Only appearing in a few scenes the character of Aunt Josephine March, played by the famous actress Meryl Streep, influences major decisions in the March sister’s lives. Little Women (2019) is a movie adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel from 1869 with the same name. The film follows the lives of the March sisters as they navigate poverty, love, and life. Aunt March is aunt to the four March sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy. Aunt March is a rich widow who disapproves of how most of the family does not concern themselves with the functions of high society. Aunt March comes off as rude and hard to please, but in reality, she cares deeply about the March sisters. Aunt March is a minor character who only appears in a few scenes but is easily identified as an important character. In her article, ‘Pass the salt … and other bits of business’, Keathley states minor characters “must be easily identifiable to the viewer, and giving them some business can help define their character quickly, efficiently and distinctively.” (106), the character of Aunt March accomplishes this not only through her memorable lines but also through the casting choice of Meryl Streep. Meryl Streep has been described as one of the best actresses of her generation. In her most memorable scene of the movie, Streep’s Aunt March tells Jo March, “No one makes their own way, least of all a woman. You’ll need to marry well,” to which Jo responds, “but you’re not married, Aunt March.” Without missing a beat, her aunt replies, “Well that’s because I’m rich.” (Little Women, 2019). This iconic scene is an example of Aunt March’s opinion on wealth and the traditional order of society, something Jo does not agree with. Amy shares more of these opinions which leads Aunt March to invite Amy to accompany her on her trip to Europe, instead of Jo. While this decision of Aunt March seems minor at the time, it ultimately leads to Amy and Laurie being reunited in Europe and their marriage. At the end of the movie, Aunt March’s death influences another major change in Jo’s life when she leaves her house to Jo, which Jo turns into a school.
Works Cited
Alcott, Louisa May. Little Women. Roberts Brothers, 1869.
Keathley, C. “Pass the Salt … and Other Bits of Business.” Screen, vol. 52, no. 1, 2011, pp. 105–113., https://doi.org/10.1093/screen/hjq065.
Little Women. Directed by Gerta Gerwig, performances by Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Timothee Chalamet, Columbia Pictures, 2019.
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