The Visit explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Gender Roles and Marriage

  Rosalie's unhappy marriage to Sir Thomas and her lack of autonomy in her own home illustrate the constraints of Victorian marriage.

• Hypocrisy and Superficiality

  Rosalie's concern with appearances and her attempt to impress Agnes with her possessions contrast with her inner misery.

• The Plight of the Governess

  Agnes's awareness of her humble status and Rosalie's condescending efforts to put her at ease highlight the governess's social marginalization.

Characters to notice

• Agnes Grey

  Visits Rosalie at Ashby Park; observes Rosalie's unhappiness and altered appearance; inquires about Mr. Weston.

• Rosalie Murray

  Now Lady Ashby; appears diminished in health and spirits; complains of her mother-in-law and her marriage; mentions her flirtation with Harry Meltham.

• Lady Ashby

  Rosalie's mother-in-law; described by Rosalie as a usurper, tyrant, and spy; Rosalie wishes she were dead.

• Thomas Ashby

  Sir Thomas; Rosalie's husband; mentioned as taking offence at Rosalie's behavior and hurrying her to the country.

• Edward Weston

  Has left Horton about a month ago; Agnes inquires about him but learns little.

• Henry Meltham

  Harry Meltham; pursued Rosalie in London; she admits he was her most devoted admirer.

Key passages

• “Ashby Park was certainly a very delightful residence. The mansion was stately without, commodious and elegant within; the park was spacious and beautiful, chiefly on account of its magnificent old trees, its stately herds of deer, its broad sheet of water, and the ancient woods that stretched beyond it”

  Ashby Park is an impressive estate with a grand house and beautiful grounds featuring old trees, deer, a lake, and ancient woods.

  Agnes describes the physical setting of Rosalie's new home.

• “a space of little more than twelve months had had the effect that might be expected from as many years, in reducing the plumpness of her form, the freshness of her complexion, the vivacity of her movements, and the exuberance of her spirits.”

  In just over a year, Rosalie has aged dramatically, losing her youthful plumpness, complexion, energy, and high spirits.

  Agnes observes the physical and emotional toll of Rosalie's marriage.

• “I wished to know if she was unhappy; but I felt it was not my province to inquire: I might endeavour to win her confidence; but, if she chose to conceal her matrimonial cares from me, I would trouble her with no obtrusive questions.”

  Agnes wanted to ask if Rosalie was unhappy but decided it was not her place to pry; she would wait for Rosalie to confide in her.

  Agnes's restraint reflects her respect for Rosalie's privacy and her own position.

• “And that detestable—ahem—and Sir Thomas chose to take offence at him—or my profuse expenditure, or something—I don't exactly know what—and hurried me down to the country at a moment's notice; where I'm to play the hermit, I suppose, for life.”

  Rosalie complains that Sir Thomas was angered by her flirtation with Harry Meltham or her spending, and forced her to leave London for the country, where she feels trapped.

  Rosalie reveals the conflict in her marriage and her resentment at being confined.

• “I never care about the footmen; they're mere automatons: it's nothing to them what their superiors say or do; they won't dare to repeat it; and as to what they think—if they presume to think at all—of course, nobody cares for that.”

  Rosalie dismisses servants as unthinking machines, unconcerned that they might overhear her complaints.

  Rosalie's attitude reflects the class prejudices of the time.