March: Analysis of Major Characters
"March: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate lives of key figures during the Civil War, focusing on themes of abolition, morality, and personal struggle within the context of a turbulent society. Central to the narrative is John March, a chaplain and abolitionist who grapples with the complexities of war and its impact on his family and ideals. His wife, Margaret "Marmee" March, also an abolitionist, balances her strong convictions with the demands of family life, showcasing her independence and commitment to education.
Other notable characters include Grace Clement, a former slave and skilled caregiver, who embodies resilience and moral complexity as she navigates her relationship with her father and her choice to remain loyal despite her suffering. Ethan Canning, a plantation manager, represents the harsh realities of power dynamics in a changed society, contrasting sharply with John March's views on racial equality. The March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—each contribute their unique perspectives and struggles, reflecting a range of responses to the era's challenges. Together, these characters illuminate the multifaceted nature of human experience during a pivotal moment in American history, inviting readers to explore deeper themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice.
March: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Geraldine Brooks
First published: 2005
Genre: Novel
Locale: Concord, Massachusetts; Washington, DC; Virginia
Plot: Historical
Time: 1841–62
John March, a chaplain, abolitionist, and vegetarian. Although naturally idealistic and devoted to improving the social conditions of the world (and in particular in challenging slavery), when March's morals inspire him to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War, he comes to realize that life is more complicated than his ethical convictions previously allowed for. He feels a deep love for his wife and daughters and, as a result, tries to shelter them from the horrors he sees in the war, which damages the familial relationships. He places great faith in education, devoting himself to a life of the mind while spending long hours teaching others. His willingness to transgress the racial boundaries of society—including assisting with the Underground Railroad, teaching slaves how to read, and embracing an African American woman—puts his safety at risk at various points. By the time the war is over, his greatest challenge is to simply live with the horrors he has experienced.
Margaret “Marmee” March, the wife of John. She is also an abolitionist and a firm believer in education. She has black eyes and a quick temper that sometimes spoils family events. Her temper is tied to her independence, and she is willing to ignore the conventions of society when they do not suit her, devoting time to the illegal Underground Railroad and having sex with John March before they are married. After having four children, however, her family duties often take up most of her time. She is upset by her husband's choice to hide the more difficult aspects of his life from her.
Grace Clement, a tall and strikingly gorgeous woman who is raised in slavery and forms a strong connection with John March. She is literate and naturally intelligent. Although treated cruelly and whipped on the plantation, she is actually the daughter of plantation owner Augustus Clement, and when given the chance to leave and join the Union Army, she instead decides to stay with her aging father out of moral obligation. She has delicate manners despite the rough and un-dignified works she is often forced to perform. By her later years, she is as skilled at medicine as many doctors.
Ethan Canning, the plantation manager on a Union farm of freed slaves. He previously worked as a lawyer in Illinois but leases the farm because of the economic opportunity afforded by Union protection. He is cruel and demanding as a manager, and many of the workers find him to be even more heartless even than their former masters. He has sharp features and smooth, youthful skin, and is quick to try to prove his power in new situations. While he maintains a general politeness around John March, their sharply different philosophies regarding racial relations push them apart.
Jo March, one of John March's daughters who loves reading and writing. She has a cheerful demeanor and her gestures are somewhat inelegant. She sells her gorgeous hair in order to support the family.
Meg March, the oldest of the March daughters. She longs for a life of leisure and is deeply upset when the family must move from their home in Concord. This desire, however, does not prevent her from working hard for the family's benefit.
Amy March, the youngest of the March daughters who has golden curls and a delicate manner and is very skilled at drawing.
Beth March, the quietest of the March sisters. She is quick to retreat into the solitude of her room when company is around. She suffers from scarlet fever and never fully recovers.
Augustus Clement, a plantation owner who hosts John March, who is then eighteen years old. Clement is cruel to his slaves, even Grace, who is his daughter by a slave woman. He enjoys reading and drinking alcohol. When he discovers that John March is teaching slaves to read, he expels the young man from the plantation.
Mrs. Clement, the pale-haired wife of Mr. Clement who is chronically ill and relies on Grace to help her with daily activities.
Henry David Thoreau, a young intellectual who tires of his father's business. He has a large nose and large eyes and untidy hair.
John Thoreau, the father of Henry David and a pencil-maker. He is much more conventional than his son, although he accepts the young man's odd behaviors.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a friend of Henry David Thoreau and fellow intellectual and radical thinker. He is often reserved, preoccupied by his own thoughts.
John Brown, a white abolitionist whose passion for freedom leads him to armed revolution against slaveholders. His animated public speaking inspires many people, including John March.
Zeke, a tall former slave who works on Ethan Canning's farm. He slaughters a hog to feed his children and hides from Canning in a hole, which leads to a friendship between him and John March.