Jo is outspoken and opinionated. She is complex and not interested in the role of the quiet and demure Victorian woman. The narrator notes, "Jo had the least self-control, and had hard times trying to curb the fiery spirit which was continually getting her into trouble" Jo is independent, socially and, eventually, financially. She says "I don't like favors; they oppress and make me feel like a slave. I'd rather do everything for myself, and be perfectly independent" The novel treats education and career as not only acceptable, but important in women's lives. Marriage and dependence are not the only options. .
Mrs. March tells her girls, "I want my daughters to be well and wisely married To be loved and chosen by a good man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely hope my girls may know this beautiful experience." Marriage is considered the correct path for a Victorian woman and Alcott affirms this desire in each of Jo's sisters. Meg and Amy are both very concerned about social graces and long to be a part of the high society crowd. Mrs. March goes on to say "Better to be happy old maids than unhappy wives, or unmaidenly girls, running about trying to find husbands leave these things to time; make this home happy, so that you may be fit for homes of your own, if they are offered to you, and contented here if they are not." Alcott presents marriage as an option, not as a failure to attract a mate. She offers the idea that one can be happy and contented without being married, yet does so in a way that is not a threat to her traditional audience. Alcott explores Jo's opposing views to the idea of marriage and portrays her mother as supportive. When first confronted with the idea of marriage, she refuses a proposal from Laurie, her close companion, and decides to focus on her career. This was very unconventional behavior for a woman of her time.
