Scarlet Stockings

by Louisa May Alcott

Scarlet Stockings is a novel written by Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women. The book follows the story of a young woman named Rosamond Vivian, who is forced to leave her home and move to the city after her father's death. Rosamond's mother, a former actress, is unable to support her daughter and turns to alcoholism. Rosamond is left to fend for herself in a society that looks down upon women who work for a living.In order to survive, Rosamond takes a job as a governess for a wealthy family. She soon finds herself falling in love with the family's eldest son, Sydney. However, their love is forbidden due to their different social classes. Rosamond is forced to choose between her love for Sydney and her desire for financial security.The novel explores themes of love, class, and the challenges faced by women in the 19th century. Alcott's writing is characterized by her strong female characters who defy societal norms and strive for independence. Scarlet Stockings is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.So peace was declared, and lasted unbroken for the remaining week of his stay, when he proposed to take Kate to the city for a little gayety. Miss Morgan openly approved the plan, but secretly felt as if the town was about to be depopulated, and tried to hide her melancholy in her substitute's socks. They were not large enough, however, to absorb it all, and when Lennox went to make his adieu, it was perfectly evident that the Doctor's Belle was out of tune.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Short Stories, Classics, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Louisa May Alcott was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for writing the novel Little Women (1868) and its sequels Good Wives (1869), Little Men (1871) and Jo's Boys (1886). Raised in New England by her transcendentalist parents, Abigail May Alcott and Amos Bronson Alcott, she grew up among many well-known intellectuals of the day, including Margaret Fuller, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Alcott's family suffered from financial difficulties, and while she worked to help support the family from an early age, she also sought an outlet in writing. She began to receive critical success for her writing in the 1860s. Early in her career, she sometimes used pen names such as A.M. Barnard, under which she wrote lurid short stories and sensation novels for adults that focused on passion and revenge.
Published in 1868, Little Women is set in the Alcott family home, Orchard House, in Concord, Massachusetts, and is loosely based on Alcott's childhood experiences with her three sisters, Abigail May Alcott Nieriker, Elizabeth Sewall Alcott, and Anna Bronson Alcott Pratt. The novel was well-received at the time and is still popular today among both children and adults. It has been adapted for stage plays, films, and television many times.
Alcott was an abolitionist and a feminist and remained unmarried throughout her life. She also spent her life active in reform movements such as temperance and women's suffrage. She died from a stroke in Boston on March 6, 1888, just two days after her father's death.

Reviews

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Since I indulged the romantic side of my personality with three historical romances last week (in one day! though two of them were novellas), and I was feeling a little sick last night -- no, Thanksgiving dinner was not to blame ... well, maybe it was a little -- I randomly read 4 short stories last night that showed up on someone or other's online list of "great short stories." <----- Yes, I'm still doing my literary penance thing, or maybe a better way to describe it is that I try to keep a certain balance in my reading. If I indulge myself with some literary junk food, I try to balance it out with something more substantial and thought-provoking.

So: four short stories last night, all available online, mostly old and thus out of copyright. I'm starting with Louisa May Alcott's "Scarlet Stockings," a charming, nostalgic type of read. If you like older books with old-fashioned manners and values and a little squeaky clean romance, well, I've got the story for you right here.

Harry Lennox, a well-traveled and intelligent young man in maybe his early twenties, is visiting his sister Kate in a small town during the U.S. Civil War era. Lennox is a little jaded and rather proud of his educated, sophisticated self, and is getting bored with the social scene in this little town. Except that there's this quirky girl who walks by their house every day who doesn't seem to care to give him the time of day. And she wears bright red stockings -- he can see tantalizing glimpses of them as she strides along on her business. Madness! (Remember, Civil War era.) Anyway, Harry wants to meet this girl and impress her with his vast coolness, but Belle is not to be so easily impressed, and seems to see straight through him.

The characters are reminiscent of some of our friends in Little Women. I wasn't totally buying into this story, I think mostly because of its rosy glasses view of going to war and fighting for your country. Not that I don't believe in that, but something about the fervor Belle feels for it as she encourages Harry to Do What's Right, didn't quite sit right with me.

But Belle is otherwise a great character, independent and definitely out of the mold for mid-19th century young women. She believes in doing good -- and that means getting involved personally with people in poverty. Harry Lennox's reactions as he accompanies her on her charity excursion, trying to impress her, are priceless, as is Belle's response when he offers to give her money to help the poor rather than getting involved personally. "Give it yourself; one can't buy blessings, they must be earned or they are not worth having."

So in the course of writing this review I've talked myself into rounding up to 4 stars rather than down to 3. I recommend this to those who like the old-fashioned, romantic reads.

Read it free online here at AmericanLiterature.com.

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Ah, I see, a diving-bell, who knows how to go down into a sea of troubles, and bring up the pearls worth having."
Louisa May Alcott, Scarlet Stockings


I must agree with other reviewers and also thank them because many said something I was a bit nervous about saying.

