Little Women Masterclass: Louisa May Alcott and Goethe

🎉 Jo Marries Goethe: A Little Women Masterclass 📚

Course Overview: Dive deep into the world of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel "Little Women" with our comprehensive Masterclass, hosted by Alcott essayist and Little Women enthusiast, Niina Pekantytär. This course isn't just about revisiting a literary masterpiece; it's about uncovering the hidden layers of influence that German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe had on Alcott's work. Join us to explore how Jo's journey was subtly shaped by Goethe's impact and why this transatlantic literary relationship is as intriguing today as it was in the 19th century.

Why Take This Course?

• Discover the Influence: Learn about the profound influence of Goethe on Louisa May Alcott, particularly in character development and storytelling.
• Historical Context: Understand the historical context of Alcott's travels to Europe and her interaction with German culture, as seen in her journals and novel references.
• Cultural Exchange: Explore the cultural exchange between America and Germany through literature, and how this is reflected in Alcott's novels.
• Literary Analysis: Analyze the Sturm und Drang elements in Alcott's works and their relation to Goethe's style.
• Character Comparisons: Delve into the German male characters in Alcott's stories, from Friedrich Bhaer to the kind German soldier John, and how they contrast with the American heroines.

Course Highlights:

• Goethe's Influence on Jo: Examine how Alcott modeled Jo March after Goethe's ideal of a writer, and how this shaped Jo's character in "Little Women."
• Alcott's European Sojourn: Trace Louisa May Alcott's journey to Europe, her visit to Goethe's house, and the impact it had on her writing.
• Alcott's German Connections: Uncover the significance of Alcott's use of German phrases and her study of the German language in her work.
• The Sturm und Drang Elements: Discuss how Goethe's dramatic style influenced the emotional intensity found in Alcott's characters and narratives.
• Modern Relevance: Reflect on why a 19th-century novel is still relevant today, and how understanding its historical context can provide deeper insights into contemporary literary works.

Join Our Community of Readers and Scholars: This Masterclass isn't just for scholars; it's for anyone who has ever been captivated by the story of the March sisters or curious about the cross-cultural literary exchanges of the 19th century. With each episode, Niina Pekantytär will guide you through a series of video essays, articles, and podcast episodes that collectively form "Little Women Podcast" and "Small Umbrella In The Rain." You'll be part of an engaged community of fans and experts discussing Alcott's work from every angle.

About Niina Pekantytär: Niina is a renowned essayist with a passion for Louisa May Alcott's works. Her informal approach to discussing the author, inspired by her Finnish background where formality is less emphasized, makes this Masterclass both accessible and intimate. Join us as Niina brings Louisa to life through her unique perspective and extensive knowledge of the novel and its cultural significance.

Enroll now to embark on a literary adventure that spans oceans, languages, and centuries—where Jo's story is just beginning! 🌟