Little Women: Florence Pugh’s Portrayal Makes Amy March a Likable Character for Critics

Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of Little Women has garnered acclaim for its innovative take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, particularly highlighting Florence Pugh’s distinctive interpretation of Amy March. Historically, Jo March, the ambitious second sister, has been celebrated as the arch heroine, while Amy, the youngest, has often faced disdain among readers and fans.

Gerwig’s approach transcends mere casting; it smartly shifts the narrative structure from chronological to non-linear, enriching the storytelling experience. This choice allowed Pugh, alongside talented co-stars such as Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet, to provide invigorating performances. Remarkably, Pugh’s portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination, a significant achievement given the character’s longstanding negative reputation.

Why Fans of Little Women Dislike Amy in the Original Novel

Amy’s Infamy: Burning Jo’s Manuscript and Marrying Laurie

Amy March (Florence Pugh) dressed in black, frowning, in Little Women

Amy March, the youngest of the March sisters, exhibits traits often seen in younger siblings. At the beginning of the novel, she is just 12 years old and preoccupied with becoming a refined young lady. Despite her family’s modest means, Amy dreams of glamorous balls, elegant dresses, and an elevated social status. However, her somewhat spoiled nature becomes apparent when her sisters decide to donate their Christmas breakfast, a gesture that Amy initially struggles to support.

While some readers might attribute her petulance to her age, her character’s actions inspire deeper loathing. In a memorable scene, she retaliates against Jo by throwing her hard-earned manuscript into the fire, a deeply hurtful act that underscores her vindictiveness despite her youth. Although Jo and Amy eventually find forgiveness, this cruel moment creates a lasting impression that many readers find hard to overlook.

Transforming Amy: Florence Pugh’s Impact on the Character

Pugh Highlights Amy’s Growth and Self-Discovery

To reshape Amy into a more relatable character, several changes were necessary in the movie adaptation. Primarily, Amy is portrayed as a teenager during flashbacks, allowing viewers to perceive her as a developing individual rather than simply a spoiled child. This depiction strikes a balance between acknowledging her youthful flaws and her inherent goodness.

Pugh’s performance is key in presenting a more complex figure. As young Amy, she captures both the character’s immaturity and her underlying warmth. Upon maturing, Pugh’s portrayal reveals a young woman with strong convictions and self-awareness, allowing audiences to empathize with Amy’s struggles and ambitions.

The romantic subplot involving Amy and Laurie also benefits from Pugh’s nuanced performance. In the original book, their relationship develops largely off-screen, making it harder for readers to feel their love is authentic. However, in the 2019 film, Pugh and Chalamet’s chemistry is palpable, enriching viewers’ understanding of their bond.

Gerwig’s Refreshing Perspective on Amy March

Pugh’s Amy: A Feminist Perspective on Marriage

Gerwig’s adaptation begins with the sisters as adults, a clever choice that showcases their growth and evolution. One early scene features Amy painting in Paris, where she unexpectedly reunites with Laurie. Their evident connection lays the groundwork for a more believable romance, allowing viewers to appreciate the development of their relationship before examining Jo’s involvement with Laurie.

Furthermore, the film redefines Amy’s motivations regarding marriage. Unlike the book, where Amy’s aspirations are largely tied to wealth, the film features her delivering a feminist speech critiquing the societal pressures on women to marry for financial security. This narrative shift acknowledges the influence of her Aunt March, who emphasizes the need for Amy to find a wealthy husband to secure the family’s future.

By providing depth to Amy’s character, Gerwig’s screenplay presents her struggle in a more relatable light. She is no longer just the superficial girl seeking riches; instead, she grapples with her identity while trying to carve out her path in a world dominated by her older sisters.

Florence Pugh’s Performance: A Benchmark for Amy March

Comparative Analysis of Amy March Portrayals

Over the years, Little Women has inspired numerous adaptations, each presenting varying interpretations of its characters. The 1933 adaptation, featuring Katharine Hepburn as Jo and Joan Bennett as Amy, spotlights Bennett’s portrayal as demure but ultimately overshadowed by Hepburn’s commanding performance.

The 1994 version, widely recognized prior to the 2019 film, features Amy as a young girl played by Kirsten Dunst. Unfortunately, Dunst embodies Amy’s more unlikable traits — portraying her as spoiled and shallow. The adult Amy, portrayed by Samantha Mathis, lacks depth, often serving merely as Laurie’s love interest.

Florence Pugh’s take on Amy is a departure from these previous portrayals. While she retains the ambition for a better life, it is presented with sincerity rather than greed. Notably, when Jo criticizes her dreams of being a renowned artist as “crass,”Amy bravely asserts her right to pursue her desires — a statement that resonates with modern feminist ideals. The evolution of Amy’s character in this adaptation was both necessary and skillfully executed through Pugh’s remarkable performance.

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