Alcott's characters resemble your own character?

[BloomingRose]

Ok. The title is not very clear; I'm aware of that XD And that's why I'l try to explain this new Thread.
When I was little and read Little Women, I felt like I had to have a favourite character (in my case, it was Beth), so as to follow her throughout the book... But when I read it again when I was older, I realized I couldn't choose any of the four because - somehow - I felt identified with all the sisters. For example: 'When I'm scared, I act like Jo; but when I'm mad, I usually act like Amy'... and I was wondering if any of you came up with this idea too :)
In case this explanation is not clear enough (english is not my first language as you may have noticed :P), then tell me with whom of the characters you feel most identified with ;)


BloomingRose

[TinyDancer10]

Strangely, I identify with both Beth AND Jo, as different as they are. I've flipped back and forth between them as my favorite characters throughout my life, and I do believe my favoritism shifted based on where I was in my life.
I think Beth (and possibly Amy) was my favorite when I was little, probably at that time because they were young girls, and so was I, so I could most associate with them.

A few years ago, I became rather obsessed with the Broadway musical adaptation of Little Women, and this time around, Jo was the clear favorite. Coincidentally, at this time in my life, I was just about to spread my wings, leave my Massachusetts home and close knit family, to chase my dreams (of being an actress, not a writer, in my case) to New York City, and find my place in the world. I don't think it's suprising that I gravitated towards Jo at that time.

In the past year, I've done extensive research on Little Women and the Alcott's, because I portrayed Beth in the musical adaptation. I re-read the book at least 10 times, watched the 1933, 1949, and 1949 film versions over and over, watched the musical version, studied the opera, and even visited the REAL Orchard House, in Concord, Ma.

In this time, I've grown to feel more connected to Beth than any other character. I share her timidity around strangers, and social anxiety in formal social situations, and around boys. I look very young for my age, and tend to be quieter and more subdued than my friends and family. I live for music, but enjoy my singing most when I'm sure no one can hear me, and I can sing my heart out without disturbing anyone. My family is most important to me, and feel more comfortable entering a new situation with a family member- even my much younger little sister- next to me.

I've written a virtual novel here, so I will stop. This is my first post on this forum, but if you haven't noticed, I'm kind of obsessed with Little Women and their Alcott counterparts, so I'm quite sorry if I've gotten a little overzealous and long-winded. I'm sure there will be more similarly themed posts in my future, so my apologies now!

[BloomingRose]

Strangely, I identify with both Beth AND Jo, as different as they are. I've flipped back and forth between them as my favorite characters throughout my life, and I do believe my favoritism shifted based on where I was in my life.
I think Beth (and possibly Amy) was my favorite when I was little, probably at that time because they were young girls, and so was I, so I could most associate with them.

A few years ago, I became rather obsessed with the Broadway musical adaptation of Little Women, and this time around, Jo was the clear favorite. Coincidentally, at this time in my life, I was just about to spread my wings, leave my Massachusetts home and close knit family, to chase my dreams (of being an actress, not a writer, in my case) to New York City, and find my place in the world. I don't think it's suprising that I gravitated towards Jo at that time.

In the past year, I've done extensive research on Little Women and the Alcott's, because I portrayed Beth in the musical adaptation. I re-read the book at least 10 times, watched the 1933, 1949, and 1949 film versions over and over, watched the musical version, studied the opera, and even visited the REAL Orchard House, in Concord, Ma.

In this time, I've grown to feel more connected to Beth than any other character. I share her timidity around strangers, and social anxiety in formal social situations, and around boys. I look very young for my age, and tend to be quieter and more subdued than my friends and family. I live for music, but enjoy my singing most when I'm sure no one can hear me, and I can sing my heart out without disturbing anyone. My family is most important to me, and feel more comfortable entering a new situation with a family member- even my much younger little sister- next to me.

I've written a virtual novel here, so I will stop. This is my first post on this forum, but if you haven't noticed, I'm kind of obsessed with Little Women and their Alcott counterparts, so I'm quite sorry if I've gotten a little overzealous and long-winded. I'm sure there will be more similarly themed posts in my future, so my apologies now!
Oh don't worry about the length of your post :) In fact, it was really interesting to read about how you feel towards these characters... I understand why you feel identified with both Jo and Beth, and yes, you seem to be similar to those girls for different reasons :)
I've watched the three movies aswell, and I like each of them in a different way. All of them - obviously - have missed some important passages of the real book, but I couldn't believe that Jo from the 1949 version didn't call Laurence 'Teddy' at all throughout the movie!! But I liked way better the Baer from 1949 than the one of 1995, he had a real german accent :)
I would love to visit the real Orchard House, and if I ever go to the united states, that's the first place i'd visit!
I also felt identified with Beth when I was young, because - as you said - we were of the same age, but as I grown up I couldn't find something interesting in her character. She has a very low-selfsteem and it seems she could never dream of doing something in her life... Despite all of this reasons, I like the fact that she's very sweet and caring, and I think I feel identified with that part of her character.
Hope you could understand my post despite all the possible grammar mistakes you may find :P But if you've read any other book from this author, it would be great to discuss about it :) (since I'm kind of obsessed with Alcott aswell)


BloomingRose

[Emmy Castrol]

When I was younger my favourite character was Beth, same as you both, I think because she was so virtuous and good and I wanted to be like that because my own character is so lacking in comparison. :( Thankfully, I have a more merciful view of my own self now than back then.

Was Beth's character realistic? Are there people like Beth out there?

When I read Little Women again, older, I find that I identify more with Jo. I have never really liked Meg and Amy (they are my sister's favourite characters, strangely enough) and I find my opinion is the same now as it was when I was young.

[BloomingRose]

When I was younger my favourite character was Beth, same as you both, I think because she was so virtuous and good and I wanted to be like that because my own character is so lacking in comparison. :( Thankfully, I have a more merciful view of my own self now than back then.

Was Beth's character realistic? Are there people like Beth out there?

When I read Little Women again, older, I find that I identify more with Jo. I have never really liked Meg and Amy (they are my sister's favourite characters, strangely enough) and I find my opinion is the same now as it was when I was young.
I don't think there are people like Beth nowadays... or maybe there are, but it would be very difficult to find them. For me, Alcott described her like an angel, so perfect and patient... but I don't think it's easy for someone to be as patient as her in the XXI century :P

Thanks for the comment!

[danni.x]

I think I identify most with Jo- the tomboy nature and her dreams of being a writer. I loved Beth but she almost seemed to kind and nice for her own good. I didn't like Amy much in the first one, she was too spoil and selfish but I definately warmed to her in the sequel. It only took me about a month to get over the fact that Laurie was going to marry her, not Jo :)

[BloomingRose]

I think I identify most with Jo- the tomboy nature and her dreams of being a writer. I loved Beth but she almost seemed to kind and nice for her own good. I didn't like Amy much in the first one, she was too spoil and selfish but I definately warmed to her in the sequel. It only took me about a month to get over the fact that Laurie was going to marry her, not Jo :)
Me too :) For me, Laurie and Jo were meant to be together, even if they were too stubborn to be husband & wife... But well... haha

[JosephineMarch]

I identify with Jo & Beth. They are also my favorite characters.

[rae709]

For me, each character is a different person in my family. My older sister is Meg, my younger sister is Amy, My cousin is Beth, and I'm more like Jo than any of the other girls. I brought this up with my mother, and she whole-heartedly agreed.