Missing Father Figure In Little Women And So Far From God

In their books, Little Women and So Far From God, Louisa May Alcott and Ana Castillo make contrasting arguments on the impactions a missing father and husband figure can have in a woman’s life. Alcott argues that a missing father figure provides a sense of pride and thus makes daughters strive to be better people and have high standards for future partners. However, Castillo argues that missing a male head of household has negative impact that in part causes sexual promiscuity, and a poor sense of judgment in men as future partners. While Alcott uses a missing father role to provide a sense of strength and a moral compass, Castillo does nearly the opposite and showcases the negative impacts that a missing father can create. The March women’s reaction to their father’s absence provides female readers with an example of how to

March. While Mr. March leaves his family for honorable reasons, Domingo is kicked out due to his gambling habits. Domingo sets an example for what women should not strive to find in a partner. From the beginning, Castillo sets Domingo up as a shady character. Sofia’s family, her mother especially tried to tell her that he was no good. Here Castillo encourages readers to listen to their mother’s and family’s advice, as it may help them in the end. Castillo provides readers with a character that was hardly employed as an “actor”, didn’t respect a woman’s family, was too forward, but was handsome and charming. Castillo is cautioning readers against falling for this type of man. She is warning to look past outward appearances and to really consider someone’s worth and integrity. Domingo’s character does not improve as the novel goes on. He continues being a bad husband and father. He leaves his family multiple times with no regard to how that will impact them. Castillo is again cautioning women against this type of man, and shows readers that it’s nearly impossible to change