'Yes you will!' persisted Jo, 'you'll get over this after a while, and find some lovely, accomplished girl, who will adore you, and make a fine mistress for your fine house. I shouldn't..." (351).
Author Louisa May Alcott in "Little Women" effectively portrays the protagonist of the story, Jo, as a defiant young girl who behaves similar to that of a male character. She simply refuses to conform to the pressures of society to behave as a young lady. Throughout the novel, Jo forms a close friendship with the boy next door, Laurie. When Laurie asks Jo to be his wife, she attempts to convince him she is not the right person for him as he is more suited for a woman who is "accomplished" and will "adore" him. Intially, it is suggested that Jo ultimately rejects the concept of marriage, however as the story progresses we learn Jo has chosen to marry Professor Bhaer who in the end is able to bring out the creativity that rests in Jo. Therefore, it can be assumed Jo's rejection of Laurie directly relates to her inability to conform to the "young, obeying wife" that Laurie deserves.
Cecilia Luppi
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