Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy Are Back

CBS TV Studios gave the green light to the adaptation of “Little Women”. The latest version of Louisa May Alcott's novel will be different from the previous ones, as the story is set on a distant future. Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy March will find themselves in a dystopian setting. Fans of the novel didn't fancy the idea. How will Alcott react to it?

“Little Women”, one of the most beloved books in American literature, has been adapted to the big screen many times. Katharine Hepburn played Jo March in the 1933 feature, who often bellowed her declaration of Christopher Columbus. Some thought that Hepburn, who won the Best Actress Oscar four times, was miscast as Jo. Perhaps she was too strong, which might not be what Alcott had in mind. The 1949 version starred June Allyson, Margaret O'Brien, Janet Leigh, and Elizabeth Taylor as Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy respectively. Many find Mervyn LeRoy's picture as most faithful to the book. Not that the numerous animated features during the 1980s were less memorable. Not that Gillian Armstrong's feminist version wasn't better. The first volume of the book was published in 1868, while the second one came out in 1869. Alcott knew the era too well, and she may perceived how the future would turn out.

If Alcott were alive, then she might be intrigued at the latest adaptation. Come to think of it, the dystopian setting was a device used too often. It's not outdated, though. (Jennifer Lawrence might not be a bonafide star.) Let's think about the themes, carefully. Here it goes:

A dystopian society encourages burning. Alcott emphasized burning in the book, implying how her character channeled her anger into writing. Fans know Jo has the gift for words, and this is her way of not doing what customs expect of women. But law and order broke down. It's a savage jungle out there. Think hard if such a setting changes the status of womenfolk.

There's a continuous struggle between duty and personal growth. A tribe likely replaces a family, and it's not hard to imagine the women being relegated to the sideline. Can the March sisters exist in such an environment? These are four different women. There are many challenges, as they find their way into the world. Only little is what is left of the Old World, which has grave consequences.

The March sisters are looking for work. This may be the most challenging aspect of the new adaptation, of how the siblings keep themselves busy. A job defines an individual in an American society, and Alcott would believe in it. Viewers will have doubts, as Jo is not the kind of person who goes with the flow. As for her other sisters, they might have the wrong guess. This is one reason to look forward to the latest version of the novel.