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3.2 Meg and Beth in the Eyes of Others
3.2.1 Meg in the Eyes of Others
Meg is so different in the eyes of different persons. She is a beautiful and lovely daughter in parents’ eyes; she is the oldest sister in her younger sisters’ eyes; she is a good wife and mother in her husband’s and children’s eyes.
Meg is a beautiful and independent girl, which makes her parents be proud of her. Though she is the oldest sister who could take good care of her sisters, she is always a child needed caring for and helping in the eyes of her parents. On one occasion Meg gets back from Annie’s party, she feels uneasy and confused, and confesses all happened in that party to her mother. Her mother does not blame her but also comforts her and removes the doubts she has that mother doesn't marry her daughters just for money and social status.
On another occasion Laurie makes mischief between Meg and Brooke. She doesn't know what to do just crying sadly with face hid in her hands. It’s her mother and Jo that help her to deal with it properly. After mother talks to Laurie, he is so regretful that Meg accepts his humble apology. “She is much comforted by the assurance that Brooke knows nothing of the joke.” (Louisa May Alcott 194)
Also once, Meg does not know how to deal with the relationship between her and her husband after Daisy and Demi is born. She thinks that she isn't beautiful so that John does not love her any more. At this time her mother comes to give her advice, according to her own experience, which helps her a lot. “Their home grows homelike again, and John has no wish to leave it, unless he takes Meg with him.” (Louisa May Alcott 371) Even both the Scotts and Sallie Moffat like to come to the Brookes’, for everyone finds the little house a cheerful place. Meg and John find the key to the household happiness with the help of Mrs. March.
In the eyes of parents, Meg is the beautiful and oldest daughter, who is independent and helpful. But she also needs help now and then, after all, she is always a child in her parents’ eyes.
Meg is so gentle that she seldom lost her temper. Being beautiful, she is always eager for nice things, gay friends, accomplishments, and a happy life. “Despite of her small vanities, she has a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influences her sisters, especially Jo, who loves her very tenderly, and obeys her because her advice is so gently given.” (Louisa May Alcott 13) She takes care of her sisters in her elder sister’s fashion. Even Amy sees her as her own confidante and monitor. It’s Meg that gives her money to pay off “her debts”, and comforts her when she is sad. For Jo, Meg is an elegant lady, who always behaves in proper ways. Besides, she is a good playmate for her sisters. They act in Christmas plays and founded the Pickwick Club and a post office.
Meg is a beautiful and gentle woman. For love she is brave and independent. In spite of longing for a comfortable and wealthy life, she marries to John because of love and does not care how poor John is, regardless of aunt March’s rejection. And Meg is a good wife who brought so much, energy, and cheerfulness to the domestic work. Every day she does the housework and cooked delicious dinner, waiting for John coming home. This makes John find home a paradise.
But, sometimes she has more energy than discretion. Once being busy with currant jelly, she doesn't make dinner for John and his friend, which makes John embarrassed. At another occasion, Meg spent much money on trifles and silk which is more than they could afford, and what she complains wounds him deeply. Fortunately, Meg realized her fault and she was forgiven by John. Besides, Meg was a good mother, who is entirely absorbed in her children, regardless of everything and everybody. She gives all that the twins wanted, which makes them in the danger of being spoiled by adoration. Luckily, John has solved the problem. He educates them in his fatherly fashion. Their home grew homelike again.