The sentimental revolution and Victorian values in American literature

Abstract

The article deals with the creative contribution of Louisa May Alcott to the Victorian period of American literature and the evolution of interpersonal relationship characteristic of the American middle class. The aim of the paper is to examine the infl uence of sentimental authors on the development of sociocultural life in the United States and their progressive interpretation of the role distribution in the family. In this regard, the article analyses the undying interest in the work of Louisa May Alcott, whose writing absorbed the ideas of sentimentalists as well as the humane impulse of the British authors. By illustrating her works with the examples from her own life, Louisa May Alcott gave hope and moral support to lots of women and children in need. Despite the skeptical attitude of some American scholars towards the "disappeared world" of Victorianism, none of them would deny the importance of its contribution to the world culture. Louisa May Alcott was not afraid to give impartial assessments to some representatives of the white population of the United States and to speak freely and fearlessly of social burning issues. The results of the article will allow to take a fresh look at Alcott’s impact on the development of the family novel