Task 2.1 Unit 12- research

Candidate Declaration - I confirm that the attached portfolio is all my own work* and does not include any work completed by anyone other than myself

     (there is sound to this video with the director talking in the back so turn it up for the information)                            

      little women research

for Little Women research of the time and place, costume, characters and the history of the story was very important as it is a completely different world to what we've been brought up in or studied in the past. I began my research before i even auditioned because it was a key factor in understanding the character. Here's all the research I've found from various sources.

1860s Massachusetts I read a few articles and this is the information i have gathered; 

In the 1860's the majority of the population lived in country side areas, and many teens were expected to help out on family farms or in family businesses. This meant working long hours, with little time for fun activities or education.Schools were not as widely available as they are today, and education was often considered a luxury that many families couldn't afford. Even when schools were available, they were often one-room buildings with limited resources and a underwhelming curriculum. Many teens from poorer families did not receive much education beyond reading, writing, and maths. Despite these challenges, there were also opportunities for excitement. The 1860s were a time of great change in America, with the Civil War raging from 1861 to 1865. Young men, including teenagers, enlisted in the army to defend their country. Life was often brutal and dangerous For these young soldiers, but it also offered a chance to see new places with their fellow soldiers. In addition to the war, there were other cultural changes taking place in the 1860s that affected people. The abolitionist movement was gaining momentum, and many young people were passionate about the cause of ending slavery. Women's rights were also beginning to be discussed, with the first women's rights convention taking place in 1848 and the suffrage movement gaining steam in the years leading up to the Civil War. Overall, life for teens in the 1860s in America was a mixture of hard work, limited opportunities, and cultural changes. Despite the challenges they faced, many young people found ways to make the most of their circumstances and contribute to the world around them.  specifically in america, The 1860s was a tumultuous time in American history, marked by significant political, social, and economic changes. Some key features of 1860s America:The Civil War: The most significant event of the decade was the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865. The war was fought between the Northern states and the Southern states  over issues of slavery, states' rights, and the role of the federal government. Slavery was legal in the Southern states until the end of the Civil War. The issue of slavery was a major cause of the conflict, and the Union victory led to the end of slavery and the beginning of Reconstruction.  After the Civil War, the federal government made efforts to rebuild the Southern states and integrate newly freed slaves into American society. This period of Reconstruction lasted from 1865 to 1877 and was marked by significant political and social eruption. The 1860s saw the continued growth of industrialisation in the United States, with the expansion of railroads, factories, and other industries. This led to  economic growth and helped to fuel the Union war effort. The 1860s saw a significant rise in immigrants to the United States, primarily from Europe. This led to increased cultural diversity and helped to fuel the growth of American cities. The 1860s saw the beginnings of the women's suffrage movement, with women activists advocating for the right to vote and other legal and social rights.Overall, the 1860s was a period of significant change in American history, marked by the Civil War, the end of slavery, and the beginnings of Reconstruction. The decade also saw significant economic and social changes, as well as the beginnings of the women's suffrage movement.

since the March girls grew up in this time they were effected by this. Since they were a poor family they had to get their own jobs. Meg started working as a governess when she was just 16. their father went to war which left marmee to provide for the family as well as the girls with their own jobs. This massively impacted the womens rights movements because it showed they are just as capable of working as men.

We also did some research in class where we read lots of information to find out the etiquette of the time. this effects all mannorisms and behaviour as well as beliefs of women of the time so it was vital that we looked into it.

