The well-educated daughter of a penniless clergyman, Agnes Grey is
treated like a child by her family and so sets out to prove herself by
seeking employment as a governess. Soon, however, her idealistic notions
regarding the education and care of her wards are dashed as she battles
to control the wild Bloomfield children in her first situation, and is
then held in low regard by the superior Murray household.
Drawing on Anne Brontë's own experiences, and dealing with themes such
as the nature of childhood, the rise of the middle classes and the
loneliness, cruelty and even ill treatment that life as a governess
could entail, Agnes Grey is full of quiet passion and remains a
beloved classic to this day.