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John Brooke is a poor yet hardworking man who finds his way into the March’s circle through his association with the Laurences. Having no family of his own after the death of his mother, he decides to earn a living by becoming a tutor and takes on Laurie as his student. This position as one of the few people employed by Mr. Laurence creates an air of mystery around Mr. Brooke early in the novel, the March girls knowing little about him beyond his ongoing attempts to keep Laurie focused on academics. When he finally makes his first appearance in Chapter 12, it takes quite a while for the true nature of his character to emerge. Mr. Brooke presents a quiet, reserved front when he chaperones Laurie’s picnic lunch despite having previously met the March sisters, and this behavior highlights his impulse to maintain a professional reputation. Since he aims to achieve respectability through his work ethic, his occupation initially dominates his public persona. As Mr. Brooke grows more comfortable with the March family, however, his kind, virtuous heart shines through. He admits to Meg his intention to serve in the army after Laurie heads off to college, and he selflessly accompanies Marmee as she travels to Washington to care for an ailing Mr. March. These acts of service reinforce the idea that Mr. Brooke is a man of exemplary character.
In addition to serving as another guiding figure in the protagonists’ lives, Mr. Brooke plays a pivotal role in the novel by becoming the first love interest to impact the March family. He falls for Meg early on, treats her with the utmost respect and tenderness, and vows to make himself worthy of her. With his love and his unyielding work ethic, Mr. Brooke explains to Mr. and Mrs. March that he can create a comfortable life for their daughter. Meanwhile, Meg is initially overwhelmed by the prospect of pursuing a relationship and struggles to understand her feelings. The dynamics within the March household gradually begin to change, however, as Mr. Brooke’s affections win Meg over. Their marriage, which represents the most traditional lifestyle of the four March sisters, allows Mr. Brooke to further develop his sense of duty and loyalty. As a husband and father, he comes to bear numerous similarities to Mr. March which reinforce his identity as a righteous man. Marmee even admits to Meg that she and her husband endured similar domestic trials to the ones that they experience as they learn to navigate married life together. In the end, Mr. Brooke fulfills his promise and devotes himself to providing for Meg and their children.
