The power of the gaze: Gender, autonomy, and the feminist movement in Little Women

<p dir="ltr">This thesis explores the influence of the male and female gaze on the portrayal of gender, autonomy, and artistic expression in Little Women. Through a feminist perspective, this study examines the impact of cinematic adaptations on the societal expectations of women. Although Little Women has been known as a feminist text, its interpretation differs depending on how it is portrayed visually and narratively. This thesis argues that the male and female gaze impact how women’s experiences are represented and how audiences engage with feminist themes throughout different cultural and historical contexts.</p><p dir="ltr">The research is based on feminist film theory, such as Laura Mulvey's concept of the male gaze, as well as the theories of female authorship and narrative agency. A comparative analysis of two Little Women film adaptations examines the effects of directorial choices, cinematography, and narrative framing on traditional gender roles. By studying key scenes that highlight the changing portrayal of female agency and creative independence illustrates how each adaptation reflects the gender ideologies of its time.</p><p dir="ltr">This thesis examines how Little Women has changed over the years, demonstrating the power of visual storytelling in influencing feminist ideas. It has been proven that Little Women is able to be reinterpreted through different gazes, providing an updated insight into gender representation and autonomy of the time with each adaptation.</p>