“Written All Over With Money” Earning, Spending, and Emotion in the Alcott Family

Abstract The article explores the nature and symbolism of money within familial relationships and the effect of close personal ties on money use in the example of the Alcott family. The historical moment is interesting precisely because many of the oppositions between money and sentiment, intimate and financial bonds were newly formulated in the 19th century. The Alcott family is an interesting case study because they articulated and documented both cultural understandings and actual practices concerning work, money, and emotions. Georg Simmel, Viviana Zelizer, and James Carrier's work inform the theoretical framework for this project.