The Parsonage Again explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• The Plight of the Governess

  Agnes's determination to find a better situation reflects the challenges and limited options faced by governesses, who often had to balance financial need with the hope of respectful treatment.

• Self-Reliance and Integrity

  Agnes's resolve to earn her own living and contribute to her family's support, despite her mother's warnings, demonstrates her growing self-reliance and commitment to integrity.

• Family and Filial Duty

  Agnes's primary motivation is to alleviate her father's anxiety and provide for her mother's future, highlighting the theme of familial responsibility.

Characters to notice

• Agnes Grey

  Returns home and decides to seek another governess position to support her family.

• Richard Grey

  Agnes's father, whose health is declining and who worries about the family's future.

• Mrs. Grey

  Agnes's mother, who supports her but advises patience and careful selection of a new position.

• Mary Ann

  Agnes's sister, who has had success with her drawings and supports Agnes's decision.

Key passages

• “For a few months I remained peaceably at home, in the quiet enjoyment of liberty and rest, and genuine friendship, from all of which I had fasted so long; and in the earnest prosecution of my studies, to recover what I had lost during my stay at Wellwood House, and to lay in new stores for future use.”

  Agnes spent several peaceful months at home, enjoying the freedom and friendship she had missed, while studying to make up for lost time and prepare for the future.

  Agnes reflects on her recovery and preparation after her difficult first governess position.

• “My mother would never suffer him to ponder on the subject if she could help it. 'Oh, Richard!' exclaimed she, on one occasion, 'if you would but dismiss such gloomy subjects from your mind, you would live as long as any of us; at least you would live to see the girls married, and yourself a happy grandfather, with a canty old dame for your companion.'”

  Agnes's mother tried to distract her father from his worries about the future, urging him to think cheerfully so he might live longer.

  Mrs. Grey attempts to lift Mr. Grey's spirits and ease his anxiety about the family's prospects.

• “I had now, in some measure, got rid of the mauvaise honte that had formerly oppressed me so much; there was a pleasing excitement in the idea of entering these unknown regions, and making my way alone among its strange inhabitants.”

  Agnes had overcome much of her former shyness and felt excited about venturing into a new, unfamiliar place on her own.

  Agnes's growing confidence as she prepares for her new position at Horton Lodge.