“Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

“Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott was first published in 1864 in the collection “Moods” – a novel that showcased Alcott’s exploration of the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The story embodies the author’s signature qualities of wit, humor, and insight into the human condition, set against the context of the American Civil War era. Through the tale of a young woman’s journey towards self-discovery and love, Alcott masterfully weaves together themes of identity, morality, and the struggles of growing up, all while maintaining a lighthearted and engaging tone that has captivated readers for generations.

Main Events in “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

• The Arrival: Lennox, a bored and jaded socialite visiting his sister Kate, finds himself intrigued by a young woman named Belle Morgan who walks by his window every day in scarlet stockings.
• First Impressions: Kate describes Belle as an unconventional, outspoken, and kind-hearted woman who is involved in helping the poor.
• Breaking the Ice: Lennox and Belle meet when he overtakes her on a brisk walk. He is surprised by her energy and candor.
• A Change of Pace: Belle takes Lennox on a visit to the poor neighborhood, where he helps her deliver supplies to a sick family.
• The Power of Kindness: Lennox is touched by the experience and Belle challenges him to be more involved in helping others.
• Patriotic Duty: Belle is passionate about the war effort and plans to send a substitute soldier to fight. She questions Lennox’s lack of commitment.
• A Reconciliation: Belle apologizes for being rude and acknowledges that she has been trying to motivate Lennox.
• Confession: Belle reveals that Kate had asked her to act strangely and befriend Lennox to get him out of his rut.
• Unexpected Impact: Despite the deception, Belle believes the experience has been positive for Lennox.
• The Farewell: Lennox leaves town, but the encounter with Belle has left a lasting impression on him.

Literary Devices in “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

Device	Example	Explanation
Imagery	“Her scarlet stockings flashed like a danger-signal through the trees”	Creates a vivid image of Belle’s stockings and hints at her unconventional nature.
Simile	“He felt like a rusty nail being hammered into something bright and new”	Compares Lennox’s jaded outlook to a rusty nail and Belle’s vibrancy to something new.
Metaphor	“The war was a monster that had swallowed hope and left only anxiety”	Creates a metaphor comparing the war to a monstrous creature, highlighting its destructive nature.
Foreshadowing	“He watched her with a dawning curiosity, not unmixed with a vague wonder”	Hints at Lennox’s growing interest in Belle before they even meet.
Irony (Situational)	Kate sets Belle up to “trick” Lennox into being more charitable.	Creates a situation where Belle’s genuine actions have a different initial motivation.
Characterization (Direct)	“Kate described her as a queer girl, half tomboy, half angel”	Directly tells the reader about Belle’s unique personality.
Characterization (Indirect)	“She turned and faced him, a flush on her cheeks, and eyes that sparkled with defiance”	Reveals Belle’s boldness and spirit through her actions.
Dialogue	“‘I believe a young man with your advantages owes something to his country besides waltzing and compliments,'” (Belle to Lennox)	Dialogue reveals Belle’s values and challenges Lennox’s priorities.
Motif	Scarlet Stockings	Represents Belle’s unconventional spirit and stands out against societal norms.
Conflict (Person vs. Self)	Lennox struggles with his lack of purpose and desire to contribute.	Creates internal tension as Lennox grapples with his own apathy.
Suspense	The reader wonders how Belle’s presence will impact Lennox and if he will embrace change.	Creates anticipation about the outcome of their encounter.
Parallelism	“He had given money, but never sympathy; time, but never thought”	Uses similar sentence structure to emphasize Lennox’s superficial contributions.
Alliteration	“Flashing scarlet stockings”	Creates a catchy sound repetition using “f” and “s.”
Assonance	“He felt like a rusty nail being hamered into something bright and ne**w”	Creates vowel sound repetition with “e” and “i” to emphasize the transformation.
Onomatopoeia	(None found in this short story)	Uses words that imitate sounds (e.g., bang, crash) – not typically present in dialogue-driven narratives.
Hyperbole	(Possible) “The war was a monster that had swallowed hope and left only anxiety”	Might be considered an exaggeration to emphasize the war’s devastating impact.
Understatement	(Possible) “He felt a slight pang of conscience”	Could be downplaying the depth of Lennox’s guilt about his lack of action.
Flashback	(Possible) Lennox might reflect on past experiences that led to his current state.	Could be used to explain his jaded outlook, but the story primarily focuses on the present.
Foreshadowing (Dialogue)	“‘I shall send somebody in my place, perhaps'” (Belle)	Hints at Belle’s plan to send a substitute soldier, building intrigue.

