Hannah Mullet is the March family's only servant; she is both their maid and cook. However, on one occasion in the book, she is referred to as 'Hannah Brown', perhaps an error of memory on the part of Alcott since Hannah's surname was not often mentioned. (The error can be found in an edition of 'The Pickwick Portfolio' under 'ADVERTISEMENTS').
She is of Irish descent and very dear to the family. She is treated more like a member of the family than a servant.
Hannah has lived with the March family since eldest daughter Meg was born and remembers a time when life wasn't as difficult for the beloved family. She is considered and described by them all as more of a friend than a servant.
While Meg plays governess, Jo a companion for Aunt March and little Amy still in school, Hannah can be found keeping house with Beth at the March home.
When the girls' father is wounded at war Mrs March departs to nurse her husband, leaving Hannah to keep an eye on her daughters. Being very fond of the four March sisters, Hannah does this with loyalty and is quick to play nurse herself, sending Amy away and taking the lead when Beth first catches scarlet fever.
Not wanting to trouble her mistress or worry Mr March while he recovers, Hannah argues Mrs March shouldn't be sent for right away and advises both Meg and Jo to keep the news about Beth's illness to themselves and not mention it in their letters to their mother. A good friend and neighbour, Laurie however thinks Hannah is overdoing the authority business and takes the matter into his own hands with the help of his grandfather and the two send for Mrs March, despite the lady's best interest. "That's the interesting chap I ever see, but I forgive him and do hope Mrs March is coming on right away," said Hannah, with an air of relief.
Personality[]
Hannah is a jolly woman, with a soft spot for the four March girls. However, she can sometimes go into ‘moods’, though they never last long.
Physical Appearance[]
Etymology[]
- Hannah is a female given name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'favour' or 'grace'.