“Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

“Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott was first published in 1872 as part of her collection, Aunt Jo’s Scrap-Bag, Volume 2. This heartwarming tale showcases Alcott’s signature style of blending moral lessons with engaging storytelling. The story’s simple yet evocative language vividly captures the emotions and experiences of the characters, particularly the children’s selfless act of giving. Alcott’s emphasis on compassion, generosity, and the importance of family resonates throughout the narrative, making it a timeless tale that continues to inspire readers of all ages.

Main Events in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

Stage	Detail
1. New Year’s Surprise	“As we came down to breakfast that morning, with very shiny faces and spandy clean aprons…”
2. A Plea for Help	“A little boy came begging and said they were starving at home…”
3. The Sacrifice	“My little girls, will you give them your breakfast, as a New Year’s gift?”
4. The Giving Procession	“First, papa, with a basket of wood on one arm and coal on the other; mamma next, with a bundle of warm things and the teapot…”
5. A Scene of Desolation	“What a poor, bare, miserable place it was, to be sure,–broken windows, no fire, ragged clothes…”
6. The Angels’ Arrival	“Ah, mein Gott! it is the good angels that come to us!”
7. A Transformation	“Papa made a splendid fire in the old fireplace and stopped up the broken window with his own hat and coat.”
8. The Joy of Giving	“What fun it was!”
9. The Enduring Reward	“…I think there were not in all the city four happier little girls than the hungry ones who gave away their breakfast, and contented themselves with a bit of bread and an apple on New Year’s day.”
10. A Lesson in Compassion	The entire story serves as a lesson in compassion and the true spirit of giving.

Literary Devices in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

1. Anaphora: The repetition of “and” in the description of the family’s activities (“papa, with a basket of wood on one arm and coal on the other; mamma next, with a bundle of warm things and the teapot;…”) creates an anaphora, emphasizing the collective effort and unity of the family.
2. Apostrophe: The narrator addresses the reader directly with “What do you think it was?” creating an apostrophe that engages the reader and draws them into the story.
3. Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds in “lassy pot” creates assonance, adding a playful and cheerful tone to the story.
4. Hyperbole: The description of the family’s hunger as “starving” is an exaggeration, emphasizing their desperation and need for food.
5. Idiom: The phrase “bitter cold day” uses an idiom to describe the weather, creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
6. Imagery: The story is rich in sensory details, such as “shiny faces,” “spandy clean aprons,” “hot porridge,” and “warm blaze,” creating vivid images in the reader’s mind.
7. Irony: The family’s sacrifice of their breakfast is an ironic twist, as they give up their own food to help others, highlighting their kindness and generosity.
8. Juxtaposition: The contrast between the family’s comfortable life and the poor family’s desperation (“broken windows, no fire, ragged clothes, wailing baby, sick mother…”) creates a juxtaposition, emphasizing the stark differences between the two families.
9. Metaphor: The comparison of the family to “angel-children” creates a metaphor, emphasizing their kindness, generosity, and selflessness.
10. Motif: The theme of kindness and generosity is a motif throughout the story, highlighting the family’s selflessness and compassion.
11. Onomatopoeia: The description of the baby’s cry as “wailing” uses onomatopoeia, creating a vivid sound in the reader’s mind.
12. Personification: The description of the fire as “splendid” personifies it, giving it human-like qualities and emphasizing its warmth and comfort.
13. Repetition: The repetition of “and” throughout the story creates a sense of rhythm, emphasizing the family’s collective effort and unity.
14. Rhetorical Question: The narrator asks “What do you think it was?” to engage the reader and encourage them to think about the story.
15. Symbolism: The breakfast represents the family’s kindness and generosity, symbolizing their willingness to give up their own needs for the benefit of others.
16. Synecdoche: The use of “little girls” to refer to the family is a synecdoche, using a part of the family (the girls) to represent the whole family.
17. Allusion: The reference to “Sancho” alludes to the character Sancho Panza from Don Quixote, adding a layer of cultural and literary context to the story.
18. Amplification: The description of the poor family’s situation is amplified to emphasize their desperation and need for help.
19. Analogy: The comparison of the family to “good angels” creates an analogy, emphasizing their kindness, generosity, and selflessness.
20. Emphasis: The use of italics for the title “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” creates emphasis, highlighting the importance of the story and drawing the reader’s attention.
21. Epistrophe: The repetition of “and” at the end of clauses creates an epistrophe, emphasizing the family’s collective effort and unity.
22. Enthymeme: The story presents a clear argument (the family’s kindness and generosity) and supports it with evidence (their actions and sacrifices), creating an enthymeme that persuades the reader of the importance of kindness and generosity.

