The Brontë Project 2021 discussion

Let's discuss Agnes Grey up to and including Chapter 18 (Mirth and Mourning). No spoilers please! There's a separate discussion thread for that.

This is the first book I’ve read by Anne Bronte and, I have to say, I’m really enjoying it so far. Similarities to Charlotte’s writing in some respects, particularly regarding the life of a governess whilst obviously very different to Emily. A short read and I’m currently up to Chapter 21. It is great that the next book in the readathon is The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and it will be interesting to compare the writing in the two books.

For this section, I found myself REALLY disliking the Murrey family, which of course you are supposed to. I often wonder how much of the horrible family construction in these governess novels was true and how much of it is hyperbole. I am sure that Anne, and Charlotte, experienced poor treatment as governesses, it is well documented. However, it seems to be that they might be rolling up into each disagreeable character ALL that is disagreeable with the upper class. Regardless of whether it is a true representation or an exageration, the effect is the same -- pure dislike of the family.

I must say that I liked Weston. I enjoy how Agnes hides her feelings from the reader, but the reader can figure out the feelings anyway. Agnes/Bronte moves very quickly from the diary aspect to the narration of the story very quickly. I have to say that I am liking this simple approach to telling the story.