Financial Necessity:
* Supporting her family: Alcott's family was struggling financially, and she felt a strong responsibility to contribute. Her father, Bronson Alcott, was an idealistic philosopher and educator, but not very practical when it came to making money. Louisa took on various jobs to help support the family, including teaching, sewing, and even working as a domestic servant.
* Providing for her siblings: Louisa was the eldest of four children, and she felt a responsibility to care for them. She was particularly devoted to her younger sister, May, who suffered from poor health.
* Easing her mother's burden: Louisa recognized the immense pressure her mother, Abigail May Alcott, was under trying to keep the family afloat. Writing became a way for her to alleviate some of that stress.
Passion and Purpose:
* Artistic expression: Alcott had a natural talent for writing, and she loved using words to create stories and characters. From a young age, she was encouraged by her father to write, and she kept journals and wrote short stories.
* Sharing her experiences: Alcott's own life was filled with challenges and experiences that she wanted to share with others. She used writing as a way to explore her own thoughts and feelings, and to connect with readers who might relate to her struggles.
* Advocating for social change: Alcott was a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice. Her writing often reflected these beliefs, and she hoped to inspire readers to think critically about societal issues.
"Little Women" as a turning point:
While Alcott initially wrote for financial reasons, "Little Women" became a huge success, earning her both financial security and critical acclaim. This allowed her to pursue her writing career with more freedom and passion.
Overall, Louisa May Alcott's writing career was a testament to her resilience, talent, and strong sense of responsibility. It was driven by a mix of necessity, passion, and a desire to use her voice to make a difference in the world.