Indecisiveness Of March Characterization

In this passage, Brooks’ characterization of March reveals and emphasizes a constant inner conflict, one in which March searches to be morally or ethically correct with his decisions. Often times, March applies a pressure to himself, as he hopes to satisfy both himself and those around him. For instance, when given the opportunity to educate Prudence, March responds, “why don’t I do as Annie suggested and ask Mr. Clement? He is a scholar and loves learning; I am sure he will see that this is a good thing for all the children, not just Prudence…” (Brooks 31). The indecisiveness of March reveals, much like the passage does, that he is a victim of a constant struggle, one that questions him to do things either morally or ethically. The reason

March, as a character, exemplifies that one does not always convey their true ideals in the matters of the real world. This is shown in the passage, when Marchs notes, “As for what I have done, and the consequences of my accusations, these I do not even attempt to convey”. (Brooks 65). The actions and decisions made by March do not always live up to his idealistic views on the world. This is again shown when March is writing letters to his family. It is mentioned that, “For while Marmee was under no illusion as to the degree of barbarity to which the slaves were subjected, I did not think the ears of my little women should be sullied with such things” (Brooks 146). Although March’s ideals to relate opportunistic education and equal rights, he seems to keep himself from educating his family on the matters of the world due to how he finds them too violent. In a multitude of ways, the underlying ideals of March blind him from professing and taking to his actions his other beliefs, such as those regarding education. Thus said, Brooks’ characterization of March allows for her to explore and discuss the notion that sometimes ones’ ideals do not always translate to their immediate