Posted by Linda on August 15, 1997 at 15:08:46:
In preparation for our virtual view of the 1994 movie, I have been re-reading the novel.
I do not remember when I last read it, but I was either in my teens or not far out of them. I have seen the 1933 (Katharine Hepburn as Jo) and 1949 (Elizabeth Taylor as Amy) movies several times over the intervening years; though not within the last 8-10.
So far, I have completed 20 of 47 chapters. I was surprised to find that this book is, IMHO, very preachy. Almost every chapter seems to be an anecdote that teaches a moral lesson.
For instance, Chapter VIII Jo Meets Apollyon; Amy gets angry with Jo and burns her book. She later apologizes, but Jo will not forgive her. Then Amy almost drowns and Jo is very sorry that she had continued her anger.
The characters are very well developed and the plot is fine, but I find this book to be almost too pious (and I am a bit devout, myself). I am enjoying the story. I am just really surprised that it has such a different tone from what I remember. I guess that comes from having 20+ years of life experience to bring to it.
Has anyone else read it lately, or remember what you felt whenever you read Little Women? What do you think?
BTW, I am planning to watch the two previously mentioned movies as well as a 1978? 4-hour adaptation, then the 1994 movie. I should be ready for our discussion. :-)
Ooooh, I don't have much time.
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