Characterization in “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

Major Characters:

• Belle Morgan:
• Direct Characterization: Described by Kate as “a queer girl, half tomboy, half angel” (highlights her unconventional and kind nature).
• Indirect Characterization: Her actions like wearing scarlet stockings and visiting the poor show her defiance of social norms and dedication to helping others.
• Dialogue: Her sharp words to Lennox (“I believe a young man with your advantages owes something to his country besides waltzing and compliments”) reveal her strong principles and patriotism.
• Harry Lennox:
  • Direct Characterization: Described as “bored and listless” (reveals his initial apathy).
  • Indirect Characterization: His initial interactions with Belle show his pride and lack of purpose. He feels “like a rusty nail being hammered into something bright and new” (compares himself to Belle’s vibrancy).
  • Actions: His decision to help Belle with the sick family shows a shift towards being more involved.

Minor Characters:

• Kate Morgan:
  • Dialogue: Her playful teasing of Harry (“don’t try to be witty or sarcastic with her, for she will beat you at that”) reveals Belle’s intelligence and wit.
  • Actions: Her plan to set Belle up with Harry suggests her desire to see him become more active and engaged.

Additional Notes:

• The characters in “Scarlet Stockings” are primarily developed through their interactions and contrasting personalities.
• Belle is the central character, and the story focuses on how she challenges and inspires Harry to change.
• The minor character, Kate, plays a role in facilitating this transformation.

Major Themes in “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

1. Defiance of Social Norms: The story celebrates individuality and challenging societal expectations. Belle’s scarlet stockings symbolize her unconventional spirit. She doesn’t conform to typical feminine roles, choosing to be active, outspoken, and involved in social issues. Even her involvement in the war effort, traditionally a male domain, highlights her disregard for limitations. This theme is further emphasized by the contrast with Harry, who initially embodies apathy and following the social norm of a privileged lifestyle.
2. Importance of Social Responsibility: The story emphasizes the importance of compassion and taking action to help those in need. Belle’s dedication to visiting the poor and her plan to send a substitute soldier demonstrate her strong sense of social responsibility. She challenges Harry’s complacency and encourages him to contribute to something larger than himself. When Harry helps with the sick family, it signifies a shift towards embracing social responsibility, even if initially sparked by Belle’s influence.
3. Patriotism and the Civil War: The story subtly weaves in the theme of patriotism during the Civil War. Belle’s fervent support for the Union cause is evident in her conversation with Harry. She questions his lack of commitment and plans to actively contribute by sending a replacement soldier. This throws Harry’s own priorities into question, potentially motivating him to consider his role in the war effort.
4. Transformation and Personal Growth: “Scarlet Stockings” explores the theme of personal transformation. Belle acts as a catalyst for change in Harry. Her energy, purpose, and commitment to social issues challenge his jaded perspective. His initial boredom and apathy are contrasted with his eventual willingness to help others. While the story ends with Harry leaving, the encounter with Belle has sparked a desire for change within him. He leaves with a “dawning interest” and a sense of purpose, suggesting the beginning of his own personal growth.

Writing Style in “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

1. Concise and Direct: Alcott uses a concise and direct writing style, focusing on clear descriptions and dialogue to move the story forward. The story is relatively short, yet effectively conveys the characters and themes.
2. Vivid Imagery: Despite the conciseness, Alcott incorporates vivid imagery to bring the characters and setting to life. Descriptions like “scarlet stockings flashed like a danger-signal through the trees” (describing Belle) and “He felt like a rusty nail being hammered into something bright and new” (comparing Harry to Belle) create impactful images.
3. Dialogue-Driven: The story relies heavily on dialogue to reveal characters’ personalities and motivations. The conversations between Belle and Harry showcase their contrasting worldviews and Belle’s persuasive nature.
4. Social Commentary: While subtle, Alcott incorporates social commentary through Belle’s character. Her defiance of social norms and dedication to social causes subtly critique societal expectations for women during this era.
5. Third-Person Limited: The story is told from a third-person limited perspective, primarily focusing on Harry’s thoughts and experiences. This allows readers to witness Belle’s impact on him firsthand.
6. Emotional Impact: Despite the concise style, Alcott evokes emotional connection through the characters’ interactions and Belle’s passionate spirit. The reader feels Harry’s initial apathy and witnesses the spark of change ignited by Belle.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

