CHAPTER XXII – THE VISIT

Chapter 22 of “Agnes Grey” takes the reader on a visit to Ashby Park, the luxurious residence that remains an emblem of social status and personal ambition in the novel. Ashby Park, with its grand mansion, extensive parklands, and ancient woods, represents everything Rosalie Murray yearned to possess, even if it meant sacrificing personal happiness for social gains. Agnes Grey, the narrative voice, delivers an insightful and subtly critical commentary on the life of the wealthy through her visit to Rosalie, now Lady Ashby, who exhibits both the materialistic grandeur of her surroundings and the personal dissatisfaction she faces within her marriage.

Agnes observes the changes in Rosalie, noting the impact of her lifestyle on her physical and emotional well-being, suggesting a critique of societal values that prioritize wealth and status over personal contentment. Rosalie, in her turn, vacillates between showcasing her new life’s opulence and revealing her unhappiness, providing a juxtaposition that highlights the emptiness that often accompanies material success. Her attitude towards her servants, the subtle disagreements with her husband, and her relationship with her overbearing mother-in-law further depict the complexities and compromises of her married life.

Furthermore, the chapter explores themes of social mobility and the role of marriage in achieving or obstructing personal fulfillment. Agnes’s discreet observations and inquiries into the well-being of others she knew, including Mr. Weston, add depth to the narrative, showcasing her constant concern for the welfare of people in her former life. The reader sees through Agnes’s eyes the stark difference between her value system, centered on kindness, duty, and genuine human connection, and Rosalie’s, which is deeply entwined with social standing and material possessions.

In sum, Chapter 22 serves as a critical lens on Victorian society, using Ashby Park as a symbol of both aspiration and confinement. Through Agnes’s visit, Anne Brontë dissects the social fabric of the time, exposing the brittleness of relationships founded on superficial values and questioning the true cost of societal approval and luxurious living.