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A review by jola_g
Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë
3.0
As it seems, I might have read the novels by Anne Brontë in the wrong order. Deliciously atypical [b:The Tenant of Wildfell Hall|337113|The Tenant of Wildfell Hall|Anne Brontë|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1479652419l/337113._SY75_.jpg|1389477] (1848) set my expectations a bit too high — I was flabbergasted by its modern feel. Unfortunately, Anne Brontë's debut, Agnes Grey (1847), is sadly grey compared to her second book.
The thing that I enjoyed the most in this novel was the vivid and engrossing observations on the work of a governess, based on the author’s slightly traumatic five-year experiences. First, Anne Brontë worked for the Inghams at Blake Hall near Mirfield, and then for the Robinsons at Thorp Green near York. It was fascinating to see from the inside what a governess's life in the 19th century looked like. To cut a long story short: it was an ordeal. The fact that this exasperating, stressful and taxing job was often done by teenagers (Agnes is about eighteen when the novel begins) who had to take on responsibilities they were not prepared for at all, either mentally or emotionally, made it even more challenging.
The thing — or rather the person — that I liked the least in this book was unfortunately the narrator and protagonist, Agnes Grey. I have the impression Anne Brontë got carried away with the efforts to make her heroine the embodiment of every possible virtue. It is not hard to guess what the result was: there is something stilted about Agnes. She is an annoying know-it-all, a walking perfection, an innocent, saintly victim of the rude children she has to care for and of their insensitive parents. Agnes's pupils are portrayed as neurotic spoiled brats, there is even a little sadist. On top of that, their parents are cold and demanding: it was my business to hear, and not to speak. Little wonder the effects of education in such a hostile environment turn out poor. Interestingly, Agnes never blames herself for any pedagogical failures and she never tries to change her approach or methods.
The angelic idealization of Miss Grey tampered with my investment in the story which grated at me at times, especially the awkward romance. The problem with flawless people: they do not exist. By the way, I think the protagonist's name and surname are not a coincidence: they evoke someone gentle, genuine and modest. Agnes is a name of Greek origin and means 'pure', 'chaste', 'holy'. As for grey, it usually represents neutrality, stability and balance. This is the quintessence of Agnes Grey's personality. I wish she and the other characters in this novel were more complex and layered.
There is a feminist undercurrent in Agnes Grey but not as bold and palpable as in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. It is the women who save the family from the financial disaster. Besides, the author argues that girls are not taught useful skills and she criticizes rendering them as superficially attractive, and showily accomplished.
Anne Brontë's books have been overshadowed by Charlotte and Emily's works. With the two elder sisters, who were talented writers, it must have been difficult to find her distinct voice. Anne's voice is not perfect but it is definitely her own. Apparently, she is the most divisive Brontë sister. I have come across an opinion that she was the most gifted of the Brontë sisters. On the other hand, some critics and readers argue Anne was, as Margaret Lane put it, a Brontë without genius. I beg to differ.
The Lesson by Jules Trayer, 1861.
The thing that I enjoyed the most in this novel was the vivid and engrossing observations on the work of a governess, based on the author’s slightly traumatic five-year experiences. First, Anne Brontë worked for the Inghams at Blake Hall near Mirfield, and then for the Robinsons at Thorp Green near York. It was fascinating to see from the inside what a governess's life in the 19th century looked like. To cut a long story short: it was an ordeal. The fact that this exasperating, stressful and taxing job was often done by teenagers (Agnes is about eighteen when the novel begins) who had to take on responsibilities they were not prepared for at all, either mentally or emotionally, made it even more challenging.
The thing — or rather the person — that I liked the least in this book was unfortunately the narrator and protagonist, Agnes Grey. I have the impression Anne Brontë got carried away with the efforts to make her heroine the embodiment of every possible virtue. It is not hard to guess what the result was: there is something stilted about Agnes. She is an annoying know-it-all, a walking perfection, an innocent, saintly victim of the rude children she has to care for and of their insensitive parents. Agnes's pupils are portrayed as neurotic spoiled brats, there is even a little sadist. On top of that, their parents are cold and demanding: it was my business to hear, and not to speak. Little wonder the effects of education in such a hostile environment turn out poor. Interestingly, Agnes never blames herself for any pedagogical failures and she never tries to change her approach or methods.
The angelic idealization of Miss Grey tampered with my investment in the story which grated at me at times, especially the awkward romance. The problem with flawless people: they do not exist. By the way, I think the protagonist's name and surname are not a coincidence: they evoke someone gentle, genuine and modest. Agnes is a name of Greek origin and means 'pure', 'chaste', 'holy'. As for grey, it usually represents neutrality, stability and balance. This is the quintessence of Agnes Grey's personality. I wish she and the other characters in this novel were more complex and layered.
There is a feminist undercurrent in Agnes Grey but not as bold and palpable as in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. It is the women who save the family from the financial disaster. Besides, the author argues that girls are not taught useful skills and she criticizes rendering them as superficially attractive, and showily accomplished.
Anne Brontë's books have been overshadowed by Charlotte and Emily's works. With the two elder sisters, who were talented writers, it must have been difficult to find her distinct voice. Anne's voice is not perfect but it is definitely her own. Apparently, she is the most divisive Brontë sister. I have come across an opinion that she was the most gifted of the Brontë sisters. On the other hand, some critics and readers argue Anne was, as Margaret Lane put it, a Brontë without genius. I beg to differ.
The Lesson by Jules Trayer, 1861.