Teaching Transcendentalism through Little Women (2019)

In the realm of high school English, selecting the perfect film to supplement your curriculum can be a challenging task. The aim is to engage students while effectively conveying important literary themes. When it comes to teaching Transcendentalism, many educators often turn to the classic Dead Poets Society as a teaching tool. However, I propose that it is time to give Dead Poet’s Society a rest. This year I showed my juniors (both honors and on-level) Greta Gerwig’s excellent 2019 adaptation of Little Women. They loved it—even the boys.

This film is available through SWANK for those of you that have that option at your schools.

More and more our students have a hard time engaging with movies. We need to update our choices. Show them current movies with stars they know. Your students will love seeing Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Florence Pugh…not to mention Timothée Chalamet! In addition to current star power, Little Women offers a fresh perspective and a more nuanced exploration of Transcendentalist ideals. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons why Little Women should be considered as an excellent alternative for high school English teachers during their Transcendentalism unit.

Diversity of Perspectives

While Dead Poet’s Society primarily focuses on the experiences of young men, Little Women presents a compelling narrative centered around the lives of the March sisters. By showcasing the struggles, dreams, and aspirations of four distinct female characters, the film provides a more inclusive representation of the Transcendentalist spirit. So often teachers focus only on Emerson and Thoreau, completely leaving out the women of the movement! Louisa May Alcott’s father was a primary figure in the Transcendentalist movement, and her novel Little Women expresses the values excellently.

Many think of Transcendentalism as a philosophy of northeastern men, and that’s because they forget about Alcott and also Margaret Fuller! My unit on Transcendentalism covers Fuller, Dickinson and Little Women in equal measure to the men. This diversity of perspectives allows students, both male and female, to relate to the characters and connect with the themes on a personal level.

Strong Female Characters

Little Women introduces students to a group of strong, independent young women who challenge traditional gender roles and pursue their ambitions in a society constrained by societal expectations. Through the characters of Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, students can explore the concept of self-reliance, individualism, and the pursuit of personal truth – key tenets of Transcendentalism. By showcasing female empowerment and the pursuit of self-discovery, Little Women offers an opportunity to discuss the role of women in literature and society.

Nature and Spirituality

Transcendentalism emphasizes the importance of nature and spirituality as pathways to personal growth and enlightenment. Little Women beautifully captures the transcendental connection between the characters and their natural surroundings. From idyllic outdoor settings to meaningful conversations amidst nature, the film showcases the influence of the natural world on the characters\’ introspection and personal development. By examining these connections, students can deepen their understanding of the Transcendentalist philosophy.

Individualism and Non-Conformity

Little Women portrays the March sisters’ unique personalities and their struggle to navigate societal expectations while remaining true to themselves. Through their pursuits of unconventional paths and refusal to conform to societal norms, the film prompts students to contemplate the significance of individualism and nonconformity in Transcendentalism. By examining the March sisters\’ journeys, students can explore the idea of embracing one’s true self and questioning established norms.

Timeless Relevance

While Dead Poet’s Society is undoubtedly a classic, Little Women provides a contemporary lens through which students can examine Transcendentalist ideals in the context of the modern world. The film bridges the gap between the past and the present, making the philosophy of Transcendentalism accessible and relatable to today’s high school students. By choosing a film that resonates with their own experiences, students are more likely to engage deeply with the themes and ideas explored in the Transcendentalist movement.

In an earlier post, I talked about pairing unlikely texts together to look for thematic similarities. I would argue there is hardly anything unusual about this pairing! Louisa May Alcott grew up in the Transcendental movement and Greta Gerwig’s adaptation captures those ideas with a beautiful and engaging visual style. Little Women (2019) serves as a compelling alternative to Dead Poet’s Society during a Transcendentalism unit for high school English teachers. Through its diverse perspectives, strong female characters, examination of nature and spirituality, themes of individualism and nonconformity, and timeless relevance, the film provides an enriching educational experience that fosters critical thinking and emotional connection. Your students will love it, and you will love having a new film for your classroom.