Little+Women

= //Little Women// (1994) directed by Gillian Armstrong = = //Little Women// (1868-9) written by Louisa May Alcott = = **Brief Description:** =

Growing up in New England during the Civil War, the March sisters share everything — their joys and troubles, their loves and secrets. But the four girls couldn't be more different. Meg, the oldest, is the sensible writer. Jo is funny and mischievous. Beth is the shy, dreamy one, and Amy is pretty and artistic. From dances to despairs, through weddings and funerals, the March girls stand as sisters (Scholastic, 2012).

**Essential Discussion Questions**: (film language is bolded)
==== 1. [**Structure**] How do the film and novel **structure** the story of the March Sisters? Why do you think the author decided to structure her novel this way? Why do you think the **director** decided to keep the original story structure? ==== ==== 2. [**Storytelling**] Describe the relationship between Jo and Laurie from the story. How does Alcott suggest a budding romance between the two characters? How does the **film** **portray** the romance between these characters? ====

3. [**Time Passage**] Discuss the **setting** in the film. How does the **filmmaker** represent the **passage of time**?
==== 4. [**Mise en Scene**] Louisa May Alcott wrote //Little Women// as a portrayal of a story during her own contemporary time. What elements of film did the filmmakers use to capture the 1860s time period in America? (i.e. music, costume design, speech, lighting, props, etc). ==== ==== 5. [**Character**] Think about the different personalities of the March Sisters in //Little Women//. Whom in the 21st century could you compare these characters? Support your comparisons with details from the book. ====