Upon first introduction to the March sisters, it is clear that they all have differing personalities. All of the girls have traits that contribute to their characters, however, there is a stark foundational difference between Amy and Jo that instantly polarizes their personalities. Jo is always described as 'boyish', although this doesn't bother her in the slightest. She continually puts emphasis on her longing for freedom and independence, saying that she would "rather do everything for [herself], and be perfectly independent" (469). Everyone is aware of her desire to be free, including her Aunt March who cites Jo's "blunt manners and too independent spirit" (486) as one of the reasons why she would not take her to Europe. Her desire for independence is likely linked to her identification with boy/manhood as well, since she often experiences the ways in which society lends more freedom to her male counterparts. Her connection to masculinity radiates off her, and even in early meetings with the Laurie, she is well-suited to him because "she seemed to understand the boy almost as well as if she had been one herself" (83). Later in the novel, her 'boyhood' grows into manhood. Jo reflects on this to her family, stating that "'Amy is distinguishing herself abroad; but if anything is amiss at home, I'm your man'" (83).
In contrast to Jo's independence, Amy places high importance on her appearance and social networking in order to solidify her place in good society. Amy points out that she has been refining her "manners and tastes" (408) in order to join high society, and claims that Jo's idea of independence might just be poor manners. Just as Jo is connected to manhood and freedom, characteristics of womanhood and flourishing are attributed to Amy. She is chosen to go to Europe over Jo, and this is her chance to prove how refined she is without the direct guidance of her family. She claims that "one of [them] must marry well" (504), and knows that it will come down to her. These polar-opposite personalities contribute to the ultimate reason as to why Amy marries Laurie, their temperaments.
The difference in Amy and Jo's temperaments is the cornerstone of their marital decisions. Jo continuously proves that she is easily angered, and upon talking to her mother about it, realizes that this runs in the family. Mrs. March knows early on that Jo has a bad temperament, and is able to recognize that Laurie shares this trait with her. Mrs. March claims that they are "too much alike, and too fond of freedom, not to mention hot tempers and strong wills, to get on happily together" (521). Jo is self-aware, and knows that their similarities lend to a strong friendship rather than a marital relationship. On the other hand, Amy places such a high regard on her place in good society that she is able to quench any hot-headed desires. When her art is removed from the main table at the fair, she is initially angered, but knowing how much appearances matter, she offers her work to May Chester (who doesn't share Amy's artistic ability). Her act is seen as noble, and soon after, she notices it "seemed to have cleared the atmosphere amazingly" (479). Not only is Amy less impulsive than Jo, but when she meets Laurie again abroad, her matured presence and new view of Laurie allows for them to have a successful marriage, and for Jo to have the brother and friend she always wanted. These fundamental differences in the girl's characters and temperaments reaffirm their positions in society, and show that despite Jo's show of individuality, manners and class led to more successful marriages and stations in good society.
I completely agree with all of your ideas here, and I feel as if they would be able to convince anyone who ever believed the Laurie and Jo should've ended up together that that ultimately isn't true. The reader even sees their clashing temperaments during Laurie's confession to Jo when she tells him that it'd be “selfish of [him] to keep teasing for what [she] can't give” (373). Alcott also describes Jo to be "almost at her wit's end" (372) during Laurie's confession. And while it is indeed true that Jo doesn't want to break Laurie's heart, I believe that the fact that the confession is played out almost like an argument between them further affirms Jo's point that they would not be a good match. Overall, at this point in the novel, Laurie appears to be too immature for Jo. It isn't until Amy scolds Laurie while they're abroad that he finally sets himself straight maturity-wise, and this is when he starts to fall in love with Amy. And although many readers don't enjoy the match between Jo and Mr. Bhaer, I believe it is completely within the realm of Jo's character to seek out a man like Mr. Bhaer. Firstly, Jo and Mr. Bhaer complement each other in that Mr. Bhaer really does not show any signs of a short temper throughout the novel. It's even said in the final chapter of the novel that "the wise Professor steered her safely into calmer waters" (493) in regards to managing the boys at the school they opened up. And secondly, Mr. Bhaer is not only mature in terms of age, but his background and poverty have brought to him a level of maturity that Jo is fond of in men. Jo tells him, "I'm glad you are poor; I couldn't bear a rich husband," (487) showing the reader that someone of good society (like Laurie) wouldn't have ever been a good match for Jo, unlike Meg or Amy, who have always made it their goals to marry rich.
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