Gender Roles In Agnes Grey By Anne Bronte

“They would indecently and clamorously interrupt the conversation of their elders, tease them with the most impertinent questions, roughly collar the gentlemen, climb their knees uninvited, hang about their shoulders, or rifle their pockets, pull the ladies’ gowns, disorder their hair, tumble their collars, and importunately beg for their trinkets” (Bronte 37). Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte follows the story of Agnes Grey an optimistic, naive eighteen year-old Victorian women who, although pampered her whole life, sets out to become a governess to financially support her lower-class family. Agnes believes that being a governess will not only fill a need, but also fulfill a dream; however, the reality could not be further from the truth. First she

A feminist analysis could reveal what behavior was expected and accepted for men and women. For example, one may point out that when Matilda discovered the “‘unlady-like’” habit of swearing, the focus was not that her father taught her the habit, but that a female was swearing (51). Although this is an excellent way to analyze this story, it is limited, as the gender roles in this story are outdated. Although men and women are expected to act a certain way in modern times, it is more accepted if one does not follow these unwritten rules. Granted, it can be argued that modern society does not perceive men and women equally. However, most would agree that gender equality has progressed since the original publication of Agnes Grey in 1847. It may be interesting to see where society was and where it is now, but this does not display to the audience how society can improve. To reveal where modern society has a greater opportunity to reform, the audience should find a concentration on Marxism to be most beneficial.

It is not entirely uncommon for real people to look down upon people who are of a lower socioeconomic status; in fact, many people of higher status, such as celebrities, are often worshipped by society. For example, Chris Brown is known for physically abusing a significant other, yet he still has a fanbase. His behavior was accepted. Similarly, Bill Cosby was accused for sexual assault, yet people still defended him. His behavior was accepted. If one acts in such a way as the wealthy characters of Agnes Grey, or as many of today’s celebrities, are they actually someone to be