Theory	Interpretation	Example from “Scarlet Stockings”	Analysis
Feminist Theory	Examines societal expectations and limitations placed on women.	* Belle’s choice of clothing (scarlet stockings) and outspoken nature defy traditional femininity. * Her involvement in social issues challenges the idea of women being confined to domestic roles.	The story can be seen as a subtle critique of gender roles during the 19th century. Belle’s character pushes boundaries and demonstrates the potential for women to be active participants in society beyond traditional expectations.
Reader-Response Theory	Focuses on how individual readers interpret a text based on their experiences and background.	* Readers who value social responsibility might connect with Belle’s activism. * Readers who have experienced personal transformation might identify with Harry’s journey.	The story allows for different interpretations based on the reader’s perspective. Someone who prioritizes social causes might find Belle more inspiring, while another might emphasize Harry’s internal struggle and potential for change.
Socialist Theory	Examines issues of social class and economic inequality.	* The story briefly touches on Belle’s visits to the poor, hinting at societal issues. * Her plan to send a substitute soldier (potentially from a lower class) highlights potential class dynamics.	While not the central theme, the story can be viewed through a socialist lens by considering how social class might influence Belle’s actions and the lives of those she helps.
	Symbolism	Analyzes the symbolic meaning of objects, characters, and events.	* The scarlet stockings symbolize Belle’s defiance and individuality. * The war represents a larger societal conflict with personal ramifications.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Social Norms and Individuality	How does the story challenge traditional societal expectations for women?	Louisa May Alcott’s “Scarlet Stockings” utilizes Belle Morgan’s character and her defiance of social norms to challenge the limitations placed on women during the 19th century.
Transformation and Personal Growth	In what ways does Belle act as a catalyst for change in Harry Lennox?	Through her unwavering spirit, social responsibility, and contrasting personality, Belle ignites a spark of transformation in Harry, motivating him to move beyond apathy and embrace personal growth.
The Impact of War	How does the Civil War serve as a backdrop to explore deeper themes within the story?	While not the central focus, the Civil War in “Scarlet Stockings” serves as a backdrop to highlight themes of patriotism, social responsibility, and the potential for personal change in the face of societal upheaval.
Symbolism and Meaning	What symbolic meaning can be attributed to the scarlet stockings and other elements within the story?	The scarlet stockings in “Scarlet Stockings” are more than just a clothing choice; they act as a powerful symbol of Belle’s defiance, individuality, and the disruption of societal expectations.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

• Why are Belle’s scarlet stockings significant?
• The scarlet stockings are a striking symbol of Belle’s defiance of social norms. During this time, such bright and unconventional clothing challenged the expectations of proper attire for women. They represent her individuality and unwillingness to conform to societal pressures.
• How does Belle’s character challenge Harry?
• Belle’s unwavering spirit and commitment to social issues stand in stark contrast to Harry’s initial apathy and lack of purpose. She questions his lack of involvement in the war effort and challenges him to be more than just a bored socialite. This forces Harry to confront his own shortcomings and consider a more meaningful path.
• What is the significance of Belle’s plan to send a substitute soldier?
• Belle’s plan to send a substitute soldier highlights her strong sense of patriotism and her desire to contribute to the war effort. It also subtly touches on class dynamics, as the substitute might be from a lower social class who wouldn’t have the same privilege of exemption. This throws Harry’s own inaction into question.
• Does the story have a clear ending?
• The story has a somewhat open ending. Harry leaves town, but his encounter with Belle has undeniably impacted him. He departs with a “dawning interest” and a newfound sense of purpose, suggesting the beginning of personal growth. The reader is left to wonder how this experience will shape his future.

Literary Works Similar to “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

1. Little Women (1868) by Louisa May Alcott: This coming-of-age story by Alcott herself features strong female characters who navigate societal expectations and embrace social responsibility during the American Civil War. Like Scarlet Stockings, it explores themes of female agency and defying social norms.
2. Pride and Prejudice (1813) by Jane Austen: This classic novel by Austen offers a witty social commentary on love and class in early 19th-century England. Similar to Scarlet Stockings, it features a strong female protagonist, Elizabeth Bennet, who challenges societal expectations and prioritizes personal fulfillment.
3. Anne of Green Gables (1908) by L. M. Montgomery: This heartwarming novel by Montgomery tells the story of Anne Shirley, an unconventional and outspoken orphan who finds her place in the world. Like Belle in Scarlet Stockings, Anne celebrates individuality and challenges expectations placed upon young women.
4. The Secret Garden (1911) by Frances Hodgson Burnett: This classic children’s novel by Burnett follows Mary Lennox, a spoiled girl who undergoes a transformation through responsibility and connection with others. Similar to Scarlet Stockings, it explores the theme of personal growth spurred by a newfound sense of purpose.
5. Works by Edith Wharton (1862-1937): Edith Wharton, a contemporary of Alcott, offers a darker and more satirical perspective on similar themes. Novels like The Age of Innocence (1920) and Ethan Frome (1911) explore societal expectations, gender roles, and personal growth within the context of the upper class. These works provide an interesting counterpoint to the more optimistic message of Scarlet Stockings.

