CHAPTER XI – THE COTTAGERS

Anne Bronte’s “Agnes Grey,” in its eleventh chapter titled “The Cottagers,” delves into Agnes Grey’s further experiences and musings as a governess. Having only one pupil, she finds additional time for personal pursuits, including visiting the poor cottagers on the estate. These endeavors, however, expose the stark differences in attitude and behavior between Agnes and the Misses Murray, her charges, towards the less fortunate. Agnes is pained by the sisters’ careless and mocking demeanor towards the villagers, a trait she attributes to their faulty education and inherent superiority complex.

Agnes’s solitary ventures bring her closer to the cottagers, offering her a respite from her loneliness and an opportunity to contribute positively to their lives. During these visits, the narrative focuses significantly on her interaction with Nancy Brown, a widow with inflamed eyes, preventing her from reading. Agnes reads to her, sparking discussions on religion, righteousness, and the essence of love towards God and neighbors. These discussions not only provide comfort and enlightenment to Nancy but also reinvigorate Agnes’s spirit, offering her a sense of purpose and companionship.

The chapter contrasts the approaches of Mr. Hatfield, the former rector, and Mr. Weston, the new parson, towards parishioners and their afflictions. While Mr. Hatfield is depicted as dismissive and unempathetic, Mr. Weston is presented as compassionate, caring, and genuinely interested in the welfare of his flock. His actions and demeanor greatly impress both Agnes and the villagers, marking him as a positive force of change and a man of genuine faith and kindness.

Amidst her duties and these new relationships, Agnes confronts her fears of intellectual and moral decline due to her isolating job. She worries that constant exposure to less stimulating environments might dull her sensibilities. However, her interactions with the cottagers, especially under the influence of the virtuous Mr. Weston, provide a glimmer of hope and a sense of moral and spiritual rejuvenation.

In summary, Chapter XI of “Agnes Grey” highlights Agnes’s growing disaffection with her immediate environment and her yearning for meaningful connections and moral growth. Her bond with the cottagers, particularly Nancy Brown, alongside her admiration for Mr. Weston’s pastoral care, showcases her deep-seated values and the internal conflict wrought by her station in life. Through these experiences, Bronte explores themes of empathy, social inequality, and the quest for personal and spiritual fulfillment in a rigid Victorian society.