Louisa May Alcott provides an inquiring look at the hero through the recognition of how the fictional hero of romantic fiction is not always ideal while leading the reader to see the is heroic in the daily lives of four young women with the main emphasis on Jo. In the chapter "Castles in the Air", in which each of the characters imagines a distant future (ten years from now anyway), Jo observes: "I want to do something splendid before I enter my castle, something heroic or wonderful that will not be forgotten after my death. I don't know what, but I'm on my guard and I intend to amaze you all one day" (Alcott 133). As the book progresses, many references are made to show the superficiality that has begun to be associated with heroism. «...Laurie heroically closed her eyes...» (Alcott 264). “Fred is not my model hero” (Alcott 294). Finally, Jo focuses the conflict on recognizing heroism when she comes to the point of realizing that she "preferred imaginary heroes to real ones, because when tired of them, the former could be locked in the tin kitchen until called upon, and the latter were less manageable” (Alcott 298). Starring Jo March, Alcott presents a modern young woman in a time when women were relegated to a specific role within the home. From the first pages of the book, Jo displays a unique strength of character that refuses to be molded into traditional form. He wishes to be a boy, mainly because of the opportunities available to the male in society. However, taking her unusual family upbringing and applying it to Jo's determination to be different creates an individual who is heroic in her strength and courage to stand out in society and in her ability to share that quality with others... middle of paper . ......he is a wife and mother. Rather, he insists that he will bring his share and help earn the house as a condition of the marriage (Alcott 438). Jo's journey to heroism ultimately leads her to a role where her life is spent giving of herself to others, molding them to be themselves while maintaining their rightful place in the grand scheme of things. Through his characterization, a hero is fully developed as one with the strength of character that allows him to be unique and different while always seeking to help others on life's journey by putting them before himself. Jo's heroic act that will not be forgotten after her death, just a young woman's dream, is realized through the lives she touches and the future generations she ultimately influences. Works Cited Alcott, Louisa. Little Women. Introduction. Anna Douglas. NY: Classic seal, 1983.