# The Letter explained — Agnes Grey

> Chapter companion for Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë.

## What happens

After the death of her father, Agnes Grey and her family discuss their future plans. Her mother resolves to open a small school rather than accept charity, and receives a condescending letter from her estranged father offering reconciliation only if she repents her marriage. She proudly refuses, affirming her love for her late husband and her daughters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Reliance and Integrity

Mrs. Grey's determination to earn her own living and her refusal to repent her marriage demonstrate her commitment to self-reliance and personal integrity.

### Love and Genuine Connection

Mrs. Grey's passionate defense of her marriage to Richard Grey underscores the theme of genuine love triumphing over social and material considerations.

## Character check-ins

### Agnes Grey

Agnes supports her mother's plan to open a school and offers her savings to furnish the house.

### Mrs. Grey

Mrs. Grey resolves to earn her own livelihood by starting a school, and defiantly rejects her father's offer of reconciliation.

### Richard Grey

Recently deceased; his memory is honored by Mrs. Grey's refusal to regret their marriage.

### Mary Ann

Mary offers to have their mother live with her and Mr. Richardson, but Mrs. Grey declines.

## Key lines

> My mother’s strong mind had not given way beneath even this affliction: her spirit, though crushed, was not broken.

Despite the devastating loss, my mother remained mentally strong and resilient.

_Highlights Mrs. Grey's fortitude after her husband's death._

> I shall say that he is mistaken in supposing that I can regret the birth of my daughters ... or the thirty years I have passed in the company of my best and dearest friend

I will tell him he is wrong to think I regret having my daughters or the thirty years I spent with my beloved husband.

_Mrs. Grey's defiant response to her father's condescending letter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters/xix-the-letter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/agnes_grey_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/agnes_grey_se/chapters