Agnes Grey · Chapter
XI: The Cottagers explained
Agnes Grey finds more free time as her pupils' demands lessen, and she often visits the poor cottagers on the Murray estate, either accompanying the Misses Murray or going alone.
What happens
Agnes Grey finds more free time as her pupils' demands lessen, and she often visits the poor cottagers on the Murray estate, either accompanying the Misses Murray or going alone. She observes the sisters' condescending and thoughtless behavior toward the poor, contrasting it with the genuine kindness of Mr. Weston, who is praised by the cottagers for his compassionate visits and practical help. Through her interactions with Nancy Brown and others, Agnes reflects on the moral influence of companionship and the power of Christian love and humility.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
The Murray sisters treat the cottagers as inferior beings, highlighting the class divide and lack of empathy from the upper classes.
Cruelty and Compassion
Mr. Weston's compassionate visits and practical aid contrast sharply with the thoughtless cruelty of the Murray sisters and Mr. Hatfield.
Self-Reliance and Integrity
Agnes maintains her moral integrity despite the negative influence of her companions, finding strength in her own principles and faith.
Characters to notice
- Agnes Grey
Narrator and governess; finds solace in visiting cottagers and reflecting on her own moral development.
- Rosalie Murray
One of Agnes's pupils; visits cottagers but treats them with careless condescension.
- Matilda Murray
Another pupil; rude and boisterous toward the poor, showing lack of consideration.
- Edward Weston
The new parson; praised by cottagers for his genuine kindness, practical help, and heartfelt sermons.
- Nancy Brown
A poor widow with eye trouble; receives visits from Agnes and Mr. Weston, and shares her spiritual growth.
- Mr. Hatfield
The rector; contrasted unfavorably with Mr. Weston for his harsh and thoughtless manner toward the sick.
Key passages
“They never, in thought, exchanged places with them; and, consequently, had no consideration for their feelings, regarding them as an order of beings entirely different from themselves.”
The Murray sisters never imagined themselves in the cottagers' position, so they had no empathy, seeing them as a completely separate and inferior class.
Agnes criticizes the sisters' lack of empathy and class prejudice.
“I made many and various attempts to deliver my pupils from these delusive notions without alarming their pride—which was easily offended, and not soon appeased—but with little apparent result”
Agnes tried repeatedly to correct her pupils' mistaken beliefs without hurting their pride, but with little success.
Agnes's efforts to teach compassion are largely futile.
“I felt very happy, and thanked God that I had now something to think about; something to dwell on as a relief from the weary monotony, the lonely drudgery, of my present life”
Agnes felt joyful and grateful for having a new focus that relieved her from the tedious and lonely routine of her life.
Agnes finds emotional relief in thoughts of Mr. Weston's kindness.
“The more happiness we bestow, the more we shall receive, even here; and the greater will be our reward in heaven when we rest from our labours.”
The more joy we give to others, the more we will experience ourselves in this life, and the greater our heavenly reward will be.
Mr. Weston's teaching on the reciprocal nature of kindness, as recalled by Nancy Brown.
