Literary Laura: A Crossword Enigma
Ah, the siren call of the crossword grid! The blank spaces, the tantalizing clues, the satisfying
thunk
of a perfectly placed word. This week, I wrestled with a particularly evocative clue, one that conjured images of strong women, contrasting landscapes, and the enduring power of storytelling. It spoke of “Laura of ‘Little Women’ and ‘Big Little Lies’.”
The clue itself is a masterclass in brevity. It efficiently crams a wealth of information into a few short words. First, we have “Laura,” a name that, like the protagonist it represents, possesses a quiet strength and familiarity. Then, the literary anchor: “Little Women.” Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel has resonated through generations, its themes of family, ambition, and female resilience remaining eternally relevant. “Little Women” brings to mind a specific era, a particular set of societal constraints, and the boundless potential contained within the March sisters.
Juxtaposed against this classic is “Big Little Lies,” Liane Moriarty’s contemporary page-turner that later found immense success as an HBO series. Suddenly, the crossword clue’s narrative takes a sharp turn. We’re transported from 19th-century Massachusetts to the sun-drenched, seemingly idyllic shores of Monterey, California. The lives of privileged mothers intertwine, secrets simmer beneath the surface, and the consequences of seemingly small lies ripple through the community.
The cleverness of this clue lies in its bridging of these two seemingly disparate worlds. What could “Little Women” and “Big Little Lies” possibly have in common? Beyond the shared name, both narratives explore the complexities of female relationships – the fierce bonds of sisterhood and friendship, the competitive undercurrents, the unspoken expectations that weigh heavily on women’s lives.
Both stories also grapple with the concept of identity. In “Little Women,” each sister strives to define herself within the confines of her era, navigating the challenges of love, career, and societal expectations. Jo March’s rebellious spirit and literary ambitions stand in stark contrast to Meg’s desire for domestic bliss, while Amy’s artistic pursuits and Beth’s quiet selflessness complete the multifaceted portrait of womanhood.
“Big Little Lies,” in its own way, examines the same struggle for self-definition in a modern context. The women of Monterey are outwardly successful and seemingly have it all, but beneath the facade of perfection lie vulnerabilities, insecurities, and secrets that threaten to shatter their carefully constructed identities. The lies they tell each other, and themselves, become a means of survival in a world that demands impossible standards.
Furthermore, both narratives explore the theme of consequence. The decisions made by the characters in both “Little Women” and “Big Little Lies” have far-reaching effects, shaping their lives and the lives of those around them. Whether it’s Jo’s decision to prioritize her writing over societal expectations or Madeline’s impulsive actions that trigger a chain of events in Monterey, the characters are forced to confront the weight of their choices.
This seemingly simple crossword clue, therefore, is a literary tapestry woven with threads of female empowerment, societal pressures, and the enduring power of storytelling. It connects two distinct works of fiction through a shared thematic core, reminding us that the challenges faced by women, regardless of era or circumstance, often echo across time. Thinking about the connections in the two narratives has led to many different trains of thought that will now help me solve this clue and hopefully make that satisfying
thunk
a reality.
Available Answers:
DERN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Location Is Everything By Guilherme Gilioli