Agnes Grey · Chapter
XV: The Walk explained
Rosalie Murray laments her hasty rejection of Mr.
What happens
Rosalie Murray laments her hasty rejection of Mr. Hatfield and expresses boredom without social excitement. She and Agnes walk to the village, where Rosalie hopes to encounter admirers. Agnes is left behind when Rosalie joins the Misses Green, but Mr. Weston approaches and engages Agnes in a thoughtful conversation about friendship, reading, and her solitary life. When Rosalie rejoins them, she deliberately monopolizes Mr. Weston's attention, boasting afterward that she has 'fixed' him.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Marriage
Rosalie's manipulation of male attention and her view of marriage as a game of conquest illustrate the era's marriage market dynamics.
The Plight of the Governess
Agnes's isolation and inability to form friendships due to her social position are central to her conversation with Mr. Weston.
Love and Genuine Connection
Mr. Weston's sincere interest in Agnes's thoughts contrasts with Rosalie's superficial flirtation, hinting at a deeper potential bond.
Characters to notice
- Rosalie Murray
Regrets rejecting Hatfield too soon; seeks male attention during a walk; flirts with Mr. Weston and claims to have 'fixed' him.
- Matilda Murray
Teases Rosalie about Hatfield and expresses hope that Harry Meltham will be her beau.
- Agnes Grey
Accompanies Rosalie on the walk; has a meaningful conversation with Mr. Weston about friendship and reading; feels wronged when Rosalie monopolizes him.
- Edward Weston
Approaches Agnes and engages her in a sincere discussion; later is drawn into conversation by Rosalie, who flirts with him.
- Mr. Hatfield
Performs church services as usual after Rosalie's rejection, though with less confidence; avoids looking at the Murray pew.
- The Misses Green
Jane and Susan Green meet Rosalie in the village and walk with her, leaving Agnes behind.
Key passages
“Oh, dear! I wish Hatfield had not been so precipitate!”
Rosalie regrets rejecting Mr. Hatfield too hastily, now that she has no other admirer to entertain her.
Shows Rosalie's fickleness and her reliance on male attention for amusement.
“I thought I could do it! ... Fix that man.”
Rosalie boasts that she has successfully captivated Mr. Weston's interest through her flirtatious behavior.
Reveals Rosalie's view of romantic conquest as a game and her confidence in her social skills.
“Reading is my favourite occupation, when I have leisure for it and books to read.”
Agnes tells Mr. Weston that she most enjoys reading when she has free time and access to books.
Highlights Agnes's intellectual nature and the limited resources available to her as a governess.