ways of literature. Alcott draws so heavily from her own past experiences that it was sometimes hard to tell whether or not it was Jo talking or if it was Alcott speaking (Davidson 11). Though Alcott's life was not exactly like Jo's life in Little Women, the parallel still exists even after she idealizes the perfect family down onto paper. The tone of this book is very sentimental and idealistic, while at the same time not overly pretentious and ostentatious to the point of fantasy. Idealism prevails throughout the story and many believe that the reason why Alcott made the March family so wonderful was because that was what she wanted for herself. Unfortunately, Little Women would only ever be "sentimental pictures of a family life that never was" (MacDonald 11). Alcott appealed to that little piece inside all people that yearn to be part of a loving March family ("Louisa May Alcott" 9). Even though family life was less than perfect for Alcott, it was still the driving force in her life. The ultimate reason for Alcott's creation of Little Women was to help her family financially. Only through some intense wheedling from her publisher Thomas Niles, did Alcott finally agree to write a children's novel. Her works before were mainly gothic or reminiscent pieces, and the Little Women was a definite change of pace ("Louisa May Alcott" 9). The idea of change is implied in the settings of the book. Contrasts between cozy New England, exotic Italy, and adventurous New York City provide the locale for the sisters' journey through life. Italy and New York City were written into the book to emphasize Amy and Jo's exploration of the world away from home. New England is placed as the main setting for the March household, and the theme that home is where the heart is, is implied through out the plot. Fortunately, though Alcott emphasized the colour and atmosphere of New England so much, she did not overshadow the other events and happenings in the boo...
