Agnes Grey

Book Code: 1111004081405

Anne Brontë

ABOUT THE BOOK

Anne Brontë (1820–1849), the youngest of the Brontë literary family, wrote two well-regarded novels. "Agnes Grey" (1847) drew from her experiences as a governess, portraying the struggles of such women. Her second novel, "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" (1848), also earned praise. Brontë, along with her sisters, published poetry under pseudonyms in 1845 due to societal biases against female writers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"Agnes Grey" is Anne Brontë's debut novel, published under the pen name "Acton Bell" in 1847. It follows the story of Agnes, a governess in the English gentry, based on Anne's own experiences. Addressing the oppression of women, the novel also emphasizes empathy and fair treatment of animals. It incorporates bildungsroman elements, exploring personal growth and coming of age. Praised by George Moore as a perfect prose narrative, some modern critics admire its craftsmanship but with less overt praise compared to Jane Austen's work. The novel stands as a compelling portrayal of a governess's struggles and societal challenges.

CONTENTS

I. THE PARSONAGE ...............................................................7
II. FIRST LESSONS IN THE ART OF INSTRUCTION......... 19
III. A FEW MORE LESSONS.................................................. 27
IV. THE GRANDMAMMA .................................................... 39
V. THE UNCLE ....................................................................... 48
VI. THE PARSONAGE AGAIN ............................................. 55
VII. HORTON LODGE.............................................................. 61
VIII. THE ‘COMING OUT’ ........................................................ 76
IX. THE BALL ............................................................................ 79
X. THE CHURCH....................................................................... 84
XI. THE COTTAGERS ............................................................. 90
XII. THE SHOWER ................................................................. 105
XIII. THE PRIMROSES ........................................................... 109
XIV. THE RECTOR .................................................................. 116
XV. THE WALK........................................................................ 130
XVI. THE SUBSTITUTION ..................................................... 137
XVII. CONFESSIONS ................................................................ 141
XVIII. MIRTH AND MOURNING ........................................... 152
XIX. THE LETTER..................................................................... 161
XX. THE FAREWELL .............................................................. 165
XXI. THE SCHOOL................................................................... 171
XXII. THE VISIT ......................................................................... 177
XXIII. THE PARK......................................................................... 185
XXIV. THE SANDS ...................................................................... 189
XXV. CONCLUSION ................................................................ 195