Summary
Jo arrives in New York City to work as a governess for Mrs. Kirke's family, trading her familiar world for independence and new experiences. Through her journal letters home, we see her navigating the awkwardness of being the new person in a boarding house full of strangers. She discovers that finding your place isn't about fitting perfectly into existing social circles, but about recognizing kindred spirits in unexpected places. Jo becomes fascinated by Professor Bhaer, a poor German scholar who tutors students to support his orphaned nephews. What draws her isn't his appearance or status, but his character—she watches him help a servant girl carry coal and play games with children, small acts that reveal his generous heart. The chapter shows Jo maturing as she learns to observe people more deeply, moving beyond surface judgments to appreciate authentic goodness. Her German lessons with the Professor become a metaphor for how real learning happens through connection and patience, not rigid rules. Jo's growing friendship with this unconventional man represents her evolution from seeking approval to valuing substance. The boarding house becomes a laboratory for understanding different types of people, from shallow young men who judge by appearances to genuine souls like Miss Norton who offer friendship without condescension. Jo's voice in these letters shows her becoming more confident and self-aware, finding joy in simple pleasures and meaningful work while staying true to her independent spirit.
Coming Up in Chapter 34
As Jo settles deeper into her New York life, her friendship with Professor Bhaer deepens into something that will challenge everything she thought she knew about love and her own future.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE JO’S JOURNAL New York, November Dear Marmee and Beth, I’m going to write you a regular volume, for I’ve got heaps to tell, though I’m not a fine young lady traveling on the continent. When I lost sight of Father’s dear old face, I felt a trifle blue, and might have shed a briny drop or two, if an Irish lady with four small children, all crying more or less, hadn’t diverted my mind, for I amused myself by dropping gingerbread nuts over the seat every time they opened their mouths to roar. Soon the sun came out, and taking it as a good omen, I cleared up likewise and enjoyed my journey with all my heart. Mrs. Kirke welcomed me so kindly I felt at home at once, even in that big house full of strangers. She gave me a funny little sky parlor—all she had, but there is a stove in it, and a nice table in a sunny window, so I can sit here and write whenever I like. A fine view and a church tower opposite atone for the many stairs, and I took a fancy to my den on the spot. The nursery, where I am to teach and sew, is a pleasant room next Mrs. Kirke’s private parlor, and the two little girls are pretty children, rather spoiled, I fancy, but they took to me after telling them The Seven Bad Pigs, and I’ve no doubt I shall make a model governess. I am to have my meals with the children, if I prefer it to the great table, and for the present I do, for I am bashful, though no one will believe it. “Now, my dear, make yourself at home,” said Mrs. K. in her motherly way, “I’m on the drive from morning to night, as you may suppose with such a family, but a great anxiety will be off my mind if I know the children are safe with you. My rooms are always open to you, and your own shall be as comfortable as I can make it. There are some pleasant people in the house if you feel sociable, and your evenings are always free. Come to me if anything goes wrong, and be as happy as you can. There’s the tea bell, I must run and change my cap.” And off she bustled, leaving me to settle myself in my new nest. As I went downstairs soon after, I saw something I liked. The flights are very long in this tall house, and as I stood waiting at the head of the third one for a little servant girl to lumber up, I saw a gentleman come along behind her, take the heavy hod of coal out of her hand, carry it all the way up, put it down at a door near by, and walk away, saying, with a kind nod and a foreign accent, “It goes better so. The little back is too young...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of True Recognition - Finding Worth Beyond Surface Signals
True worth reveals itself through small, consistent actions rather than impressive credentials or surface presentations.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to assess people's true nature by observing their unguarded moments and treatment of others.
Practice This Today
This week, notice how people treat service workers, respond when they think no one's watching, or handle small inconveniences—these moments reveal more than any interview or first impression.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Governess
A woman employed to teach and care for children in a private household, typically living with the family. Governesses occupied an awkward social position - educated like ladies but working like servants, neither fully accepted by the family nor the staff.
Modern Usage:
Like today's live-in nannies or au pairs who navigate the weird social dynamics of being part of but not really part of someone else's family.
Boarding house
A house where people rented rooms and often shared meals, common for single working people in cities. These were temporary homes for people starting new lives, filled with strangers trying to make their way in the world.
Modern Usage:
Similar to today's co-living spaces, extended-stay hotels, or shared apartments where young professionals live while figuring out their next move.
Genteel poverty
Being educated and well-mannered but having little money. People in this situation had to work for income while maintaining appearances of respectability, often struggling with pride versus necessity.
Modern Usage:
Like college-educated people working retail or gig economy jobs - maintaining dignity while doing whatever work pays the bills.
Letters home
The primary way people stayed connected with family when traveling or moving away. These letters served as lifelines, sharing daily experiences and maintaining emotional bonds across distance.
Modern Usage:
Today's video calls, long texts to family group chats, or social media updates that keep loved ones involved in your daily life.
Kindred spirit
Someone who shares your values, interests, or way of seeing the world, even if you come from different backgrounds. These connections happen through recognition of character rather than social status.
