HILLARY JOY M. RUFINO, MA. Ed.

- English
ENG 301- Literary Theory and Criticism
Reader Response Theory- Scarlet Stockings by Louisa May Alcott
Submitted to: Mrs. Felma M. Manligoy

Mirroring on Relationships Today:

A Literary Criticism of the Scarlet Stockings by Louisa May Alcott
using the Reader Response Theory

“This piece had my heart.” Through a simple three-chaptered plot line and few but lovable
characters, I was taken away by Alcott’s heartwarming and romantic narration.

In its beginning, the main characters were introduced as strangers from one another. Harry
Lennox, brother of Kate, does not have any interest since the beginning of his stay in their hometown.
Belle Morgan, a daughter of a doctor, is considered as mysterious but known for her red stockings and in
helping people. The exposition is quite a reminiscing moment as it was set in a small province and
everything was simple. As Belle, with her remarkable scarlet stockings, often pass Harry’s house, he
always looks through his windows. Now, he has an apple in his eyes.

The story went on until they met. They went to the place where Belle cares for the old and
young people. They grew closer with each other. Harry’s family, especially Kate, is fond of Belle. Belle’s
family, too. This chapter is exciting and thrilling as the events leveled and it left me holding for the
suspense what will happen next. It was like a hide and seek for the both of them. They wanted to know
each other but they did not like to reveal themselves also. As I read, I thought this is also true in our
culture and this is what we missed today. Before, women are likely to prolong the stage of getting to
know a man before diving in her emotions. Reason over intuition, as they say. Now, some women do not
show coyness and directly indulge in the overwhelming feeling of love. I saw the forbearance and
waiting within these two characters, which I really admire.

Days passed by and Harry will now have to leave for the war. Belle, who seemed not happy, has
burst to tears when he finally went off to battle. It was during this time that Harry was far, Belle only
knew of her real feelings and she was a bit apologetic because she was not able to tell that to him
before he left. This part of the story strikes me because I had so many experiences of being sorry
because I was not able to say and do the things I should have said and done. At this point, I am Belle.
Crying and overthinking what if I have said the things he wanted to hear. Will he stay?

After a year, Harry returned and Belle, not showing pride, was excited to see him. In this
chapter, I was actually smiling as I read until the end. It did not only excite me, but enlightened me of
the true values of the characters. Harry’s love for country, contentment, and faith were uncovered
making me love more his persona. Belle, on the other hand, showed her long-suffering but belief that he
will come back to her. True enough, he was back, but is bound to go back in the war. As I did not expect,
he called her Mrs. Lennox in a charming and funny way. And it was all thanks to the scarlet stockings.

The story ended in a light-hearted manner. A resolution I wanted for myself, also. Harry and
Belle, manifested a relationship we fail to have right now. A relationship that has trust and patience. I
want to be a ‘Belle’ and I want to have a ‘Harry’.
 This effortlessly written literary piece should be read by all generations as it teaches the youth
about friendship and love, about responsibility and priority.