An Open letter to Jo March

Dear Jo,

Do you know how great an inspiration you are to the minds of Little Women?

"An era has passed since, and your words about the minds and hearts of women resonate just the same. "

I don't remember the exact moment when I fell for you. From outright rejection of gender roles to rejecting Laurie's marriage proposal and from finding solace in literature to becoming one great writer yourself, it was perhaps love at first sight.

Do you know how much I can relate to you when your little acts of kindness gets overshadowed by you not behaving in a "lady-like" way or the time when your anger-issues embitter relations? I understand how you felt when it seemed the only person struck in time is you and the future you imagined cannot align with the reality. Your courage, nevertheless, to hold onto your beliefs is what makes you the most loved protagonist of all time.

Do you know how much I admire you for your quick-paced actions, your thoughtfulness, your imperfections, and most of all for your ideals, you stood by without wavering? Although, I still don't know how to process your marriage but life doesn't always turn out the way we want it to be, does it?

Your story, Jo March is one which comforts in the times of despair and embolden us to shatter the expectations of this heteronormative-patriarchal society because women are so much more than just damsels in distress capable of doing so much more than just household chores.

Thank you Jo for being my go to person and of thousands of other women. From the one who couldn't be more grateful for your mere existence.

Aranya