X: The Church explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Hypocrisy and Superficiality

  Mr. Hatfield's theatrical preaching and concern with appearances contrast with his lack of genuine piety, while the Murray sisters judge Mr. Weston by his looks and social graces.

• Education and Moral Development

  Agnes's discernment of true religious sincerity versus empty ritual reflects her moral growth and critical thinking.

• Love and Genuine Connection

  The contrast between the Murray sisters' superficial interest in Harry Meltham and Agnes's appreciation of Mr. Weston's earnest character hints at deeper values in relationships.

Characters to notice

• Agnes Grey

  Agnes observes and reflects on the clergymen's styles, defending Mr. Weston's sincerity against Rosalie's criticism.

• Rosalie Murray

  Rosalie dismisses Mr. Weston as dull and focuses on Harry Meltham's attentions, showing her preoccupation with social status and flirtation.

• Matilda Murray

  Matilda argues with Rosalie about Harry Meltham's admiration, revealing her rough manners and desire for a husband who shares her love of horses and dogs.

• Edward Weston

  Mr. Weston is introduced as the new curate; Agnes approves of his earnest, clear preaching and sincere manner, contrasting him with Mr. Hatfield.

• Mr. Hatfield

  Mr. Hatfield is depicted as artificial and self-important, with studied gestures and sermons focused on ritual and obedience, lacking genuine spirituality.

• Henry Meltham

  Harry Meltham is discussed by the Murray sisters; he attends church frequently and shows attention to them, but Agnes barely notices him.

Key passages

• “He read the Lessons as if he were bent on giving full effect to every passage; it seemed as if the most careless person could not have helped attending, nor the most ignorant have failed to understand; and the prayers he read as if he were not reading at all, but praying earnestly and sincerely from his own heart.”

  Mr. Weston read the scriptures with such force that even the most inattentive listener would pay attention, and he prayed as if speaking directly from his heart rather than reciting words.

  Agnes praises Mr. Weston's sincere and engaging style of reading and praying.

• “Mr. Hatfield would come sailing up the aisle, or rather sweeping along like a whirlwind, with his rich silk gown flying behind him and rustling against the pew doors, mount the pulpit like a conqueror ascending his triumphal car; then, sinking on the velvet cushion in an attitude of studied grace, remain in silent prostration for a certain time; then mutter over a Collect, and gabble through the Lord's Prayer, rise, draw off one bright lavender glove, to give the congregation the benefit of his sparkling rings...”

  Mr. Hatfield entered the church dramatically, his silk gown swirling, and ascended the pulpit like a victor. He then performed a series of theatrical gestures, including a calculated pause, mumbled prayers, and a display of his jewelry, all for show.

  Agnes criticizes Mr. Hatfield's ostentatious and insincere manner of conducting the service.

• “Thus, I could not but conclude that Mr. Hatfield was one of those who 'bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them upon men's shoulders, while they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers'; and who 'make the word of God of none effect by their traditions, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.'”

  Agnes concludes that Mr. Hatfield imposes strict religious rules on others while ignoring them himself, and prioritizes human traditions over genuine biblical teachings.

  Agnes applies biblical criticism to Mr. Hatfield, highlighting his hypocrisy.