Podcast Summary: "Who Did What Now" Episode 145 – Louisa May Alcott

Introduction

In Episode 145 of Who Did What Now, host Katie Charlwood delves into the life and legacy of beloved author Louisa May Alcott. With her characteristic blend of humor and historical insight, Katie navigates Alcott's early struggles, literary triumphs, and personal challenges, painting a comprehensive picture of a woman who defied societal norms to leave an indelible mark on literature and social reform.

Early Life and Family Background

Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832, in Germantown, Philadelphia, into a family deeply rooted in transcendentalist philosophy. Her father, Amos Bronson Alcott, was an educator and a fervent transcendentalist, while her mother, Abigail May Alcott, was one of Massachusetts's first paid social workers. Katie highlights the financial strains the family endured, noting, “Amos Bronson Alcott, he was dirt poor. Like he not dirt poor, but like that's a lie. That's too much. He was quite poor” ([06:15]).

Louisa was the second of four daughters—Anna, Louisa, Elizabeth, and May. Her early childhood was marked by tragedy and resilience, including a near-drowning experience at age three, where she was saved by an African American boy. Katie emphasizes the lasting impact of this event on Louisa’s abolitionist beliefs: “[Louisa] always remembers because he risked his life to save her... [it] was the foundation of her personal abolitionist beliefs” ([09:45]).

Educational Pursuits and Family Struggles

Amos Bronson Alcott established the Temple School in Boston, embracing progressive education through active discussions rather than rote memorization. However, his progressive stance included admitting a Black student, leading to the abrupt closure of the school when white students were withdrawn in protest. This forced the Alcott family to relocate to Concord, Massachusetts, funded by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

In Concord, Louisa experienced a blend of intellectual stimulation and financial hardship. Her father’s idealistic ventures, such as the Fruitlands commune—a transcendentalist experiment devoid of animal use—proved impractical. Katie narrates the commune's downfall humorously: “By winter they had oatmeal, water, and apples... some of the neighbors snuck a cow in for Abba” ([16:30]).

Personal Resilience and Abolitionist Activities

The Alcott family’s financial instability persisted, exacerbated by illnesses like smallpox and typhoid fever. Louisa’s determination to support her family materialized through writing. At 18, she published her first poem, "Sunlight," earning five dollars ([25:20]). Her active role in the Underground Railroad, with their home serving as a stop, showcased her commitment to social justice.

Katie highlights Louisa's burgeoning literary career: “Publishers began to like, seek out her writing...bringing in more acclaim and more opportunities” ([32:10]). Despite numerous setbacks, including the loss of her sister Lizzie to scarlet fever, Louisa continued to channel her experiences into her work.

Literary Breakthrough: "Little Women"

The turning point in Alcott’s career came with the creation of Little Women, a semi-autobiographical novel inspired by her own family. Katie details the arduous process Louisa endured to publish the book: “She pushes through illness, exhaustion, and an ever-forming opium habit to finish the novel” ([41:00]).

Upon its release on September 30, 1868, Little Women was an instant success, selling out its first printing of 2,000 copies. The sequel, Little Men, followed, further cementing her status as a celebrated author. Katie captures the triumph: “By the end of May, 17,000 copies had been sold and she could finally pay off her family's debt” ([38:50]).

Later Life and Social Advocacy

Louisa continued to write prolifically, producing works that ranged from children's stories to social commentaries. Her personal life remained unconventional; she never married and is widely believed by historians to have been asexual or aromantic, focusing instead on her family and literary pursuits.

In her later years, Louisa remained active in social causes, including women's suffrage and prison reform. Katie poignantly recounts Louisa’s dedication: “In 1879, Louisa May Alcott was the first woman in Concord to register to vote... she was an active believer and outspoken about women's suffrage and prison reform” ([45:30]).

Tragically, Louisa’s life was marred by continued personal losses, including the deaths of her sisters and eventually her own declining health. She passed away on March 6, 1888, at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy of literary brilliance and unwavering social commitment.

Notable Quotes

• Katie Charlwood on Louisa’s Financial Struggles: “Louisa, she's the second of four daughters... Trigger warning. I'm gonna mention pregnancy loss, infant loss...” ([05:00])

• Katie on Louisa’s Abolitionist Influence: “...she found Stem Regen... it supports the release of my own stem cells...” ([00:39] – though this is likely misplaced in the transcript and pertains to an ad)

• Katie Reflecting on Louisa’s Determination: “Louisa saw how his idealism failed her and her sisters... she refused to conform to feminine ideals and prepare for marriage” ([28:25])

• Katie on the Success of Little Women: “And so she was offered $1,000 flat fee or a $300 advance and 6% royalties on each copy sold” ([35:00])

• Katie’s Insight on Louisa’s Personal Life: “Louisa’s never married... she never had any inkling of romantic connotations in her journals, her letters” ([50:00])

Conclusion

Katie Charlwood’s exploration of Louisa May Alcott’s life in Episode 145 provides an insightful and engaging narrative of a woman who navigated personal tragedy, financial hardship, and societal expectations to become a literary icon. Through detailed storytelling and thoughtful analysis, Katie honors Louisa’s contributions to literature and social reform, offering listeners a rich understanding of Alcott’s enduring legacy.

Further Recommendations

At the episode’s conclusion, Katie recommends engaging with Alcott’s work by reading Little Women or watching its various adaptations. She also encourages supporting creators and shares personal anecdotes, adding a relatable and personable touch to the historical discourse.

Final Thoughts

For those unfamiliar with Who Did What Now?, this episode exemplifies the podcast’s ability to make history vibrant and relevant. Katie Charlwood’s passionate recounting ensures that Louisa May Alcott’s story is not only preserved but also celebrated in a manner that resonates with contemporary audiences.