# IV: The Grandmamma explained — Agnes Grey

> Chapter companion for Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë.

## What happens

Agnes Grey returns home for a brief respite before resuming her arduous duties as governess to the Bloomfield children. She describes the relentless challenges of managing Tom, Mary Ann, and Fanny, who constantly rebel against her authority. Despite her efforts, she receives no support from Mr. or Mrs. Bloomfield, who either ignore or criticize her. A particularly difficult snowy afternoon and an incident involving eggshells highlight her frustration and isolation. Only the nurse, Betty, offers any sympathy, having suffered similar treatment.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Plight of the Governess

Agnes is trapped between unruly pupils and unsupportive parents, highlighting the governess's powerless and thankless position.

### Cruelty and Compassion

The children's deliberate cruelty contrasts with Betty's rare compassion, while the parents' indifference compounds Agnes's suffering.

## Character check-ins

### Agnes Grey

The governess, struggling to control the Bloomfield children and feeling unsupported by their parents.

### Mr. Bloomfield

Father of the children; criticizes Agnes for allowing the children to grind eggshells on the carpet and frequently checks on the schoolroom.

### Mrs. Bloomfield

Mother of the children; dismisses Agnes's complaints and fails to discipline Tom after his tantrum.

### Mary Ann

One of the Bloomfield pupils; participates in mischief and is described as worse than her sisters.

### Betty Holmes

The nursery-maid who sympathizes with Agnes and admits to losing her place for hitting the children.

## Key lines

> I can conceive few situations more harassing than that wherein, however you may long for success, however you may labour to fulfil your duty, your efforts are baffled and set at nought by those beneath you, and unjustly censured and misjudged by those above.

Agnes reflects that few jobs are as frustrating as trying to do your best while being undermined by those you supervise and unfairly criticized by your superiors.

_This captures the central frustration of the governess's role._

> There now, Miss Grey! you see I’ve got my supper in spite of you: and I haven’t picked up a single thing!

Tom taunts Agnes after his mother rewards his tantrum by giving him supper without requiring him to clean up.

_Illustrates the lack of parental support and the child's triumph over authority._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/iv-the-grandmamma
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/agnes_grey_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters