Love and Sex in Little Women

Little Women Podcast, Book 4

By: Little Women Podcast, Niina Niskanen

Narrated by: Niina Niskanen

It might come as a surprise to some people but there are actually quite a few sex scenes in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. In this episode, we shall dive into 19th-century courtship and how Alcott writes about courtship etiquette. Laurie is based on Alcott's ex and Friedrich to a man she wanted to marry.

In this book we will examine Jo's relationships and how they correlate with Alcott's personal life. Louisa May Alcott had a huge crush on her father´s best friend philosopher Waldo Emerson. Louisa wrote love letters to him but she never sent them and she used to sit under his window singing "Migon´s song". Mignon´s song is a song from Goethe´s novel, Wilhelm Meister´s apprenticeship, which was one of Alcott´s favourite books. Emerson was one of the many models for Friedrich. The main model was philosopher Henry Thoreau who merited Louisa´s lifelong affection.

rotten Tiger

What a beautiful podcast! It’s so insightful and entertaining. It understands the characters perfectly (especially Laurie), I love it

Jen

As a long-time, die-hard Little Women fan, I LOVE this podcast! I stumbled upon it while doing research for a book series I was working on, and I am addicted! Niina is super knowledgeable in all things LW, from the book(s) to the movies and author Louisa May Alcott’s real life. I love that the discussions are based on the book and highlight the differences (sometimes controversial) between the original and newer adaptations. Highly recommended for anybody who loves getting lost in the world of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March.

©2023 Niina Niskanen (P)2023 Niina Niskanen