... be a bit harsh, I would deem it quite accurate, as the perception Alcott appears to give off is that a young woman may be free and independent for a brief while, but eventually she must conform to society's standards. Nevertheless, Little Women is a story about teaching and educating young women about maturation, and Alcott ... Whereas Alcott seeks to grapple with the hardships of everyday life, putting her characters through common situations and conflicts, Barrie writes to escape from reality (class notes, 4/3/03). When Barrie teaches his readers about childhood, he does so through the...

• Word Count: 1473
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate