Agnes Grey

'Agnes Grey' is a novel written by Anne Brontë, the youngest of the Brontë sisters. The book was first published in 1847 under the pseudonym Acton Bell. It is a semi-autobiographical novel that provides a poignant and insightful portrayal of the life of a governess in the 19th century. The novel follows the life of the protagonist, Agnes Grey, who becomes a governess to support her financially struggling family. Agnes faces various challenges and hardships in her role as a governess, dealing with unruly and spoiled children as well as indifferent and sometimes cruel employers. The narrative explores themes of social class, morality, and the limited opportunities available to women in the Victorian era. Through Agnes's experiences, the novel offers a critical commentary on the treatment of governesses and the prevailing social norms of the time.