Characterization in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

Major Characters:

• The Narrator (Lu): A young girl whose initial selfishness about giving up her New Year’s breakfast transforms into heartfelt generosity. She narrates the story, reflecting on her childhood experience with a mix of humor and introspection. Her initial thought, “I wish we’d eaten it up,” reveals her childlike selfishness, but her later enthusiasm in carrying the porridge demonstrates her change of heart. She is characterized as playful and spirited, as evidenced by her joking about being “funny angels.”
• Mamma: A compassionate and selfless mother who serves as the moral compass of the family. Her immediate response to the news of the needy family demonstrates her empathy and sets the tone for the story’s central theme of charity. She is described as “looking very cold, rather sad, and very much excited,” showcasing the depth of her concern for the less fortunate.
• Papa: A practical and supportive father who takes action to help the needy family. He brings wood and coal for warmth, fixes the broken window, and actively participates in feeding the children. His actions demonstrate a quiet strength and a commitment to his family’s values.
• The Poor Mother: A woman burdened by poverty and illness, yet deeply grateful for the unexpected kindness shown to her family. Her exclamation, “Ah, mein Gott! It is the good angels that come to us!” reveals her desperation and relief. Her character highlights the harsh realities of poverty and the power of compassion to uplift others.
• The Seven Children: Pale, hungry, and shivering, these children represent the innocent victims of poverty. Their big eyes and shy smiles upon the arrival of the narrator’s family convey their vulnerability and hope. Their joyful exclamations in broken English, “Das ist gute!” and “Der angel–Kinder!”, add a touch of innocence and poignancy to the story.

Minor Characters:

• Nan: The narrator’s sister, who eagerly supports the idea of helping the poor family. Her cheerful response, “I’m so glad you came before we began,” indicates her readiness to share their blessings.
• Beth: The narrator’s kind-hearted sister, known for her compassion and empathy. Her request to help carry the food to the children underscores her gentle nature.
• May: The youngest sister, who proudly contributes her cherished “lassy pot” to the cause. Her actions reveal her innocent desire to help and her eagerness to participate.
• Betsey: The family’s servant girl, who actively participates in helping the poor family. She carries supplies and helps to care for the children, showcasing her own kindness and compassion.

Major Themes in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

Writing Style in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

1. Conversational tone: The story is told in a friendly, conversational tone, as if the narrator is speaking directly to the reader. Example: “What do you think it was?”
2. Descriptive language: Alcott uses vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of the scene. Example: “shiny faces,” “spandy clean aprons,” “hot porridge,” and “warm blaze.”
3. Imagery: The story is rich in sensory details, creating vivid images in the reader’s mind. Example: “broken windows, no fire, ragged clothes, wailing baby, sick mother…”
4. Simple and clear language: Alcott uses simple and clear language, making the story accessible to readers of all ages. Example: “We were soon ready, and the procession set out.”
5. Emotional appeal: The story appeals to the reader’s emotions, evoking feelings of sympathy and kindness. Example: “The big eyes stared and the blue lips smiled as we came in!”
6. Humor: Alcott injects humor into the story, lightening the mood and making it more engaging. Example: “Funny angels, in woollen hoods and red mittens.”
7. Repetition: The repetition of “and” throughout the story creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes the family’s collective effort. Example: “papa, with a basket of wood on one arm and coal on the other; mamma next, with a bundle of warm things and the teapot;…”
8. Symbolism: The story uses symbolism, with the breakfast representing the family’s kindness and generosity. Example: “We sat silent a minute, and looked at the nice, hot porridge, creamy milk, and good bread and butter…”
9. Dialogue: The story includes dialogue, which adds a sense of realism and makes the characters more relatable. Example: “‘Ah, mein Gott! it is the good angels that come to us!’ cried the poor woman, with tears of joy.”
10. Moral lesson: The story teaches a moral lesson about the importance of kindness, generosity, and helping others. Example: “My little girls, will you give them your breakfast, as a New Year’s gift?”

