Little Men

Nat is a young orphan sent to Plumfield by Uncle Teddy Lawrence, who discovers him in a basement, grieving his father after his guardian rejects him for being sickly. Nat becomes one of the main protagonists in the novel, and his transformation from a lonely and shy child with health challenges to a healthy and well-liked part of Plumfield community is one character arc that conveys the success of the Bhaers’ unusual educational methods.

Initially, Nat is portrayed as a stereotypical orphan who has suffered from a harsh childhood as a penniless street musician before arriving at Plumfield. He is weak and ill, with “thin temples and feverish lips, as well as the hoarse voice and frequent fits of coughing that shook the bent shoulders under the patched jacket” (6). Yet despite his rough beginnings, he is young enough to have retained his innocence, indicated by the Bhaers’ observation of his “sensitive mouth that trembled when a kind glance fell on him; while a gentle speech called up a look of gratitude, very sweet to see” (10).

The Bhaers’ belief in Education Nurturing Individual Talents and Personalities, rather than punishing or indoctrinating into a strict system, brings out their pupils’ innate moral character. Here, the kind attitude of the Bhaers encourages Nat’s sweetness. Nat grows in confidence at Plumfield. Through his personalized education, he is also given time and opportunity to develop his musical talent, which he applies by playing his fiddle for picnicking couples to earn wages. He also discovers that he is skilled at carpentry and making things. Finally, his charitable and caring nature leads him to bring Dan to Plumfield, which ultimately saves Dan from a life of abuse and isolation. Through Mr. Bhaer’s self-sacrifice and non-violent practice, Nat learns a difficult lesson and conquers his habit of dishonesty, learning to weigh self-preservation against his newfound code of morality. In Chapter 14, Nat matures through his ordeal with Tommy’s stolen money, learning the importance of reputation and an honest character. He is rewarded for his growth by Uncle Teddy’s promise to Mrs. Jo to use his influence and wealth to help Nat’s musical career.

Dan’s dynamic character arc is the most extreme transformation in the novel, and his relationship with Mrs. Jo is one of the most sentimental. He acts as a foil to Nat, who starts out weak and grows strong, whereas Dan starts out strong and rough but grows in gentleness. Their contrasting trajectories demonstrate the value of Education Nurturing Individual Talents and Personalities, as each boy requires different treatment and support.

Dan is initially characterized as ungrateful, ill-mannered, and violent. He speaks gruffly, swears, and starts fights with the other boys. He is unable to receive the love the Bhaers offer and runs away. Dan’s return to Plumfield, a turning point in the story, solidifies the maternal bond between him and Mrs. Jo, as both are grateful for a second chance.

Dan’s talent for natural sciences and affinity with animals is portrayed as a redeeming trait, highlighting growth through an Interconnectedness with Nature. Dan’s love of animals endears him to the Bhaers, who view it as a sign of his good nature and builds their trust and care for him. Dan has a nurturing relationship with the wild horse Charlie, whose rambunctious nature mirrors Dan’s own: “the two loved one another as if they felt some tie between them, inexplicable but strong” (243). Dan's taming of Charlie soothes Dan’s instinct for violence and unrest and symbolizes his mother-son bond with Mrs. Jo, who feels an instinctual kinship with Dan’s wild spirit. Dan’s studies in botany impress the students at Plumfield, and, along with his bravery and loyalty, help him gain their love, respect, and acceptance despite his shortcomings.