Agnes Grey is based on Anne Brontë's own experiences as a governess and is full of interest both for its autobiographical content and its powerful depiction of the plight of the governess in Victorian society.
Fascinating introduction considers the book's fictional and narrative qualities and its relationship with Victorian discourses on child-rearing and the responsibilities of parents. It examines changing attitudes to the book influenced by modern concerns for children's rights, which produces more complex responses to Agnes's treatment and description of her pupils.
Sally Shuttleworth brings to bear her in-depth knowledge of the Haworth context and childhood in nineteenth-century literature, medicine, and science, and looks at the representation of childhood cruelty in the novel, as well as the novel's portrayal of class and attitudes to women.
Revised and updated bibliography.
Revised notes drawing on the latest critical material.
Retains the authoritative Clarendon text in new setting.
