Literature
Jo and Laurie: Why Their Relationship Was Destined to Fail in a Victorian Setting
Jo and Laurie: Why Their Relationship Was Destined to Fail in a Victorian Setting
In Charlotte Bront?'s Little Women, the relationship between Jo and Laurie is one that has long sparked heated debate among readers. Critics often argue that Laurie enabled Jo's worst qualities, while others advocate for their eventual happiness. However, a closer examination of their characters and the societal norms of the Victorian era reveals why their relationship was destined to fail.
Understanding Jo
Jo March, one of the central characters in Little Women, is often portrayed as a vibrant and rebellious personality. However, beneath this tough exterior lies a more complex individual with several inherent issues. Jo is not inherently hot-tempered. Her single moment of anger is triggered by Amy's desecration of her manuscript, a sensitive act that anyone might react to emotionally. Additionally, her declaration of ‘Hey wait a minute!’ when witnessing others cheating at cricket does not stem from pride or arrogance, but rather from a sense of fair play and integrity.
One of Jo's primary interests is self-aggrandizement. This is not an uncommon trait for individuals who seek to build a sense of self-worth, especially in a society that often stifles such behavior. The idea that Jo's wearing pants and throwing costume parties alone is a reflection of her Peter Pan Complex is a misinterpretation. These activities, in Jo's context, are purely for self-entertainment and not indicative of a complex linked to perpetual youth.
The Influence of Laurie
Laurie, Jo's childhood friend and eventual suitor, plays a significant role in exacerbating Jo's negative traits. Laurie is often seen as charming and sociable, but his behavior is ultimately self-centered and complacent. He lacks the ambition and drive that he expects from his future wife. Just as Bertie Wooster from P.D. James's Bond Holmes series, Laurie is regal in his playfulness and bored with life until it meets his preferences. This is evident in his tantrums when things do not go his way. His behavior is a testament to his immune lack of drive and sense of purpose.
The Victorian era's concept of marriage included the woman's role as a housekeeper and personal assistant to her husband, allowing his interests and social circle to define her world. Laurie's socialite nature would expect Jo to fit into his sphere, which is a far cry from the spontaneous individual Jo aspires to be. This clash of expectations would naturally lead to dissatisfaction and conflict in their relationship.
Jo's Personal Challenges
Jo's lack of diverse interests and friends outside of her immediate family circle further compounds the issue. Her hobbies, such as costume parties, are deeply rooted in conventional femininity, which she does not challenge or reject. This adherence to societal norms, rather than a feminist awakening, reflects her lack of desire for broader change or self-actualization.
As Jo marries into Laurie's social circle, she is met not with excitement and shared experiences but with boredom and relatedness. Her closest companions are no longer those who challenge her, but those who are more conformist and shallow. This lack of stimulation and growth is a critical aspect of their relationship breakdown. Additionally, Laurie's childlike tantrums and lack of life direction exacerbate Jo's own crisis in identity. Instead of a supportive and challenging partner, Laurie represents all Jo fears and all the societal expectations that attempt to hold her back.
Conclusion
The relationship between Jo and Laurie in the Victorian setting of Little Women is fraught with issues rooted in character traits and societal norms. Laurie's enabling of Jo's negative qualities and the inherent challenges of marriage in a Victorian context contribute to their eventual failed relationship. Understanding these dynamics underscores the complexities of the characters and the historical context in which they live.