Agnes Grey exposes the harsh working conditions of a young governess
who's hired by multiple families, including the overly critical
Bloomfields and the delusional Murrays. While on assignment, Agnes
endures consistent cruelty, forcing her to look inward for strength and
encouragement.
Agnes is a young woman who comes from an impoverished background. Eager
for financial independence, she accepts a position as a governess for an
upper-class family. Agnes is initially charged with the Bloomfield
children, who are unruly and slightly sadistic. The oldest boy, Tom, is
particularly threatening, as he likes to capture and harm small animals.
Agnes also engages with the extremely wealthy Murrays and their
daughters, Matilda and Rosalie, who are in dire need of direction. Agnes
attempts to navigate her growing responsibilities, while maintaining her
morals and resilience.
In Agnes Grey, Anne Brontë examines a common plight among
working-class people. It offers a revealing look at the corruptive
nature of wealth, and the moral differences between the haves and the
have nots. It goes beyond the surface to expose an unflattering but
honest reality.
With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Agnes Grey is both modern and readable.