Realistic Dual Natures in Louisa May Alcotts Little...

Realistic Dual Natures in Alcott’s Little Women â€Å"Everyone carries a shadow, and the less it is embodied in the individual#8242;s conscious life, the blacker and denser it is† - Carl Jung Each of us has the capacity for virtue or vice, and our daily actions reflect the combination of both. In literature, however, people are sometimes depicted as being completely one or the other, giving us inaccurate views of human nature. We identify better with characters who are more like us--neither completely good nor bad. Meg, Jo and Amy March in Alcott’s Little Women do not flatly portray complete good or complete evil, but their realistic dual natures increase their believability and intensify their moral influence on us.†¦show more content†¦We can’t do much, but we can make little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly† (LW 1). If Meg were to finish her comments there, we would praise her admiral desire to sacrifice her own happiness. However, Meg does not end her discourse with these kind words. She continues revealing a darker side to her character. Meg proceeds, â€Å"‘But I am afraid I don’t [do it gladly]â€⠄¢; and Meg shook her head, and she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted† (LW 2). A glimmer into the negative side of Meg portrays a real character. A realness of self that we, as readers, are able to relate. Further evidence of the negativity and conceit inherent in Meg’s character manifests in her attendance at Vanity Fair. Meg receives an opportunity to attend a party at Vanity Fair. While attending for the weekend, Meg entangles herself in the desire to please. Her vanity builds as the other girls present wish to dress Meg in more fitting and stylish clothing. Margaret feels honor by what she perceives as flattery, and allows herself to be a part of the masquerade. Perhaps the most eloquent description of the affair comes from another guest at the party as he describes Meg’s appearance. â€Å"They are making a fool of that little girl; I wanted you to see her, but they have spoilt her entirely; she’s nothing but a dollShow MoreRelatedChildrens Literature13219 Words   |  53 PagesRenaissance [1500-1650 CE] 32 The 17th Century 34 The 18th and Early 19th Centuries 35 The Victorians: The Golden Age 36 Twentieth Century: Widening Worlds 38 9. Bibliography 38 1. Introduction In 1817 Robert Bloomfield, author of The History of Little Davy’s New Hat, wrote: ‘The longer I live †¦ the more I am convinced of the importance of children’s books.’ That similar statements are still being made two hundred years later shows us how much children’s books have always had to prove in England