• Never eat very fast
• Never fill the mouth very full
• Never open your mouth when chewing
• Never make noise with the mouth or throat
• Never attempt to talk with the mouth full
• Never leave the table with food in the mouth
• Never soil the table cloth, if it is possible to avoid it
• Never use anything but fork or spoon in feeding yourself
• Never pick your teeth or put your hand in your mouth while eating
• Never cut bread; always break it, spreading with butter each piece as you eat it
• Never hesitate to take the last piece of bread or the last cake; there are probably more
• Never hold bones in your fingers while you eat from them. Cut the meat with a knife
• Never use your own knife when cutting butter. Always use a knife assigned to that purpose
• Never wipe your fingers on the table cloth, nor clean them in your mouth. Use the napkin
• Never allow butter, soup, or other food to remain on your whiskers. Use napkin frequently
• Never pass your plate with a knife and fork on the same. Remove them, and allow them to rest upon a piece of bread
• Never make an effort to clean your plate or the bones you have been eating from too clean; it looks as if you left off hungry
• Never tip back in your chair nor lounge upon the table; neither assume any position that is awkward or ill-bred
• Never eat so much of any one article as to attract attention, as some people do who eat large quantities of butter, sweet cake, cheese or other articles
• Never expectorate at the table; also avoid sneezing or coughing. It is better to arise quietly from the table if you have occasion to do either. A sneeze is prevented by placing the finger firmly on the upper lip
• Never allow the conversation at the table to drift into anything but chit chat, the consideration of deep and abstruse principles will impair digestion

Costume

The costume for this show was particularly important because its so specific for this time, there was no crossover between the characters clothes and our clothes and since i'm on the costume team this was a big job for me. Me and the other girls worked alongside Kelly to find the most affordable and time appropriate options. This was the research that helped us find the right costumes; Fashion during the 1860s in America was heavily influenced by the Victorian era in Europe. Women's clothing during the 1860s was characterised by full skirts, fitted bodices, and wide sleeves. Dresses were often made of light fabrics such as cotton or silk, and were typically adorned with ruffles, lace, and other decorative elements. Women also wore corsets to achieve a narrow waistline, and petticoats to add fullness to their skirts. Men's clothing during the 1860s was characterised by a fitted jacket with matching trousers. The style was formal and conservative, with a high collar and narrow lapels. Men also wore waistcoats underneath their jackets, and cravats tied in a bow or knot. Children's clothing during the 1860s was similar to adults' clothing in style, but with simpler designs. Young Boys typically wore suits with short pants, while girls wore dresses with puffed sleeves and wide skirts. Women's accessories during the 1860s included gloves, fans, and parasols. Men wore top hats or bowler hats, and carried pocket watches. The fabrics used in 1860s fashion were typically lightweight and breathable, such as cotton, silk, and linen. Colours were often shades of brown, grey, and blue being popular. Overall, 1860s fashion was characterised by its conservative and formal style, with an emphasis on fitted jackets and full skirts. The use of corsets and other undergarments to achieve a narrow waistline was also a notable feature of the era. Because the girls were poor they wont have as fancy of clothes so they wont have corsets and will have fewer petticoats. There will still be some that they will have purchased when they had money but not enough for everyone. Richer girls like Sally and Belle will have more outgoing dresses that have a corset waist and petticoats underneath. 

The inspiration for little women the book

"Little Women" is a novel by Louisa May Alcott that was first published in 1868. The book was inspired by her own experiences growing up in the mid-19th century, as well as her relationship with her family and friends.  Alcott was the second of four daughters, and much like the characters in "Little Women," she was raised in a household that valued education and creativity. Her father was a philosopher and educator, and her mother was a social reformer and writer. Many of the events in "Little Women" are based on Alcott's own experiences, including her struggles to support her family financially and her work as a nurse during the Civil War.  Alcott's family was part of the transcendentalist movement, which emphasised individualism, nature, and spirituality. This is reflected in the book's themes of self-improvement, simplicity, and the importance of family and community. Alcott was a strong advocate for women's rights, and "Little Women" reflects her belief in the importance of education and empowerment for women. The book's portrayal of strong, independent female characters was groundbreaking for its time and helped to inspire later feminist movements. "Little Women" was also influenced by other works of literature, including Charles Dickens's novels, which Alcott admired for their social commentary and vivid characters. The book's structure, which follows the lives of the March sisters over several years, was also inspired by the Bildungsroman genre of coming-of-age novels.Overall, "Little Women" was inspired by a variety of personal, philosophical, and literary influences. The book's enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of family, love, and self-discovery.

