# First Lessons in the Art of Instruction explained — Agnes Grey

> Chapter companion for Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë.

## What happens

Agnes Grey begins her duties as governess at Wellwood House, encountering the Bloomfield children. She observes Master Tom Bloomfield's cruel behavior toward animals and his domineering attitude, while Mrs. Bloomfield presents a cold, forbidding demeanor and offers misleading praise of her children. Agnes struggles to connect with her pupils and feels the weight of her new position.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cruelty and Compassion

Tom Bloomfield's torture of birds and his father's approval highlight the theme of cruelty, while Agnes attempts to instill compassion.

### The Plight of the Governess

Agnes's powerless position is evident as she is ignored by the children and constrained by Mrs. Bloomfield's cold authority.

### Hypocrisy and Superficiality

Mrs. Bloomfield's praise of Tom as 'generous and noble-spirited' contrasts sharply with his actual cruel behavior.

## Character check-ins

### Agnes Grey

Agnes begins her first day as governess, trying to manage the Bloomfield children and navigate Mrs. Bloomfield's coldness.

### Mr. Bloomfield

Tom Bloomfield, the seven-year-old son, is cruel to animals and domineering, contradicting his mother's praise.

### Mary Ann

Mary Ann, the elder daughter, is affected and attention-seeking, with a simper and a love for her doll.

### Mrs. Bloomfield

Mrs. Bloomfield is cold, grave, and forbidding, offering misleading praise of her children and cautioning Agnes not to mention their defects.

### Fanny

Fanny is a pretty, gentle child of nearly four, who has not yet begun lessons.

### Mr. Robson

Uncle Robson is mentioned as having laughed at Tom's cruelty to birds, encouraging his behavior.

## Key lines

> I'll cut into him like smoke! Eeh! my word! but he shall sweat for it.

Tom boasts that he will whip a pony mercilessly.

_Tom's violent attitude toward animals is revealed early in the chapter._

> I still think it is, Tom; and perhaps your papa and mamma would think so too, if they thought much about it. However, I internally added, 'they may say what they please, but I am determined you shall do nothing of the kind, as long as I have power to prevent it.'

Agnes resolves to stop Tom's cruelty despite his parents' indifference.

_Agnes's inner determination contrasts with her outward powerlessness._

## Links

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