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

• Feminist Literary Theory
• Feminist literary theory focuses on the representation and roles of women in literature, as well as the portrayal of gender dynamics and power structures. In “Cousin Tribulation’s Story,” the protagonist, Cousin Tribulation, challenges traditional gender norms by asserting her independence and rejecting societal expectations of marriage and domesticity. For example, she refuses to conform to her family’s pressure to marry, preferring instead to pursue her own interests in philanthropy and intellectual pursuits. Additionally, Cousin Tribulation’s decision to live a solitary life in her own home, rather than with relatives, reflects her desire for autonomy and self-determination.
• New Historicism
• New Historicism examines literary texts in relation to their historical context, considering how cultural, social, and political factors shape both the creation and interpretation of literature. In “Cousin Tribulation’s Story,” the narrative provides insight into the cultural norms and values of 19th-century America, particularly regarding gender roles and family expectations. Cousin Tribulation’s unconventional lifestyle challenges conventional notions of womanhood and highlights the tensions between individual autonomy and societal conformity during this period. Additionally, the story’s depiction of philanthropy reflects broader social movements of the time, such as the emergence of charitable organizations and the growing awareness of social issues.
• Psychoanalytic Literary Theory
• Psychoanalytic literary theory explores the unconscious desires, motivations, and conflicts of characters as a means of understanding their behavior and the deeper meanings of the text. In “Cousin Tribulation’s Story,” Cousin Tribulation’s refusal to marry and her preference for a solitary lifestyle can be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens. Her rejection of traditional familial and societal expectations may stem from unconscious fears or traumas related to intimacy, commitment, or societal pressures. Furthermore, her dedication to philanthropy and helping others may reflect a subconscious desire to compensate for feelings of inadequacy or a need for validation. By examining Cousin Tribulation’s psyche, readers can gain insight into the underlying psychological dynamics at play within the story.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Gender Roles	How are gender roles portrayed in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story”?	In “Cousin Tribulation’s Story,” Alcott explores traditional gender roles and challenges them through the character of Cousin Tribulation, highlighting the limitations and expectations placed upon women in the 19th century.
Family Dynamics	What role do family dynamics play in the narrative?	Family dynamics in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” serve as a backdrop against which the protagonist navigates societal expectations and personal desires, illustrating the tension between familial duty and individual autonomy.
Social Class and Identity	How does social class influence the characters’ identities?	Through the lens of social class, “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” delves into the complexities of identity formation, revealing how socioeconomic status shapes individuals’ perceptions of themselves and their place in society.
Moral Development and Personal Growth	What is the significance of Cousin Tribulation’s journey?	Cousin Tribulation’s journey in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” symbolizes a transformative process of moral development and personal growth, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and authenticity in the pursuit of happiness.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

• Q1: What is the central theme of the story?
  The central theme of the story is the importance of kindness, generosity, and helping others in need. The narrator’s family demonstrates this by giving up their own breakfast to feed a poor family, showing that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. For example, when the mother asks her daughters to give up their breakfast, they willingly agree, and the narrator says, “I think there were not in all the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfast, and contented themselves with a bit of bread and an apple, on New Year’s day.”
• Q2: How does the author use descriptive language in the story?
  The author uses vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of the scene and create a sense of atmosphere. For example, when describing the poor family’s home, Alcott writes, “broken windows, no fire, ragged clothes, wailing baby, sick mother…” This creates a stark image of poverty and desperation, emphasizing the family’s need for help.
• Q3: What role do the children play in the story?
  The children play a significant role in the story, demonstrating kindness, generosity, and empathy. They willingly give up their breakfast and help their parents prepare food for the poor family. For example, Beth, the tender-hearted child, asks if she can help carry the food to the poor family, and May proudly offers to carry the “lassy pot.”
• Q4: How does the author use dialogue in the story?
  The author uses dialogue effectively to reveal character, create realism, and convey emotions. For example, when the poor woman sees the narrator’s family arriving with food, she exclaims, “‘Ah, mein Gott! it is the good angels that come to us!’ cried the poor woman, with tears of joy.” This dialogue conveys the woman’s gratitude and desperation, emphasizing the impact of the narrator’s family’s kindness.

