It is difficult to criticize and challenge others. It is also extremely hard to receive challenges and accept criticisms from others. Yet, despite the difficulty, giving and taking criticism is beneficial.
In her short story “Scarlet Stockings,” Louisa May Alcott shows how, when we see someone who is lazy and despondent, we can help them overcome these pitfalls through constructive criticism and healthy challenges. When we challenge each other to be better versions of ourselves, we build a better world, community, and family.
Alcott presents Harry Lennox, a young man living during the time of the Civil War—though not as a participant. He had the luxury of living in Europe for several years. After his parents die, Harry returns to America to visit his sister Kate. He tries to be as kind and positive as he can, but his visit holds nothing interesting for him and boredom soon sets in….