Jo March (character) facts for kids

Jo March is the main character in the famous book "Little Women", written by Louisa May Alcott. She is one of four sisters living in Massachusetts during the American Civil War. Jo is known for being spirited, independent, and a passionate writer.

"Little Women" is a beloved story written by American author Louisa May Alcott. It was first published in two parts, one in 1868 and the second in 1869. Later, in 1880, both parts were put together into one book called "Little Women". The book tells the story of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – as they grow up from girls into young women.

The story is set in Massachusetts during the time of the American Civil War. The March family lives in a new neighborhood, and while they don't have a lot of money, they are rich in love and kindness. Their father is serving as a chaplain in the Union Army, far from home, so the girls and their mother, Marmee, rely on each other. The book follows their adventures, challenges, and efforts to become better people.

Louisa May Alcott based the characters and events in Little Women loosely on her own life and her three sisters. This makes the book feel very real and personal, like reading someone's diary or memories.

The March Sisters

The March family includes the four sisters and their mother, Marmee. Their father is away for much of the first part of the story. They also have a kind maid named Hannah. Living nearby is their wealthy neighbor, Mr. Laurence, and his grandson, Laurie, who becomes a very close friend to the sisters.

• Meg: The oldest sister. She is described as beautiful and is expected to manage the household when her mother is away. She works as a governess and is interested in high society, though she learns that kindness and character are more important than wealth.
• Jo: The second oldest sister and the main character. She is a tomboy who loves to read and write. She has a strong will and a quick temper but works hard to control it.
• Beth: The third sister. She is very shy, quiet, kind, and loves music, especially playing the piano. She is the peacemaker of the family and is very close to Jo.
• Amy: The youngest sister. She loves art and dreams of being a refined lady. She can be a bit vain and self-centered at times but grows and matures throughout the story.

Jo March: personality and interests

Jo March is 15 years old when Little Women begins. She is the most energetic and independent of the sisters. She doesn't fit the typical idea of a young lady in her time; she prefers running and playing games like boys do, and her father even calls her his "son Jo." Her best friend, Laurie, sometimes calls her "my dear fellow."

Jo is known for her strong will and a temper that can get her into trouble. She is smart, creative, and loves adventure. She works hard to control her fiery emotions, often with the help and guidance of her mother and the gentle influence of her sister Beth. Louisa May Alcott put a lot of herself into the character of Jo, as Alcott was also a tomboy who loved writing.

Writing is Jo's greatest passion. She writes plays for her sisters to perform and creates exciting stories. She dreams of becoming a successful author. This love for literature is a central part of her character and her journey in the book.

At first, Jo doesn't want to get married. She worries that marriage would mean leaving her family and separating from her beloved sisters. She values her independence and her close bond with her family above all else.

While pursuing her writing career in New York City, Jo meets Professor Friedrich Bhaer, a kind and intelligent German professor. He encourages her to write more serious and meaningful stories instead of the sensational ones she was writing for money.

Jo has a very close friendship with Laurie, the boy next door. They are like siblings and share many adventures. Laurie falls in love with Jo and proposes marriage, but Jo realizes she loves him only as a brother and turns him down. This is a big moment in the story, showing Jo's independence and her decision not to marry just because it's expected or convenient.

Later, Jo realizes she has fallen in love with Professor Bhaer. He proposes to her, and she accepts. Their relationship is based on mutual respect, shared interests, and deep affection.

After her Aunt March passes away, Jo inherits her large house called Plumfield. Jo and Professor Bhaer decide to turn Plumfield into a school for boys, where they can learn and grow in a loving environment. Jo and Friedrich have two sons named Robert and Theodore. Jo also writes the first part of "Little Women" within the story itself, showing her journey as a writer coming full circle.

Themes Jo Represents

Jo March is a character who represents several important ideas in Little Women:

• Individuality: Jo is fiercely individual and doesn't want to conform to the expectations placed on girls and women in her time. She wants to be herself, pursue her dreams, and have a purpose beyond just getting married.
• Female Vocation: Jo's dedication to writing highlights the idea that women can have careers and meaningful work outside the home. Her journey shows the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative path.
• Challenging Gender Roles: Jo's tomboy nature and her desire for independence challenge the traditional ideas about how girls should behave. She shows that it's okay to be different and to pursue interests that might not be considered "girly."

Jo in the Sequels

Louisa May Alcott wrote two sequels to Little Women that continue the stories of the March family, and Jo remains a central character:

• "Little Men" (1871): This book focuses on the school Jo and Professor Bhaer start at Plumfield. It tells the stories of the boys who live and learn there, with Jo (known as "Mother Bhaer") and Friedrich guiding them.
• "Jo's Boys" (1886): This final book in the series follows the students from Plumfield as they grow into young adults, with Jo and Friedrich still playing important roles in their lives.

Jo March in Adaptations

Because "Little Women" is such a popular book, Jo March has been brought to life many times in movies, TV shows, and plays. Many famous actresses have played the role of Jo, capturing her spirit and passion. Some notable actresses who have portrayed Jo include Katharine Hepburn in the 1933 film, Winona Ryder in the 1994 film, and Saoirse Ronan in the 2019 film directed by Greta Gerwig. These adaptations help new generations discover the wonderful character of Jo March and the timeless story of Little Women.