The Brontë Project 2021 discussion

Let's discuss the last section of Agnes Grey, from chapter 19 (The Letter) until the last chapter (Conclusion).

In general, this was a really good read and my first introduction to Anne Bronte. It delivers a highly realistic depiction of the life of a Victorian governess based upon Anne's own experience. This aspect probably explained some of the negative reviews upon first publication when it was perhaps considered a little exaggerated and raw.

It didn't quite have some of the characteristics of the first published novels of Emily and Charlotte but it was an enjoyable read. In particular, I enjoyed some of Anne's descriptions of the outdoors and particularly the ending scene with Mr Weston which was no doubt taken from Anne's experiences in Scarborough. In addition, Anne's own love of animals was evident in the various scenes in the story when she is affronted by the way a character behaves.

Overall, an excellent read.

I can see why this novel was not very successful upon release, since it's deceptively simple at a first glance. There are no big reveals, twists or turns, nor high passions. The main theme is the life and struggles of a governess in the first half of the 19th century. However, Anne Bronte portrays the question of morality, education, class structures and the difficult position of governesses (who were neither servants, nor equals in the family they were employed by) with such insight. I loved the voice of Agnes as a main protagonist, and being a teacher myself, sympathized with her struggles.

Though I don't think this novel reached the heights of 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' in execution, I loved it nevertheless. I think Anne put so much of herself and her own experience in this one, which makes it a charming and cozy read. 4 shining stars from me!

Agnes Grey was the only Bronte-novel I had never read before. I enjoyed it very much. I liked the unagitated writing-style and the true-to-life characterisations. I suppose it's a quite realistic portrayal of the life as a governess in the middle of the 19th century and it was a very interesting read. Last not least I liked the romantic plot.
I'm looking forward to reread The Tenant of Wildfell Hall next month. I was not very thrilled when I read it for about ten years ago, and I'm curious if I'll love it more this time.

A rather cozy light hearted read. I was looking for cottagecore aesthetic springtime vibes and a lot of the nature description in this book (very different from her sisters' Gothic landscapes) was very much bright, springtime and delicate.
Agnes as a character feels rather mature in tone from the beginning of the book and there isn't much character growth. She is however a likeable character as her voice feels more stable.
The plot isn't very sensational but is certainly very realistic (after all not all of us often meet a Mr Rochester or a Monsieur Paul). Overall a lot of cozy vibes from it--4 stars!

I really liked Agnes as a character and I enjoyed this warts and all depiction of life as a governess in 19th century England - I imagine it might have been quite shocking or revealing at the time. The exploration of class, morals as well as the importance and impact of marriage on women of the time were fascinating. This was my first Anne Bronte and looking forward to The Tenant of Wildfell Hall now.

I loved Anne's writing style, and her depictions of a governess struggling with unhelpful parents and difficult children (I work at a school and I can relate).
The romance was a bit predictable - Mr. Weston was pretty obviously meant for Agnes from the beginning, and I never really believed that Rosalie's flirting would do anything to stop that. That being said, while a predictable romance may not be quite as exciting to read, I think it is a very realistic and sweet story. I would much rather fall in love with someone like Mr. Weston who brings me flowers and rescues cats, than with stormier Bronte characters like Mr. Rochester.