Bronte, Anne. Agnes Grey, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.
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| Anne Bronte |
The first novel by Anne Bronte of the Bronte sisters, this debut work of Victorian Literature was first published in 1847 and, like the novels by her sisters Charlotte and Emily, has drawn wide acclaim and ongoing criticism. Viewed as a novel in comparison with works by Jane Austin and hailed by some writers as the 'most perfect prose narrative in English letters', it is a much more gentler novel than those written by her sisters and contains no hints of the Gothic genre. It does however have a strong feminist centered thread and demonstrates the cruelty and inhumane treatment of women in the Victorian era, as well as animals. Supposedly, Anne Bronte does not allow her characters to reach maturity purposely with the intention of imposing boundaries for ideological reasons.
The plot is historically of interest. It contains strong Protestant views, and is believed to resemble the same experiences which Anne Bronte had as a Governess herself. It is therefore an autobiography of sorts. Agnes Grey's family falls into financial destitution and as strong Christian and daughter of a minister with noble upbringing, she takes it upon herself to become employed as a Governess of wealthy children. Throughout the novel Agnes battles against the decadence in the children and their parents and fights to remain the moral and Christian conscience of those around her. In keeping with a life dedicated to social adhesion and family-values, Agnes Grey eventually opens a school and marries a man who accepts her despite wealth and social status. Further reading for students:
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