Literary Works Similar to “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

1. “A New England Nun” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: Like Alcott’s work, this story explores themes of female independence and societal expectations in 19th-century New England.
2. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This iconic short story delves into the oppression of women in patriarchal society and the consequences of restricted autonomy, much like Alcott’s exploration in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story.”
3. “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin: Chopin’s tale examines the constraints of marriage and societal norms on women’s freedom, echoing the themes of personal agency and liberation found in Alcott’s work.
4. “The Revolt of ‘Mother'” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman: Another story by Freeman, this narrative portrays a woman’s quiet rebellion against the patriarchal structures within her own family, resonating with the themes of defiance and self-determination in Alcott’s story.
5. “The Storm” by Kate Chopin: This short story delves into themes of passion, desire, and societal expectations, paralleling Alcott’s exploration of human emotions and societal constraints in “Cousin Tribulation’s Story.”

Suggested Readings about/on “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott

Books:

• Alcott, Louisa May. Aunt Jo’s Scrap-Bag, Volume 2. Roberts Brothers, 1872.
• Elbert, Sarah. A Hunger for Home: Louisa May Alcott’s Place in American Culture. Temple University Press, 1984.
• Stern, Madeleine B. Louisa May Alcott. University of Oklahoma Press, 1999.

Articles:

• MacDonald, Ruth K. “Louisa May Alcott’s Sentimental Protest: A Genre Study of ‘Aunt Jo’s Scrap-Bag’.” American Transcendental Quarterly, vol. 1, no. 1, 1987, pp. 59-72.

Weblinks:

• “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott: https://americanliterature.com/author/louisa-may-alcott/short-story/cousin-tribulations-story
• Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women:
• Louisa May Alcott Orchard House: https://louisamayalcott.org/

Representative Quotations from “Cousin Tribulation’s Story” by Louisa May Alcott                                                                                                                               

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Children, don’t begin till you hear what I have to say,” she cried; and we sat staring at her, with the breakfast untouched before us.	Context: Mother interrupts the breakfast with urgent news about a family in need.	Theoretical Perspective: This interruption disrupts the expected routine and prompts reflection on altruism and social responsibility.
“Not far away from here, lies a poor woman with a little new-born baby… They were starving this bitter cold day.”	Context: Mother explains the dire situation of a struggling family nearby.	Theoretical Perspective: This highlights the contrast between the privileged family’s comfort and the destitution of others, prompting empathy and moral deliberation.
“May I go and help carry it to the poor, little children?” asked Beth, who had the tenderest heart that ever beat under a pinafore.	Context: Beth expresses her compassion and eagerness to assist the needy family.	Theoretical Perspective: Beth’s willingness to help illustrates empathy and altruism, reflecting the development of moral reasoning, possibly in line with Kohlberg’s stages of moral development.
“Ah, mein Gott! it is the good angels that come to us!” cried the poor woman, with tears of joy.	Context: The impoverished family expresses gratitude upon receiving assistance.	Theoretical Perspective: This response highlights the concept of altruism and the impact of charitable acts on recipients’ well-being, aligning with social exchange theory.
“Das ist gute!” “Oh, nice!” “Der angel–Kinder!” cried the poor things as they ate and smiled and basked in the warm blaze.	Context: The children react joyfully to the food and warmth provided by the visitors.	Theoretical Perspective: This response underscores the significance of basic needs satisfaction and positive reinforcement, reflecting elements of behaviorist theory.
“Papa, with a towel for an apron, fed the smallest child; mamma dressed the poor little new-born baby as tenderly as if it had been her own.”	Context: The parents engage in nurturing actions towards the needy family’s children.	Theoretical Perspective: This behavior exemplifies parental investment theory, emphasizing caregiving as a fundamental aspect of human social behavior and evolutionary adaptation.
“I think there were not in all the hungry little girls who gave away their breakfast, and contented themselves with a bit of bread and an apple of New Year’s day.”	Context: The narrator reflects on the sacrifice made by the children in giving away their breakfast.	Theoretical Perspective: This reflects the fulfillment derived from prosocial behavior and the satisfaction of altruistic impulses, aligning with theories of moral development and altruism.