Revolving around the four March sisters—Beth, Meg, Amy, and Jo—Little Women explores the trials, tribulations, and aspirations of young women against the backdrop of homefront suffering during the American Civil War. Far from dated, Louisa May Alcott's beloved coming-of-age story is as relatable today as when it was first published more than 150 years ago. These four strong women characters have distinct views on love, careers, domesticity, hard work, and what they want from life. As they grow, the sisters must balance their personal desires with society's expectations and the needs of their family.
With a diverse range of women’s perspectives at its core, it's no wonder that Little Women still inspires popular screen adaptations, including the 2019 Academy Award-winning film directed by Greta Gerwig. Covering themes from love and marriage to ambition, here are 50+ Little Women quotes that will make you fall in love with the March sisters all over again.
On gender expectations and women's strengths
"Women, they have minds, and they have souls, as well as just hearts. And they’ve got ambition, and they’ve got talent, as well as just beauty. I’m so sick of people saying that love is all a woman is fit for."
"I'm not ambitious for a splendid fortune, but I do long to be master of my own fate."
"Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives or unmaidenly girls running about to find husbands."
"It's bad enough to be a girl, anyway, when I like boys' games and work and manners!"
"I'd rather be a free spirit than a slave to fashion."
“I’ll try and be what he loves to call me, ‘a little woman,’ and not be rough and wild; but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else.”
"I don't like fuss and feathers."
"She preferred imaginary heroes to real ones, because when tired of them, the former could be shut up in the tin kitchen till called for, and the latter were less manageable."
"Don't try to make me grow up before my time."
"I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now."
On love, marriage, and relationships
"Love is a great beautifier."
"I've loved you ever since I've known you."
“Be worthy love, and love will come.”
"It takes two flints to make a fire."
"I don't know anything about being a wife."
"You don't need scores of suitors. You need only one … if he's the right one."
"I wish I had no heart, it aches so."
"I'd rather have a young aunt than none at all."
"I never wanted to go away, and the hard part now is the leaving you all."
On material concerns and values
"Money is a needful and precious thing–and, when well used, a noble thing–but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for."
"I am not a fine lady, but I should like to be."
"It's so dreadful to be poor!"
"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents."
"Let us be elegant or die!"
"You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones."
"Conceit spoils the finest genius."
"I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace."
"I just wish I was rich, and I could spend my whole life in a hammock reading."
On personal growth and aspirations
"'I've got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen."
"I keep turning over new leaves, and spoiling them, as I used to spoil my copybooks; and I make so many beginnings there never will be an end."
"I want to do great things, but I want to be good."
"Never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault."
"Talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so."
"I am not a perfect person, but I am a good one."
"I could have been a great many things."
"It's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can't have the one you want."
"I want to do something splendid … something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead."
"I don't pretend to be wise, but I am observing, and I see a great deal more than you'd imagine. I'm interested in other people's experiences and inconsistencies, and, though I can't explain, I remember and use them for my own benefit."
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."
"I like good strong words that mean something."
On navigating life's challenges and finding peace
"I am angry nearly every day of my life … but I have learned not to show it."
"There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind."
"I thought I was as strong as you, and it's hard to give up."
"Let us be happy, and old, and gay, and let troubles come and go as they may."
"Let's do it while we can, and not be sentimental."
"Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success."
"Because they are mean is no reason why I should be. I hate such things, and though I think I've a right to be hurt, I don't intend to show it."
"Some people seemed to get all sunshine, and some all shadow."
“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.”
"The best of us is but a little dust."
"Take some books and read; that’s an immense help; and books are always good company if you have the right sort."
