I was shocked in class today that so many people hate Beth and feel that she is insignificant. I think she is a large part of the story and is an interesting character. Beth represents another side of Jo. She is her mysterious, quiet side. Beth may not be outgoing and strong like the rest, but Alcott would not have included her in the book if she wasn’t so important in relaying the story.
Beth is childlike and innocent, and I think that is why we all can relate to her. Every single one of us in this class was like that at one point during childhood, so to say that you cannot relate to her is wrong. I think that sometimes we all would like to go back to seeing the world through “Beth’s eyes” because there is so much out there that is devastating, but to a child, things are not so complex.
For me, I think that the reason why people don’t really care for Meg and Amy is that they are too worldly with their thinking. They are both shallow, and care too much about what other people think and want, instead of following their own hearts. Meg does redeem herself when she goes against what society would expect of her by marrying the poor Mr. Brooke for love, not money. Amy continues with her selfish ways by marrying Laurie for his money.