The adaption of little women

There have been numerous adaptations of "Little Women" since the novel's original publication in 1868. Here are some of the most notable versions:Films: There have been several film adaptations of "Little Women" over the years, including a silent film version in 1917, a classic 1933 film starring Katharine Hepburn, and a 1949 version featuring June Allyson. More recent adaptations include a 1994 version directed by Gillian Armstrong, starring Winona Ryder, and a 2019 version directed by Greta Gerwig, featuring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson,Florence Pugh and Timothée Chalamet. Television: "Little Women" has also been adapted for television several times, including a 1958 TV series starring Mary Astor, a 1978 miniseries featuring Susan Dey, and a 2018 miniseries starring Maya Hawke as Jo March.Stage productions: "Little Women" has been adapted for the stage numerous times, with productions ranging from musicals to dramatic plays.Other adaptations: In addition to these more traditional adaptations, "Little Women" has also inspired spin-off books, such as "Little Men" and "Jo's Boys," as well as a range of merchandise, including dolls, clothing, and home decor.Overall, "Little Women" has been adapted in many different forms over the years, with each version bringing a unique interpretation of the beloved story.

The success of the story

The novel "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott, has been a very successful and influential book since its release in 1868. It tells the story of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, and their experiences growing up together during the Civil War era in the United States. The book has been popular with readers of all ages and has been adapted into numerous stage plays, films, and television series. It has been translated into many languages and has had a lasting impact on American literature. The themes of family, love, and coming of age explored in the book continue to resonate with readers today, and it is widely regarded as a classic of children's literature. "Little Women" has been a success for over a century and continues to be beloved by readers around the world.

why its been so successful for so long;

There are several reasons why "Little Women" has been so successful and popular. Firstly, the characters are well-drawn, relatable, and memorable. Readers can see themselves in the four March sisters and in the other characters in the book, and they can sympathise with their struggles and triumphs. Secondly, the book deals with universal themes that are still relevant today, such as family, love, friendship, and the challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world. The story is set against the backdrop of the Civil War era in the United States, but its themes are timeless and apply to people of all ages and cultures. Thirdly, the writing is engaging, warm, and accessible. The book is written in a straightforward, conversational style that is easy to read and understand, yet it also has moments of great depth and insight. Finally, the book has been continuously popular for over a century because it has been adapted and reinterpreted for different generations and media. "Little Women" has been adapted into numerous stage plays, films, television series, and even an opera, each interpretation bringing its own unique perspective and interpretation of the story. Taken together, these factors have contributed to the enduring appeal and success of "Little Women."

The story is also a timeless story. its captivating how these girls are desperate to live the life we can so easily live. were living the life that women wanted so badly, so its crazy to see them begin the fight that led to us being able to live our lives freely. Each sister is so distinct and different that youre able to find pieces of yourself within them and that's what makes the play feel so homely and makes you feel so connected to the highs and lows of the play.

Meg March

Meg March the oldest of the four March sisters and plays a significant role in the story. Meg is described as responsible and mature beyond her years, often acting as a mediator between her younger sisters. She is portrayed as a maternal figure and takes on many household duties, such as cooking and cleaning. Meg is also described as being romantic and idealistic, with a desire for a traditional domestic life. She is initially drawn to John Brooke, but ultimately chooses to marry him for his kindness and loyalty. Struggles with materialism: Meg's desire for a traditional domestic life sometimes causes her to struggle with materialism. Meg is deeply devoted to her family and values tradition and conventionality. She is proud of her family's humble upbringing and is often uncomfortable with the social climbing of her younger sister Amy. Overall, Meg March is a complex and relatable character who embodies many of the values and struggles of young women in the mid-19th century. Her character is significant in the story as a representation of the challenges and rewards of traditional femininity and domesticity. She is pretty, dutiful and virtuous, almost old for her age. Meg's major flaw is her yearning for material wealth now that her family is poor, she seeks out a wealthy husband however falls in love and marries a poor tutor simply because of his kindness and that shows how large and true her heart is.

I also did some research on what the creators of the 2019 little women movie thought about the character and why they decided to direct, dress and write her like they did. Her thoughts of Meg have been paired with a slideshow of videos of Meg here: the video went to the top and I can’t move it aha scroll up please