2. Abstract
This study aims to describe 1) American history contained in the Little Women story 2) the
life of the writer 3) economic situation 4) culture, which is examined using the New
historicism approach theory, which uses non-literary texts as an effort to integrate literary
texts that will analyzed. 1) parallel reading technique, which is the technique of reading
literary texts (novels) with non-literary texts. 2) the analysis used includes data presentation
and discussion. The analysis used in studying the novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
is equalized with non-literary texts relating to events in the novel as an effort to integrate
literary texts that have been analyzed. 3) presenting conclusions from the analysis of facts
about history, life, economics, politics and culture taught by non-literary texts. The results of
the study include: 1) the representation of American history at the time 2) the representation
of the life of the author 3) the economic representation of the writer. The results of studies
on the novel Little Women using new historicism can provide historical information on the
novel at that time, so it can compare American history with current life.
3. Chapter I
1.1 Background
• Many theories are often used in conducting research, one of which is
historical theory, this theory uses a different perspective in viewing a literary
work, where literary works are seen from the historical point of view of the
birth of a literary work and see from the cultural context at that time. by
stephen greenblat including theories created in the modern human era 1980s.
• Different historical periods are reflected in literature.National and tribal
sagas,accounts of the origin of the world and of customs and myths which
sometimes carry moral or spritual messages predominate in the pre-urban
eras.
4. 1.2 Problem of Study
1.what is the purpose of historical elements
in literary works?
2.Whether are elements of histor at that time
influenced many literary works?
3.how big is the impact of history in
literature?
1.3 Objective of The Study
Based on the above problem
formulation, the main problems in this
study are as follows:
1.To find out the role of history in
novel “ LITTLE WOMEN”
2.To find out the influence of
historical elements during the creation
of the novel “LITTLE
WOMEN”
3.whether historical elements at that
time had a big impact in creating
literary works
5. 1.4 Significant of Study
The results of this study are expected to be in two frameworks
namely:
1.theoretical benefits, this research is expected to provide an
explanation of the development of literary works from time to time
especially from the literary point of view.
2.practical benefits, the results of this study are expected to help
readers about the history of the novel and its creator, as well as
knowing the role of history in influencing a literary work
6. 2. Methodology
This study uses a qualitative research approach where qualitative research is a
scientific method that is often used and the field of social science. Qualitative
research is used to build knowledge through understanding and knowledge.
Qualitative research is conducted in natural conditions and is discovery.
7. 2.2 Technique for Collecting
Data
The writer collecting data by
read the Novel “LITTLE
WOMEN” repeatedly.
2.3 Technique for Analyzing Data
The writer clasify the data based on Esten’s
theory (1978), then find out the historical
elements based on Stephen Greenblat’s
theory (1989).
1.Find out the historical elements contained
in the novel “LITTLE WOMEN” and
select the proof of the quotes from the
author.
2.Search the background of the author
about the creation of the novel.
8. 2.4 Historicism
According to Esten (Esten, 1978: 9) argues that literature is the expression of
artistic and imaginative facts as manifestations of human life and society in
general, through language as a medium and having a positive effect on human
life.
This study aims to look for the historical elements in the Novel “LITTLE
WOMEN” for this reason, the writer uses the theory that support this research.
9. 4. Result and discussion
The author indentifies fragments of sentences from the novel that
will be evidence of the relationship of this novel to the origin of the
creator.
10. Quote 1
”Its so dreadful to be poor!” signed
Meg,looking down at her old dress.’I
don’t think it’s fair for some girls to
have plenty of pretty things,and other
girls nothing at all”
Quote 2
“We haven’t got father” and shall not
have him for a long time” ,she didn’t
say “perhaps never” but each silently
added it , thinking of father far away,
where the fighting was.
Quote 3
Not far way from here lies a poor woman
with a little newborn baby.Six children are
huddled into one bed to keep from
freezing,for they have no fire.There is
nothing to eat over there,and the oldest boy
came to tell me they were suffering hunger
and cold.
Quote 4
every one rejoiced but Beth.She lay in that
heavy stupor, alike unconscious of hope and
joy,doubt and danger. It was a piteous sight, the
once rosy face so changed and vacant. The
once busy hands so weak and wasted, the once
smiling lips quite dumb, and the once
pretty,well-kept hair scattered rough and
tangled on the pillow
11. Quote 5
“we can’t give up our girls for a dozen
fortunes Rich or poor, we will keep
together and be happy in one another”.
Quote 6
She was back at her post in instant, and to her excited
eyes a great change seemed to have taken place. The
fever flush and took of pain were gone, and the beloved
little face looked so pale and peaceful in its utter repose
that Jo felt no desire to weep or to lament. Leaning low
over this dearest of her sisters, she kissed the damp
forehead with her heart on her lips, and softly whispered,
“Good-by, my Beth. Good-by!”.
Quote 7
I saw something I liked this morning, and I
meant to tell the dinner, but I forgot, said Beth,
puuting Jo’s topsy-turvy basket in order as she
talked. “When I went to get some oyster for
Hannah, Mr. Laurance was in fish shop, but he
didn’t see me, for I kept behind the fish barre,
and he was busy with Mr. Cutter if he would let
her do some scrubbing for a bit of fish, because
she hadn’t any dinner for her children, and had
been disappointed of day’s work. Mr. Cutter
was in hurry and said “No”, rather crossly,so
she was going away, looking hungry and sorry”
12. Quote 8
I began to talk him, for he looked poor and anxious. “ have you sons in army?’
I asked, for the note he brought was not to me.”
“yes ma’m.I had four,but two were killed, ones is a prisioner, and I’m going to
the other, who is very sick in Washington hospital.’ he answered quitely.”
“you have done a great deal for your country, sir,’ I said, feeling respect now,
instead of pity.”
“Not mite more than I ought, ma’am. I’d go myself. If I was any use. As I
ain’t, give my boys, and give them free”
13. Quote 9
“ poor girls don’t stand any chance ,
Belle says , unless they put
themselves forward,” sighed Meg.
”then we’ll be old maids , “ said Jo
stoutly. Happy wives , or
unmaidenly girls , runing about to
find husbands ,” said Mrs. March
decidedly .
