I am currently writing three essays for Literature on Louisa May Alcott’s book, Little Women. You are given four types of essays to pick from, and you may choose three of them. I selected Character Sketch, Theme, and Morality essays. Now, I am sure all of you are familiar with this book and its well loved characters; however, I am a little confused about the religion of one of them, Theodore Laurence, more commonly known as, Laurie or Teddy.
On page 388, Laurie is in Europe and it says that he “went out to hear High Mass at Saint Stefan’s….” The only “High Mass” I know of is a Catholic Mass. What puzzles me is that if Laurie is Catholic, and the March family Protestant – Mr. March was a pastor – why did Amy marry him? I mean, usually people of different religions didn’t get married back then. On the other hand, did Laurie go to the Mass simply because that was the “thing” that rich people did when they were in Europe, because the churches are so old and historical?
Any thoughts?
4 comments:
Good observation! I've read the book about three times, and that never hit me as being weird. My vote's for Laurie going to the High Mass because it was the "thing" back then. It really was, I think. I'm assuming he did it for bragging rights. You were at that one fancy High Mass they did around here, right? They are almost like a concert, if you look at the music, only. It would be just like going to the theater for protestants... or something like that. lol. Especially back then. Things were so much more elaborate back in the day. :) Good post, though. I hope all goes well with the reports!
~Cousin Rose~
Cousin Rose - Yes, my family and I did go to a High Mass at your parish. Thanks for your comment, and for you well wishes in regard to my reports! :)
I remember reading Little Women years ago... I played Beth in a play and thought I'd read the source to get deeper into the character. I don't think I even noticed the strange mismatch of religions - but then again, I'm not very well-versed in the religion requirements back then. Nowadays Christians marry Atheists (though I myself am holding out only for another Christian).
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Hmm...Laurie could be Anglican/Episcopalian or Lutheran?
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