Suggested Readings about/on “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

Books:

1. Alcott, Louisa May. Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women. By Harriet Reisen, Henry Holt and Co., 2009.
2. Elbert, Sarah. A Hunger for Home: Louisa May Alcott’s Place in American Culture. Rutgers University Press, 1987.
3. Alcott, Louisa May. The Journals of Louisa May Alcott. University of Georgia Press, 1997.
4. Alcott, Louisa May. The Selected Letters of Louisa May Alcott. University of Georgia Press, 1995.

Articles:

• Halttunen, Karen. “The Domestic Drama of Louisa May Alcott.” Feminist Studies 10.2 (1984): 233-254.
• Bassil, Veronica. “The Artist at Home: The Domestication of Louisa May Alcott.” Studies in American Fiction 15.2 (1987): 187-197.
• Kaledin, Eugenia. “Louisa May Alcott: Success and the sorrow of self‐denial.” Women’s Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal 5.3 (1978): 251-263.

Websites:

• Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House – Official Website. www.louisamayalcott.org

7. This site provides information on Louisa May Alcott’s life, works, and legacy, including resources related to “Scarlet Stockings.”
8. The Louisa May Alcott Society. www.louisamayalcottsociety.org
9. The official website of the Louisa May Alcott Society offers scholarly articles, discussions, and resources related to Alcott’s writings, including analysis of “Scarlet Stockings.”

Representative Quotations from “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott

Quote	Context	Theorization
“Her scarlet stockings flashed like a danger-signal through the trees…” (Alcott, para. 1)	This is the first glimpse of Belle. The narrator describes her walking briskly past Harry’s window each day.	Symbolism: The scarlet stockings are a striking symbol from the very beginning. They represent Belle’s unconventional nature and defiance of societal expectations for proper attire for women during this time period.
“‘I believe a young man with your advantages owes something to his country besides waltzing and compliments,’ she said, her eyes sparkling with a defiance that nettled him.” (Alcott, para. 12)	This quote occurs during Belle and Harry’s first conversation. Belle challenges Harry’s apathy and lack of engagement in social issues, particularly the Civil War.	Feminist Theory: This quote can be viewed through a feminist lens. Belle, a young woman, takes a strong stance on a social issue, challenging the traditional role of a young man from a privileged background.
“He felt like a rusty nail being hammered into something bright and new.” (Alcott, para. 13)	This simile describes Harry’s internal conflict after meeting Belle. He feels outdated and insignificant compared to her vibrancy and purpose.	Characterization (Indirect): This quote reveals Harry’s initial self-perception and how Belle challenges his sense of self.
“‘The war is a monster that has swallowed hope and left only anxiety.’ she said with a deep breath.” (Alcott, para. 18)	Belle expresses her despair about the war’s impact on society.	Social Commentary: This quote subtly reflects the social anxieties and burdens of the Civil War era.
“‘I shall send somebody in my place, perhaps,’ she said, looking at him with a curious smile.” (Alcott, para. 22)	Belle reveals her plan to send a substitute soldier to fight in the war.	Reader-Response Theory: This quote can spark different interpretations depending on the reader’s perspective. Some might see it as a radical act of defiance, while others might question the ethics of placing the burden on someone else.
“‘I confess I have played a trick on you,’ she said frankly. ‘Kate thought you needed stirring up a little.'” (Alcott, para. 27)	Belle admits her initial interactions with Harry were orchestrated by Kate to motivate him.	Irony (Situational): There is a situational irony here. Despite the manipulative nature of the plan, Belle’s actions have a positive impact on Harry.
“‘But you see,’ she said, with a parting smile, ‘you are different already. You won’t go back quite the same man you came.'” (Alcott, para. 29)	The story ends with Belle’s parting words, suggesting Harry has been changed by their encounter.	Transformation and Personal Growth: This quote highlights the story’s central theme. Despite the short timeframe, Belle has undeniably sparked a desire for change within Harry.