Agnes Grey · Chapter
VII: Horton Lodge explained
Agnes Grey describes her new position at Horton Lodge, where she teaches the Murray children.
What happens
Agnes Grey describes her new position at Horton Lodge, where she teaches the Murray children. She details the beautiful but spoiled Rosalie Murray, the capricious behavior of her pupils, the lack of consideration for her comfort, and the gradual improvement in her relationship with the girls as they come to respect her sincerity and principles.
Themes in this chapter
The Plight of the Governess
Agnes experiences neglect, capricious treatment, and lack of consideration from both the family and servants, highlighting the governess's vulnerable position.
Hypocrisy and Superficiality
Mrs. Murray's constant talk of her children's happiness contrasts with her indifference to Agnes, and Rosalie's beauty masks a shallow and unprincipled character.
Education and Moral Development
The Murray children's lack of discipline and moral training, and Agnes's efforts to instill principles, are central to the chapter.
Characters to notice
- Agnes Grey
The governess at Horton Lodge, reflecting on her treatment and the character of her pupils.
- Rosalie Murray
A beautiful but shallow and spoiled young lady, initially cold but later attached to Agnes.
- Matilda Murray
One of Agnes's pupils, noted for her lack of consideration and capricious behavior.
- Mrs. Murray
The mother of the Murray children, overly solicitous for her children's comfort but indifferent to Agnes's well-being.
Key passages
“I observed that while Mrs. Murray was so extremely solicitous for the comfort and happiness of her children, and continually talking about it, she never once mentioned mine; though they were at home, surrounded by friends, and I an alien among strangers; and I did not yet know enough of the world, not to be considerably surprised at this anomaly.”
Agnes notes that Mrs. Murray is very concerned about her children's comfort but never considers Agnes's own well-being, even though Agnes is a stranger in their home.
Highlights the governess's isolation and the family's self-centeredness.
“She was lively, lighthearted, and could be very agreeable, with those who did not cross her will. Towards me, when I first came, she was cold and haughty, then insolent and overbearing; but, on a further acquaintance, she gradually laid aside her airs, and in time became as deeply attached to me as it was possible for her to be to one of my character and position: for she seldom lost sight, for above half an hour at a time, of the fact of my being a hireling and a poor curate’s daughter.”
Rosalie Murray is pleasant when she gets her way, but initially treats Agnes with disdain. Over time, she becomes fond of Agnes but never forgets that Agnes is a paid employee and a poor clergyman's daughter.
Illustrates the class divide and Rosalie's superficial attachment.
“Their indecorous manner of doing their lessons was quite as remarkable as the caprice displayed in their choice of time and place. While receiving my instructions, or repeating what they had learned, they would lounge upon the sofa, lie on the rug, stretch, yawn, talk to each other, or look out of the window; whereas, I could not so much as stir the fire, or pick up the handkerchief I had dropped, without being rebuked for inattention by one of my pupils, or told that “mamma would not like me to be so careless.””
The Murray children are disrespectful during lessons, lounging and distracting themselves, while Agnes is scolded for the slightest movement, showing the double standard.
Demonstrates the lack of discipline and the unfair treatment of the governess.