Little Men By: Louisa May AlcottPublisher: Signet ClassicsDate of Original Publication: 1871

Noelle Elmore

Introduction to Little Men

The story is set at Plumfield, which is an experimental boarding school for boys. It is run by Mr. Bhaer and Mrs. “Aunt Jo” Bhaer.

Nat, a young, orphaned, violinist, arrives at Plumfield, looking for a place to stay.

After Nat is settled in, one of his former friends, Dan shows up to live at Plumfield, yet he is quite a trouble maker.

Mrs. Bhaer decides to allow girls to stay at Plumfield. Her first task is a naughty little girl named Nan, who is determined to run wild with the boys.

The Protagonist: Aunt JoAunt Jo is the foundation of Plumfield. Since many of the boys are orphans she is a mother to many. She is always running here and there caring for “her boys” and preparing new games for them. She provides the boys with a building block of love and domestication.

She is commonly called “Mother Bhaer” and “Aunt Jo” by many of the boys. Her only goal in life is to make fine young men out of these wild boys, and to show the town that there is hope for ruffian of all types!

Picture: Tina Fey

The Antagonist: DanDan comes to Plumfield after being orphaned. He was brought by his old friend Nat, who now has a home at Plumfield. Dan refuses to conform to any rules. He desperately wants to fit in and be loved, but he is afraid to shed his ‘rough and tough’ shell. Mrs. Bhaer tries with all her might to show him that his wanted and loved, but she cannot seem to get through to him. The other boys seem to like him, but are unfortunately picking up his bad habits.

He is nicknamed “The Firebrand” by Mr. Bhaer, who doesn’t wish to keep Dan. He trys to convince Jo to send him to another boys home.

Picture: Paulie Litt

Central ConflictLittle Men is not a typical fiction novel, with a central plot and conflict. Instead we see a collection of stories all about the group of boys and girls living at Plumfield.

The central conflict would have to be the struggle of Jo and her husband to raise proper little men and women out of these rascals. She has to fight against outside influences and the children’s natural faults.

The couple try many new and unique solutions, many that they invent on the spot, and work a lot better than anyone would expect.

Dick BrownMinor Character

Dick is one of the little men living at Plumfield.

He has a crooked back, and has a hard time getting around because of it.

He is one of the nicest boys at Plumfield, and the boys learn ACCEPTANCE after having teased Dick, and seeing how bad he felt.

Picture: Richard Beaumont

Billy WardMinor Character

Billy, one of the Plumfield bunch, is mentally challenged after a sudden case of “brain fever” as a child.

He is taught small things like the alphabet over and over tirelessly by Mr. Bhaer.

He loves Nat and his violin music.

The boys learn PATIENCE, by having to play gently and slowly with little Billy.

Picture: Jake Lloyd

Elizabeth “Bess” Laurence

Minor CharacterBess is the “little princess of Plumfield”. She is the daughter of Jo’s brother-in-law Laurie. Bess is 4 years old and already a refined lady. She doesn’t live at Plumfield yet, but when she visits the boys instantly become docile out of respect and fear of harming or frightening the “angel”.

Without even trying, Little Bess teaches the boys KINDNESS, and GENTLENESS with her lady like attitude.

Picture: Shirley Temple

Harper’s New Monthly Magazine

What Critics Said

This is a magazine review from August of 1871. The article says that the book would be better off as a collection of short stories rather than a novel.

The review states that it tends to drag, possibly because of a lack of plot, suspense, or a main character.

On a good note, the author of this article does believe that the story holds “good morals for children and adults alike”.

http://go.galegroup.comlibproxy2.usouthal.edu

Good Reads .comWhat Critics Said

One review, called the novel “the most pleasurable and charming piece of literature ever written”.

Yet another said it was jumpy, as it skipped from topic to topic, and that it does not in the least compare to it’s prequel, Little Women.

“Could be the best inspiring children’s novel I’ve ever read!”, says a reviewer who gave the book a smashing 5 stars!

But on the other end of the spectrum, a reviewer who gave it 1 star said, “It is a wretched sequel to the mostly charming Little Women!”

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/78950.Little_Men

What I SayI think that the book was an enjoyable, easy read. It was a simple, sweet, and well-written. I enjoyed reading the small trials and successes of the little boys and girls. I liked hearing about Plumfield because I almost felt as if I was there, clamoring about the countryside with Nan and Robby! I also thought that Jo’s method of punishment and reward was very original.

I congratulate Louisa May Alcott on making a pleasant #3 in the Little Women series. I would recommend this book to teachers, parents, or anyone looking for a delightful escape from his or her hectic life!!