Revolving around the four March sisters—Beth, Meg, Amy and Jo—Little Women explores the trials, tribulations, and aspirations of young women against the backdrop of homefront suffering during the American Civil War. Far from dated, Louisa May Alcott's beloved coming-of-age story is as relatable today as when it was first published more than 150 years ago. These four strong women characters have distinct views on love, careers, domesticity, hard work and what they want from life. As they grow, the sisters must balance their personal desires with society's expectations and the needs of their family.
With a diverse range of women’s perspectives at its core, it's no wonder that Little Women still inspires popular movie and TV adaptations, including the 2019 film directed by Greta Gerwig. From the subjectivity of wealth to gender roles to love and grief, here are 30+ Little Women quotes that will make you fall in love with the March sisters all over again.
The best Little Women quotes about money and happiness
"Money is a needful and precious thing–and, when well used, a noble thing–but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for.I'd rather see you poor men's wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace."
"I am not a fine lady, but I should like to be."
"I just wish I was rich, and I could spend my whole life in a hammock reading."
"It's so dreadful to be poor!"
"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents."
"Let us be elegant or die!"
"I don't like fuss and feathers."
"You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones."
“Conceit spoils the finest genius.”
The best Little Women quotes about gender roles and women’s independence
"I am angry nearly every day of my life … but I have learned not to show it."
"I don't know anything about being a wife."
"I'm not ambitious for a splendid fortune, but I do long to be master of my own fate."
"It's bad enough to be a girl, anyway, when I like boys' games and work and manners!"
"I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now."
“I’ll try and be what he loves to call me, ‘a little woman,’ and not be rough and wild; but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else.”
"I could have been a great many things."
"I'd rather have a young aunt than none at all."
"I like good strong words that mean something."
"I thought I was as strong as you, and it's hard to give up."
"I want to do something splendid … something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead."
"Better be happy old maids than unhappy wives or unmaidenly girls running about to find husbands."
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship."
The best Little Women quotes about life, loss and love
"I wish I had no heart, it aches so."
"Love is a great beautifier."
"Don't try to make me grow up before my time."
"I never wanted to go away, and the hard part now is the leaving you all."
"Let us be happy, and old, and gay, and let troubles come and go as they may."
"Let's do it while we can, and not be sentimental."
"Oh, my heart! My poor, dear little heart!"
"You don't need scores of suitors. You need only one … if he's the right one."
"I've loved you ever since I've known you."
"Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life will become a beautiful success."
"Money is a needful and precious thing—and, when well used, a noble thing—but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for."
“Be worthy love, and love will come.”
“Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.”
