Little Women
If Jo had not been otherwise engaged, Laurie’s behavior would have amused her, for a faint twinge, not of jealousy, but something like suspicion, caused that gentleman to stand aloof at first, and observe the newcomer with brotherly circumspection. But it did not last long. He got interested in spite of himself, and before he knew it, was drawn into the circle. For Mr. Bhaer talked well in this genial atmosphere, and did himself justice. He seldom spoke to Laurie, but he looked at him often, and a shadow would pass across his face, as if regretting his own lost youth, as he watched the young man in his prime. Then his eyes would turn to Jo so wistfully that she would have surely answered the mute inquiry if she had seen it. But Jo had her own eyes to take care of, and feeling that they could not be trusted, she prudently kept them on the little sock she was knitting, like a model maiden aunt.
A stealthy glance now and then refreshed her like sips of fresh water after a dusty walk, for the sidelong peeps showed her several propitious omens. Mr. Bhaer’s face had lost the absent-minded expression, and looked all alive with interest in the present moment, actually young and handsome, she thought, forgetting to compare him with Laurie, as she usually did strange men, to their great detriment. Then he seemed quite inspired, though the burial customs of the ancients, to which the conversation had strayed, might not be considered an exhilarating topic. Jo quite glowed with triumph when Teddy got quenched in an argument, and thought to herself, as she watched her father’s absorbed face, “How he would enjoy having such a man as my Professor to talk with every day!” Lastly, Mr. Bhaer was dressed in a new suit of black, which made him look more like a gentleman than ever. His bushy hair had been cut and smoothly brushed, but didn’t stay in order long, for in exciting moments, he rumpled it up in the droll way he used to do, and Jo liked it rampantly erect better than flat, because she thought it gave his fine forehead a Jove-like aspect. Poor Jo, how she did glorify that plain man, as she sat knitting away so quietly, yet letting nothing escape her, not even the fact that Mr. Bhaer actually had gold sleeve-buttons in his immaculate wristbands.
Based on Laurie’s initial 'brotherly circumspection' towards Mr. Bhaer, Jo’s secret triumph when Laurie is 'quenched in an argument,' and Mr. Bhaer's wistful glances at Jo, what can you infer about the unspoken dynamics and potential future interactions between these three characters?
💡 Writing Tips
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This question requires synthesis. Consider each character's feelings and actions individually first. Laurie's 'suspicion' indicates an awareness of Jo's importance and potential rival. Jo's 'triumph' indicates a preference. Mr. Bhaer's 'wistful' glances at Jo suggest his interest. Combine these observations to predict how their relationships might unfold. Look beyond explicit statements to the underlying emotions and intentions suggested by their non-verbal cues and internal thoughts.
📝 Sample Answer
The extract offers several subtle clues about the unspoken dynamics and potential future interactions between Jo, Laurie, and Mr. Bhaer, strongly inferring a romantic triangulation that will shape the narrative.
Laurie's 'brotherly circumspection,' described as 'not of jealousy, but something like suspicion,' suggests an underlying protectiveness over Jo and perhaps a recognition of Mr. Bhaer as a significant figure in her life. Although Laurie is now married to Amy, the initial wariness indicates that Jo remains deeply important to him, and he subconsciously scrutinizes potential contenders for her affection. This 'suspicion' implies that while their romantic past is settled, a different kind of 'rivalry' or protective concern might persist, even as he is drawn into the group.
Jo's 'glow[ing] with triumph when Teddy [Laurie] got quenched in an argument' is a powerful indicator of her growing preference for Mr. Bhaer. This isn't just about winning an argument; it shows a fierce, almost possessive, pride in Bhaer's intellect and a satisfaction in seeing him 'outshine' Laurie. This 'triumph' confirms a shift in her allegiance and admiration, hinting at a deep affection for Mr. Bhaer that she may still be unconscious of.
Mr. Bhaer's 'wistful' glances at Jo, coupled with his observation of Laurie 'in his prime,' reveal his own deep, tender feelings for Jo, possibly tinged with a sense of inadequacy or regret over his older age. The narrator explicitly states that he makes a 'mute inquiry,' suggesting a yearning to connect with Jo more intimately than just as a 'friend.' His immediate engagement with the family, the children's adoration, and his profound effect on Jo all point to him becoming a permanent, central figure in her life, potentially filling the empty space Jo feels, which Laurie was once unable to.
Collectively, these interactions infer a future where Jo and Mr. Bhaer will likely develop a deep romantic relationship, overcoming the implicit 'obstacle' of Laurie's earlier affection for Jo and her own past blind spots. Laurie, while accepting, may remain a protective 'brotherly' figure, observing from a distance. The emotional undercurrents clearly signal that Jo is finding her true match in Mr. Bhaer, a man whose character aligns with her intellectual and emotional needs.
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