Category: Louisa May Alcott

Laughing at Adversity: Louisa May Alcott’s Short Story, ‘Lost in a London Fog’

In “All Things Considered,” G.K. Chesterton says, “An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.” When we feel lost or confused, we must not give in to despair. Rather, we must change our view and have hope even in the foggiest situations. In her short story, “Lost…


Where Adventures Lead Us: ‘Louisa May Alcott: A Child’s Biography’

Some people journey far from home to seek adventure, while others wait for adventures to come softly upon them. In her short story, “Louisa May Alcott: A Child’s Biography,” Louisa May Alcott tells of a 6-year-old Louisa who actively seeks out adventures. At this young age, she has the terrible habit of running away. Looking…


Constructive Criticism: Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Scarlet Stockings’

It is difficult to criticize and challenge others. It is also extremely hard to receive challenges and accept criticisms from others. Yet, despite the difficulty, giving and taking criticism is beneficial. In her short story “Scarlet Stockings,” Louisa May Alcott shows how, when we see someone who is lazy and despondent, we can help them overcome…


Throwing Caution to the Wind: Louisa May Alcott’s Short Story ‘How They Ran Away’

Adventure can be very hard to resist. However, when we boldly rush into adventure without any consideration for what happens, we can fall prey to the deepest dangers. In her short story, “How They Ran Away” (1908), Louisa May Alcott follows two young boys, “cautious Billy” and “bold Tommy,” as they head out on a…


What ‘Little Women’ Author Louisa May Alcott Learned About Socialism in a 19th-Century Utopian Commune

Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” was published more than a century and a half ago—in 1868—and all these decades later, it remains a popular novel. What the author’s many fans may not know is that as a young girl, Alcott learned firsthand just how ridiculous a utopian socialist commune is. Alcott was just 11 when…


In Need of Inspiration? Let’s Visit Some Heroes From Our Past

When we think of contemporary heroes, figures we admire for their courage when confronted by physical danger or who defend goodness and justice at great personal sacrifice, we may remember such people as the first responders who charged into the Twin Towers on 9/11 to rescue those trapped inside. Perhaps we’ve read of the exploits…