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When Alcott first introduces Mr. Laurence into the novel, he is an enigma. The March family knows very little about him despite having lived next door to him for some time, and few people come and go from his stately mansion. Despite this seemingly cold exterior, however, Mr. Laurence quickly emerges as a warm and generous neighbor. His displays of kindness throughout emphasize the idea that he functions as a kind of benefactor for the Marches, lending his wealth to support those whom he comes to view as family. The inherent goodness of Marmee and her four daughters inspires Mr. Laurence, so much so that he sends them a Christmas feast after hearing about how they assist the Hummels. After this initial moment of connection, the relationship between the Marches and Mr. Laurence only grows. He welcomes Laurie’s friendship with the girls and does what he can to be a source of comfort and happiness in their lives. Among his most notable gifts to the March family are a cherished piano for Beth, unlimited access to his personal library for Jo, and the mere act of carefully watching over the girls as a stand-in father figure while Marmee is away. This kind of support grants the sisters access to experiences which likely would have been unattainable for them considering their economic status.
While Mr. Laurence has a soft spot for the Marches, the tension that seeps into his relationship with Laurie highlights the sterner side of his character. His grandson is the only living family member that Mr. Laurence has left, and, as a result, he is particularly protective of him. A deep, paternal love drives this instinct, but the outcome often feels oppressive and unfair to Laurie given his desire to establish his own identity. Most attempts to convince Mr. Laurence that he is not like his late father, however, are ineffective as he can only see their similarities, such as their affinity for music and rebellious nature. The fact that Mr. Laurence pushes Laurie toward a safe, predictable life of academics and business highlights his traditional perspective. Luckily, this view is not so rigid that he does not acquiesce when he sees Laurie truly struggling in the wake of Jo’s rejection. His love for Laurie ultimately overpowers his protective nature, and he encourages his grandson to travel Europe to clear his mind. This final act of generosity reinforces Mr. Laurence’s role as a quiet yet steady force of goodness in the novel.
