John Brooke was tutor to Laurie before Laurie went to college, and eventually he also became suitor and husband to Meg March. One of the main things that comes to my mind when I think of Mr. Brooke is his tenderness of spirit. He was a gentle man, caring and patient. These qualities mirror Meg’s own, complimenting her beautifully without being overwhelmingly contrary to her nature. While opposites may suit some couples, I think that Meg’s virtues would’ve been lost and overrun had she married someone that was loud and brash and generally opposite of her. John always took time to be careful and gentle with her, in conversation and in how he treated her. We also see rather clearly that he cherishes the small things in life; for instance, when he ‘stole’ Meg’s white glove as a memento. This kind of slow, sweet love is exactly what Meg needed, whether or not she knew it.
One of the other fantastic qualities to Mr. Brooke is his intentionality. He was aware that if he wanted Meg, he was signing up for her whole family, and he wasn’t afraid of this in the least. In fact, he cherished it. When Marmee received a telegram that Mr. March was injured in the war and made the decision to go and care for him in Washington D.C., John was quick to offer to accompany Marmee and ensure that she arrived safely. He said that he had a job in D.C., and it would be senseless to not go with Marmee seeing as that was the case, but the March women saw the gesture for what it was: incredibly thoughtful and selfless. I think that this was the moment that Meg realized that it really was feasible to marry this man someday. She saw how sincerely he cared not only for her, but for her whole family. That was something that Meg valued incredibly, and it was a big piece in winning her heart.
The last time we looked at Meg, however, she had quite a different set of ideals in her head as far as a suitor went. She was flitting and floating at her friend’s coming out party, happy to be primped and pampered. John Brooke came from nothing and had nothing; the only guarantee his status gave her was that it would be a very similar life to the one she had under her father’s roof. However, I think that between Laurie calling her out at the party, Meg realizing that at her heart of hearts she was not a vain girl and was very content in the life she lived if she wanted to be, and John’s tenderness, intentionality, and gentleness with her, she was able to see past the monetary view of the situation and love John Brooke for who he was.
John is one of the kindest characters featured in Little Women. However, he does have to take a hard second to one of the March sisters themselves; everyone knows that Beth takes the cake in this department. The next time we look at this story, we will be switching our focus from Meg to Beth. Join us as we look at Beth’s subdued, yet powerful story line!