but an economic proposition. There is no way for a woman to earn her own money, and even if she did have money, it would belong to her husband after marriage.
Meg, who is the most domestic of all, marries for love but is often encountered with dismay when she is unable to enjoy the finer things in life because they cost money which she and her husband didn’t have. She says to him about how she is so tired of being poor.
Beth is shown as the shy and sweet girl who is so passionate about music but falls ill leading to an untimely death. Her passion, however, is so pure, that it pains her to let the piano sit idle.
What would these characters be like in the modern-day 21st century?
A common thread that runs in all the sisters in a passion for one of the arts: writing, acting, painting, music. In the novel, along with their passions, the sisters are in conflict with the idea that ultimately it is a marriage that can truly make a woman happy.
Jo would have thrived well in a 21st-century society where women are encouraged to pursue their passion. It would let Jo explore the field of journalism and communication to become a great writer in her field of interest. The tech-enabled world would have made it a lot easier for ambitious Jo to write down her stories and plays. One can almost picture her as an embodiment of a strong female personality, in glasses and a power suit, ready to take on the challenges in the world.
Amy’s mesmerizing paintings would have found an audience on social media through platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. One can picture her as being colorful personality, experimenting with her clothes and accessories, with a carefree yet charming attitude.
Meg could have explored the likes of theatre by studying it or explore her interest in making motion pictures. Despite her ambitions, she would be that feminine and docile personality who would dress up in skirts and hats and all things elegant. She would happily take care of her home and yet be a popular socialite in the modern-day world.
Beth could find solace in making her reach music to millions through Youtube. However, her choice of music may have been starkly different from the classics back then. She would be that perfect golden child, who is shy and would dress up in casual simple clothes.
They would find it easier to balance their career and married life in the conundrum of modern age living. The most significant difference that March sisters would experience in today’s world would be education. In contrast to the homeschooling depicted, today’s global education would have given wings to their dreams. Education would take precedence and having a career for both partners would become essential to run the household together.
The idea of elaborate gatherings and ball, to meet eligible bachelors and bachelorettes would have probably been replaced by multiple dating apps and matrimonial websites. From career to a life partner, technology has replaced many forms of human effort and connections.
With Netflix buzzing in every household, the theatrics put up by the March sisters would have probably been replaced by their laptop screens. Cafes and clubs would be commonplace means of social gatherings.
What this century definitely cannot give to the March sisters is the authenticity of culture that Alcott and the directors of many movies made thereafter have so beautifully captured. Little Women is a piece of time travel. One cannot help but simply cling on to the feelings of passion, love, jealousy, hatred, possessiveness, heartbreak, and happiness as we traverse the journey of these sisters. We find a piece of ourselves in each one of them.
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