Unconventional Religion of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”
Unconventional Religion of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”

Summary/Abstract: Starting from the observation that faith is an important aspect of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” (1868–1869), we offer evidence that this novel is a vivid illustration of the author’s version of American Protestantism, which takes the middle course between Puritanism and more progressive views of Christianity such as Unitarianism. The Alcottian version of religion as reflected in “Little Women” is closest to Horace Bushnell’s view of Christian nurture presented in the book of the same name (1847), specifically, its emphasis on the parental role in instilling Christian virtues in children. The paper particularly focuses on the gradual conversion of the March sisters into better Christians, which occurs under the tutelage of their mother.

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