Why is going to war romantisized?

This is a book that's about a romance -- sort of.

I will be including SPOILERS.

In this story, the female protagonist deems her suitor unworthy unless he goes to war and proves himself to her by being brave.

I must confess -- I can't give anything by her under a three. If it was another writer I may have.

I never understood that. I never understood the draft and I do not understand the concept of war as romantic even now.

Who is to say what courage is? And if a woman is unable to love a man unless he agrees to go and potentially get himself killed then I'd say he's too good for her.

My feeling? If someone does not want to enlist -- good for them.

If someone DOES want to enlist -- good for them.

Who am I to judge anyone? And is love really love if it comes with harsh conditions, especially conditions as oppressive as these?

What if a man were to reject a woman unless she agreed to have babies because that is "feminine" or his idea of femininity?

Who decides these things?

I really had issues with this story and am glad to see I was not the only one.

I get that times were different then. I get that I did not live through them. But I am entitled to my opinion as she was. And frankly the whole idea of war being romantized is in many ways distasteful. These are real people going to fight and possibly die. This should be taken seriously.

These people who do this are heroes but just because someone chooses NOT to do it does not make them lacking in humanity or any less a human being.

Perhaps they will be a hero in some other way. War should not be weaponized as a condition of love. Just my opinion.

[Atlas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute. I liked it. Alcott's writing is very beautiful, I can see why people like Little Women. The war is very romanticized which I assume is due to some propaganda, perhaps Alcott was trying to soothe the minds of women whose husbands had gone to war.
Overall I found the relationship between Lennox and Belle was cute, they challenged each other.

[Sheida · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s not much to say about this short story. It’s cute and it’s simple and it really made me wanna read Little Women.

[Lena DeCaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

How tf did she make me feel so many emotions in so little time? This was adorable and tragic and terrifying and funny and innocent and heartwarming... must read.

[Britt Halliburton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alcott is a very good writer that is more than capable of creating interesting, three-dimensional characters and every detail given relays some charm to the characters. However, the romanticising of war grates on me no end. A real man should go to war, a man is not worthy of a woman if he does not go to war, a woman cannot go to war. Obviously, it's a change of the times and while I'm happy to read books on war and the negative traits of old societies, it gets tiresome when it is the singular purpose of the narrative.

As silly and charming as the little 'romantic ruses' are, it often reminds me that so many problems can be solved if people would just talk to each other. Why play these emotional games and not be straight to one another?

The major feature I think works well is the idea of one 'symbol' allowing people to endure. In this case, the scarlet stockings. One must ask does Lennox truly love Belle or does he love the stockings, or rather the idea of who Belle is as relates to her wearing scarlet stockings.

[K. Anna Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've arranged my thoughts into a haiku:

"Don't bait a peacock.
Beauty and depth can manage
To come hand in hand."

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote an entire book report on this in eighth grade lol... read on to see it!!

A tale of love, virtue, and morality, “Scarlet Stockings” by Louisa May Alcott tells the story of a prideful young man and how lively, independent Belle Morgan influences him for the better. Written in the mid-1800s, this story encouraged young women in the 19th century to challenge gender stereotypes and be unique. “Scarlet Stockings” is full of both spirit and romance: perfect for those who are looking for a sweet, delightful read.

At the beginning of “Scarlet Stockings”, readers are introduced to the protagonist of the story, Harry Lennox. He is a well-traveled, prideful young man who is visiting his sister, Kate. Kate’s town is aristocratic and quite dull; the only amusement Harry gets is his daily glimpse of a spirited young woman in scarlet stockings, Belle Morgan. According to Kate, Belle is bright, energetic, and warm-hearted, though she can be quite odd. Belle doesn’t fit with the proper aristocrats; she prefers to do what she likes and has her own ideas and principles. One day, as Belle is bustling around town, Harry joins her. The two become friends in no time. Eventually, Harry learns to respect Belle and is influenced by her morals. Harry surprises Belle by enlisting in the war, and she sends him off with the knitted socks and comfort-bag she made for an anonymous soldier. As Harry is fighting in the war, he remembers Belle faithfully and chivalrously, for within the short time he’s known her, he’s fallen in love. Belle, too, has feelings for Harry, and when Harry comes back to Kate’s town to visit, both Belle and Harry confess their love to each other. The story concludes on a happy note, with Harry declaring that his honor and virtue are all thanks to Belle and her scarlet stockings.

