It's hard to imagine Little Women without Beth's death; it's just SUCH a big part of the story. Whereas John's death - well, I can't remember how prominent John's death is, but the fact that I can't remember in itself shows that it doesn't have as big of an effect.

I wonder if someone has written a book about the Alcott family's reaction to Little Women. Not to mention the extended family! If there was an original for Aunt March, you have to imagine she'd be pretty steamed...