Agnes Grey · Chapter
XIV: The Rector explained
Agnes Grey is occupied with a watercolour drawing for Rosalie Murray while Matilda busies herself with dogs and horses.
What happens
Agnes Grey is occupied with a watercolour drawing for Rosalie Murray while Matilda busies herself with dogs and horses. Mrs. Murray interrupts, chiding Agnes for not engaging the young ladies more and expressing concern about Rosalie's solitary walks, which often coincide with Mr. Hatfield's appearances. Agnes is sent to find Rosalie and remind her of propriety. Later, Rosalie sends Agnes on an errand to the sick laborer Mark Wood, which conveniently prevents Agnes from meeting Mr. Hatfield on the road. On her way back, Agnes encounters Mr. Weston, who inquires about Mark Wood and speaks kindly. Rosalie then excitedly reveals to Agnes that Mr. Hatfield proposed to her, but she refused him, though she admits she lied about wealth not mattering. The chapter highlights Rosalie's coquettish pride and Agnes's growing admiration for Mr. Weston.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Superficiality
Mrs. Murray criticizes Agnes for not being a better companion, yet she herself is more concerned with appearances than genuine care. Rosalie's coquettish manipulation of Mr. Hatfield and her lie about wealth also highlight superficial values.
Love and Genuine Connection
In contrast to Rosalie's calculated flirtation, Agnes's quiet encounter with Mr. Weston—marked by sincere conversation about the poor and a natural, brotherly ease—suggests a deeper, more genuine connection.
The Plight of the Governess
Agnes is scolded by Mrs. Murray for not being cheerful enough, sent on errands to manage Rosalie's behavior, and expected to be a substitute mother—all while receiving little respect or gratitude.
Characters to notice
- Agnes Grey
Agnes is drawing for Rosalie, endures Mrs. Murray's reproaches, runs an errand to Mark Wood, meets Mr. Weston, and learns of Rosalie's refusal of Mr. Hatfield.
- Rosalie Murray
Rosalie avoids Agnes to meet Mr. Hatfield, sends Agnes on a contrived errand, then gleefully recounts Mr. Hatfield's proposal and her proud refusal.
- Matilda Murray
Matilda is briefly mentioned as having galloped through lessons, thumped the piano, and gone to the yards and stables; she is later seen in the park.
- Edward Weston
Mr. Weston meets Agnes after her visit to Mark Wood, inquires about the sick man, makes sensible remarks, and departs, leaving a strong impression on Agnes.
- Mr. Hatfield
Mr. Hatfield is observed by Mrs. Murray walking near Rosalie's haunts; he later proposes to Rosalie and is refused, reacting with mortification and bitterness.
- Mark Wood
Mark Wood is the consumptive labourer visited by Agnes; he is rapidly wasting away and grateful for the half-crown from Rosalie.
Key passages
“If you would try to amuse Miss Matilda yourself a little more, I think she would not be driven to seek amusement in the companionship of dogs and horses and grooms, so much as she is; and if you would be a little more cheerful and conversable with Miss Murray, she would not so often go wandering in the fields with a book in her hand.”
Mrs. Murray blames Agnes for not entertaining Matilda and Rosalie enough, implying that if Agnes were more cheerful and talkative, the girls wouldn't seek other diversions.
This illustrates the governess's burden: she is held responsible for her pupils' behavior and blamed for their failings.
“I proudly drew myself up, and with the greatest coolness expressed my astonishment at such an occurrence, and hoped he had seen nothing in my conduct to justify his expectations.”
Rosalie describes how she haughtily rejected Mr. Hatfield's proposal, feigning surprise and denying any encouragement.
Rosalie's pride and delight in humiliating Mr. Hatfield reveal her superficial and manipulative nature.
“He greeted me in his usual quiet, unaffected way, stopped to inquire about the condition of the sick man and his family, and with a sort of unconscious, brotherly disregard to ceremony took from my hand the book out of which I had been reading, turned over its pages, made a few brief but very sensible remarks, and restored it.”
Mr. Weston's manner is natural and unpretentious; he shows genuine concern for the poor and treats Agnes with easy, brotherly familiarity.
This moment contrasts Mr. Weston's sincerity with the artificiality of the Murray household and deepens Agnes's admiration for him.