From setting to symbolism, the story “Scarlet Stockings” is significant in more ways than one. The story takes place during the American Civil War era; the war that Harry fights in and Belle feels so strongly about is the U.S. Civil War. During this time period, females were looked down upon and were expected to fit a certain mold: women weren’t supposed to form their own opinions and had practically no say in anything. Belle Morgan, however, is a strong, assertive individual who doesn’t conform to society’s expectations and does what is right, not what is conventional. For example, Belle helps impoverished Biddy O’Brien directly when many of her children are sick with scarlet fever, attending to them personally, instead of simply giving money by proxy. Harry evidently didn’t approve of getting too close with “the poor”, but after Belle brings him to the O’Briens’ abode and tells him that thanks are to be earned, not cheaply bought, Harry respects both Belle and her principles much more. Belle is different from any other girl in town, and this actually makes her a more appealing character, even in the 1860s. In fact, one of the main themes in “Scarlet Stockings” is to be yourself. Harry Lennox starts out as a vain young man who puts on airs in order to be interesting; however, this is counterintuitive, since quick-witted Belle sees through him easily. Towards the middle of the story, Harry begins to show his true colors and becomes a more likable person. Both Belle and Harry are enjoyable characters because they are sincere in their words and actions. Another interesting point is the symbolism of the scarlet stockings from which Alcott’s story gets its name. At the beginning of the story, the scarlet stockings that Belle wears are representative of the color and spirit that she brings to the town. They stand out, just like Belle herself. Near the end of the story, the stockings express something else--the love between Belle and Harry. Harry credits any virtues he may possess to the scarlet stockings and the girl who wears them. Louisa May Alcott includes the scarlet stockings at both the beginning and end of her story, and she uses the parallel to conclude the story with ease.

“Scarlet Stockings” is a heartening and at times humorous story about romance, integrity, and doing what’s right. I like how the story has a clear plot line with well-developed characters, and though it uses some old-fashioned language, it is well written. I also enjoyed the tone of the story: it is lighthearted and clever. “Scarlet Stockings” is comparable to another work, Little Women--both are filled with the characteristic charm and wit of Louisa May Alcott. Jo from Little Women is similar to Belle from “Scarlet Stockings”--the two both stand out from the crowd. As far as short stories go, this one was a gem. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers looking for a satisfying story.

All in all, Louisa May Alcott’s “Scarlet Stockings” is a pleasing story regarding the language of love and being unique during the mid-1800s. Even though the story was written for an audience of another era, readers of today will find the tale endearing, yet thought-provoking. Reading “Scarlet Stockings” should be a priority on every book lover's bucket list.

[April Helms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fans of Alcott's work will most likely enjoy this short story. Some of the rationales involving the two main characters gets a bit convoluted at times but I did like the humor. This story is also not as preachy as some of Alcott's stories can be. Here, a young man visiting with his sister falls for a young lady who likes slightly eccentric fashion (including her red stockings) and long, brisk walks. She introduces him to the ideas of true charity and feeling — but he teaches her a few lessons as well.

[Ann T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet wholesome story of love. Oh to be woo'ed by such a man as Lennox. And Belle to have the chance to show her love upon his return. The sweet treasures she gave to him that made him feel safe. Dear Kate, the matchmaker, did so well and I hope she too will find a love like Lennox and Belle. I am going to go buy some scarlet stockings now.

[Paul LaFontaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice vignette, not as interesting to me. Alcott's period of the Civil War is interesting to me as a history buff but the little romantic trick played by the protagonist is the source of this story.

[Jordan Dumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully clever little story about love and war.

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that the final ruse had me going for a minute. I always enjoy an Alcott story.

[Kathy Nealen · Rating 3 out of 5]

More assertive flirtation than usual in an Alcott story; and, I wouldn’t say the relationship was based on trust.

[Stephiee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! 👌

[Anna ʚɞ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 ★

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

For school

[Nathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

ele literalmente indo pra guerra por ela

[Ananda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una lettura scorrevole e a tratti molto divertente, con personaggi ben caratterizzati e da cui il dualismo della scrittrice, come spiegato nell'introduzione, ben risalta.

[Phil Syphe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story is upbeat and humorous.

Belle is a good-hearted yet sometimes odd young woman. She attracts the attentions of Harry, though she seems not to feel anything for him.

At length they develop a friendship. Through Belle's influence Harry becomes a soldier for a year. He does this only to impress her.

Harry has a thing for Belle's scarlet stockings, though unfortunately (for us male readers, anyway) the reader only gets a glimpse of red-stockinged ankle, which is often as much leg as one gets to see in per-twentieth-century literature (except for the odd erotic work).

A good read.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically the standard rom-com setup. A jerk falls for the sassy yet virtuous girl and they start an unconventional courtship during which he is reformed. A bit of contemporary politics with the American Civil War thrown in, a call to arms to all upstanding Unionists. A bit dated, but still somewhat amusing.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a funny story, makes me "chuckling mad" that the guy comes out on top at the expense of the girl (at least in her own eyes), but this is an Alcott story guys might like, and she's accurate about what guys are like, how they think, talk, scheme.

[Raina Parikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first "feisty girl meets spoiled boy and reforms him" story. I rather liked it and thought it was really witty! Their ruses were amusing as well.

[Maya Hope Hillis · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was originally five/four stars and then I kept reading.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable!

[Monda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short funny story. Lovely and enjoyable, but a little bit rushed.