This study gauges the mimetic criticism of the Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women”.
An empirical study as basis for proposing alternative solution for fundamental problems. Mimetic theory and seven literary approaches were used to present the findings of the study. The findings of the study revealed that there is a relevant imitation of how society treat women from the past to the present times. Moreover, the use of the mimetic theory highlights the necessity of women awareness and expression. Thus, through the mimetic theory components which are the mimetic desires, scapegoat mechanism and revelations it was also found out that Alcott’s “Little Women” is an effective tool in having an in-depth analysis and understanding of the women’s humanitarian rights.
This premise is supported by the Mimetic theory of learning which states that learning by imitation, constitutes one of the most important forms of learning; Mimetic learning does not, however, just denote mere imitation or copying: Rather, it is a process by which the act of relating to other persons and worlds in a mimetic way leads to an enhancement of one’s own world view, action, and behavior.
Mimetic learning is productive; it is related to the body, and it establishes a connection between the individual and the world as well as other persons; it creates practical knowledge, which is what makes it constitutive of social, artistic, and practical action. Mimetic learning is cultural learning, and as such it is crucial to teaching and education. Recent research on primates has demonstrated that forms of mimetic learning that are observed in human beings are particularly prone to learn mimetically most especially in cultural studies.
Even Aristotle already viewed the ability to learn mimetically, as well as human delight in mimetic processes, as a specifically human gift. Moreover, mimetic actions are by no means only reproductions faithfully copying an example. Rather, in social practices which are performed mimetically, something entirely new is created thus it is a mere adaptation to pre-existing conditions, mimetic processes simultaneously create similarity to and difference from the situations or person they refer to. By “making themselves similar” to previously experienced situations and culturally formed worlds, subjects acquire the ability to find their way around a certain social field.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
THE PROBLEM
THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Chapter 2
PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA ANALYSIS
Chapter 3
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Chapter 4
THE OUTPUT OF THE STUDY
LITTLE WOMEN
Film Study Worksheet – For a Work of Fiction
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This empirical study aims to analyze Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" through the lens of mimetic theory to explore and address fundamental societal issues regarding gender roles, discrimination, and women's rights.
- Application of mimetic theory (mimetic desires, scapegoat mechanism, and revelations) to literary and cinematic analysis.
- Examination of gender inequality and stereotypical roles imposed on women in society.
- Evaluation of violence and oppression as tools of social control.
- Development of educational strategies for teaching women empowerment through literature.
Excerpt from the Book
Rationale of the Study
Literature in daily life is quite familiar to human being. It is inseparable aspect of human’s life and represents as it is regarded as the mirror of social life. Also, it’s a form of expression to express special idea, vision of life, interest that deals with record experiences throughout history.
According to (Coffiman, 2019) a Harvard School Assistant professor said that gender stereotyping can weak self-confidence back as they count themselves out of pursuing prestigious roles in profession, they believe they won’t excel in, despite having the skills to succeed. She added that stereotypes play on our minds so strongly that it becomes tougher to convince people of their talent in fields where they believe their gender is weak.
Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that literary readers may experience slowed down thinking and postponement of judgement (Castano & Kidd, 2013) both process that challenge automaticity and thereby may support sustained cognitive decoupling (Stanovich & Toplak, 2012). To grapple with the inquisitive challenges, this study makes use of the mimetic criticism as an interface schema. The mimetic criticism hones the student’s conceptualization and introspection.
Therefore, this study aims to analyze mimetic criticism of Louisa May Alcott “Little Women” as basis for the empirical inquiry.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1: This chapter introduces the rationale, theoretical background, and the specific research problems focusing on how "Little Women" reflects social realities.
Chapter 2: This section presents the data gathered from the analysis of the story and movie, interpreting findings through various feminist and mimetic lenses.
Chapter 3: This chapter provides a synthesis of the study's findings regarding values, victim-blaming, and empowerment, culminating in the researcher's conclusions and recommendations.
Chapter 4: This section details the practical output of the research, providing an educational framework and activities designed to enhance student comprehension of literary texts.
Keywords
English Teaching, Mimetic Criticism, Little Women, Mimetic Desires, Scapegoat Mechanism, Revelations, Gender Inequality, Gender Stereotyping, Violence, Women Empowerment, Feminist Literature, Literary Analysis, Social Roles, Empirical Study, Human Relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research study?
The study investigates the mimicry present in Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" to propose alternative solutions for fundamental societal problems related to gender.
What are the central thematic fields covered in the work?
The work centers on gender inequality, the damaging effects of gender stereotyping, the scapegoat mechanism in social interactions, and the necessity of women's empowerment.
What is the primary research goal or question?
The core objective is to analyze "Little Women" using mimetic theory to understand how the story reflects societal treatment of women and to provide an effective tool for students and educators to recognize and challenge these issues.
Which scientific method is utilized in the study?
The researchers employed an empirical, qualitative research method, relying on in-depth analysis and direct observation of the story and film to interpret findings.
What content is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body examines specific components of mimetic theory—mimetic desires, scapegoat mechanism, and revelations—through various literary approaches such as deconstructive, ideological, and feminist lenses.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Mimetic Criticism, Little Women, gender inequality, scapegoat mechanism, and women empowerment.
How does the study link mimetic desires to the characters in "Little Women"?
The study analyzes how characters like Jo March navigate social expectations and demonstrate the desire to transcend traditional, objectified gender roles.
Why is the "scapegoat mechanism" significant in the researchers' analysis?
It is used to explain how society often blames women for various conflicts and societal failures, reinforcing the need for greater awareness and a shift in cultural perception.
- Quote paper
- Millet Capangpangan (Author), Eunice Sisley M. Donor (Author), Maria Theresa M. Sumampong (Author), 2022, Mimetic criticism of Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1223416
