Little Women

Little Women

Year: 1949

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Mervyn LeRoy

DramaRomanceFamily

During the American Civil War, four sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—grow up in Concord, Massachusetts. Under the guidance of their mother, they experience love, loss, and the challenges of finding their place in the world while their father serves in the war. The film explores themes of family, faith, and the pursuit of independence for women during a time of significant social change.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Little Women (1949)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Little Women (1949). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Civil War Era

The movie is set during the Civil War, a period characterized by significant social and political upheaval in the United States. This tumultuous time emphasizes themes of duty, sacrifice, and moral values, as the March family grapples with the struggles brought on by war and personal trials.

Location

Concord, Massachusetts

Concord, Massachusetts, serves as the idyllic backdrop for the story, embodying a charming blend of rural beauty and historic significance. Known for its rich literary heritage, it was a gathering place for prominent writers and thinkers during the 19th century, setting the stage for the March sisters' coming-of-age journeys.

🏡 Home 🌳 Nature

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:35

Main Characters – Little Women (1949)

Meet the key characters of Little Women (1949), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Meg March

Meg serves as the responsible and nurturing sister who dreams of love and stability. Her character embodies the tension between societal expectations and personal desires, as she navigates her blossoming romance while staying loyal to her family.

👰‍♀️ Marriage 💎 Wealth

Jo March

Jo is the fiercely independent and progressive sister whose passion for writing sets her apart. She challenges traditional gender roles and prioritizes her ambitions while grappling with the concept of love and friendship, showcasing her emotional depth.

✍️ Writer 🚀 Independence

Amy March

Amy, the youngest sister, is often perceived as self-absorbed and materialistic, yet she grows throughout the story. Her character arc highlights the theme of personal growth as she learns the importance of family and love over wealth and status.

🎨 Art 👩‍❤️‍👨 Romance

Beth March

Beth is the gentle soul of the family, known for her kindness and musical talent. Her vulnerability and ultimate illness become pivotal in pushing her sisters to confront their values, making her the emotional heart of the story.

🎹 Music 🌸 Innocence

Theodore 'Laurie' Laurence

Laurie, the charming neighbor, represents youthful passion and the complexities of friendship. His unrequited love for Jo adds a layer of emotional tension, illustrating the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires.

💖 Love 🕺 Friendship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:35

Major Themes – Little Women (1949)

Explore the central themes of Little Women (1949), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Family Bonds

At its core, the film explores the intricacies of family relationships, showcasing the deep connections and emotional support among the March sisters. Their unwavering love for each other drives the story forward, highlighting themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexity of sisterhood.

📝 Ambition

Jo's aspirations as a writer represent the theme of ambition and the struggle against societal expectations. Her determination to pursue her passions reflects the desire for independence and fulfillment, showcasing the struggles faced by women of her time.

💔 Loss and Grief

The emotional weight of loss permeates the narrative, particularly through Beth's illness and eventual death. This theme emphasizes the fragility of life and the process of grieving, ultimately leading Jo to channel her sorrow into her writing, which becomes a means of healing.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:35

Unlock the Full Story of Little Women

Don't stop at just watching — explore Little Women in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Little Women is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Little Women Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Little Women, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Little Women Summary

Little Women Timeline

Track the full timeline of Little Women with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Little Women Timeline

More About Little Women

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Little Women: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Little Women

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