Modern Usage:
That person you instantly click with at work or in class - you just 'get' each other despite having different life experiences.
Tutoring for income
Educated people, especially immigrants or those without family wealth, often taught languages or academic subjects to earn money. This was respectable work that used intellectual skills rather than manual labor.
Modern Usage:
Like today's freelance tutoring, teaching English online, or any side hustle that uses your education and skills to make ends meet.
Characters in This Chapter
Jo March
Protagonist seeking independence
Jo leaves home to work as a governess in New York, documenting her experiences through journal letters. She's learning to navigate a new social world while staying true to herself and developing better judgment about people's character.
Modern Equivalent:
The young woman who moves to the city for her first real job, figuring out how to be professional while staying authentic
Mrs. Kirke
Employer and boarding house keeper
She runs the boarding house where Jo works and lives, providing Jo with both employment and a place in her household. Her kindness helps Jo feel at home in an unfamiliar environment.
Modern Equivalent:
The understanding boss who becomes a mentor, helping you navigate your first professional environment
Professor Bhaer
Love interest and moral exemplar
A poor German scholar who tutors to support his orphaned nephews. Jo admires his character - his kindness to servants and children reveals his true nature beyond his humble circumstances.
Modern Equivalent:
The guy who's not conventionally successful but shows his character through how he treats service workers and helps his family
Miss Norton
Potential friend and ally
A fellow resident who offers Jo genuine friendship without judgment. She represents the possibility of finding real connections in a house full of strangers.
Modern Equivalent:
The coworker or neighbor who becomes a real friend, offering support without drama or competition
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I took a fancy to my den on the spot."
Context: Jo describes her small attic room in the boarding house
This shows Jo's ability to find joy in simple circumstances and make any space her own. Her positive attitude helps her adapt to a much different living situation than she's used to.
In Today's Words:
I loved my little space immediately and could see myself being happy there.
"I amused myself by dropping gingerbread nuts over the seat every time they opened their mouths to roar."
Context: Jo describes entertaining crying children on the train to distract herself from homesickness
This reveals Jo's practical approach to managing her own emotions while helping others. Instead of wallowing in sadness, she finds ways to be useful and lift her spirits.
In Today's Words:
I kept myself from getting too sad by focusing on helping the stressed mom with her kids.
"I've no doubt I shall make a model governess."
Context: Jo expresses confidence about her new job after connecting with the children
Jo's optimism and self-assurance show her growing maturity. She's learned to trust her abilities and adapt to new situations rather than doubt herself.
In Today's Words:
I'm pretty sure I'm going to be really good at this job.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Jo learns that Professor Bhaer's poverty doesn't diminish his worth, while wealthy boarding house residents may lack substance
Development
Evolved from earlier focus on March family's genteel poverty to recognizing character transcends economic status
In Your Life:
You might overlook valuable mentors or friends because they don't have impressive titles or possessions.
Identity
In This Chapter
Jo discovers her identity through independence and meaningful work, not through fitting into existing social circles
Development
Builds on Jo's rejection of traditional feminine roles, now showing her actively creating her own path
In Your Life:
You might find yourself trying to fit into groups that don't match your values instead of seeking your true tribe.
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The boarding house reveals how people perform social roles versus who they really are in unguarded moments
Development
Continues examination of artificial social conventions versus authentic human connection
In Your Life:
You might feel pressure to maintain a certain image rather than being genuine in your relationships.
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Jo matures by learning to observe character rather than being swayed by surface charm or status
Development
Shows Jo's evolution from impulsive judgment to thoughtful assessment of people
In Your Life:
You might realize you're getting better at reading people's true intentions beyond their words.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What specific behaviors does Jo observe in Professor Bhaer that reveal his character, and how do these differ from the surface impressions of other people in the boarding house?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Jo become drawn to Professor Bhaer despite his lack of wealth, status, or conventional attractiveness? What does this reveal about how she's changing as a person?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about your workplace or school. Who are the 'Professor Bhaers' - people doing good work without recognition - versus those who get attention through status or charm?
application • medium - 4
When you're evaluating someone new - a potential friend, romantic partner, or colleague - what small behaviors do you watch for that reveal their true character?
application • deep - 5
Jo learns to value substance over surface appeal. What does this chapter suggest about the difference between being impressive and being trustworthy?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Character Detective: Observation Log
For the next week, keep a small notebook or phone note tracking micro-behaviors you observe in people around you. Record one specific action each day that reveals someone's character - how they treat a server, handle a mistake, or respond to stress. Don't judge, just observe and note patterns.
Consider:
- •Focus on actions when people think no one important is watching
- •Notice the difference between how people present themselves versus how they behave consistently
- •Pay attention to how people treat those who can't help their career or social status
Journaling Prompt
Write about someone in your life who, like Professor Bhaer, shows their worth through small daily actions rather than impressive credentials. What specific behaviors made you recognize their character?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 34: The Price of Compromise
Moving forward, we'll examine financial pressure can lead us to compromise our values, and understand mentors matter more than money in shaping who we become. These insights bridge the gap between classic literature and modern experience.