Anne Brontë’s first, by contemporary standards relatively short novel Agnes Grey (1847) relates how the heroine seeks self-empowerment as a governess, i.e. teacher in the household of rich families, and how she ultimately finds happiness by marrying a young clergyman. Compared to the masterpieces written by Anne’s sisters Charlotte and Emily, Agnes Grey has certainly received much less attention. However, recent critics have acknowledged the fine narrative qualities and daring social criticism of the novel.
Our discussions in class will centre on the way Anne Brontë uses the form of the ‘female Bildungsroman’ and how she employs narrative techniques to conduct her questioning of power relations in Victorian society. In particular, how she represents the precarious position of governesses (actually experienced by herself) to expose class and gender inequalities. The various themes of the novel (family life, the education of children, love and courtship, religion, moral integrity and self-realisation) will be elucidated in their historical context.
To facilitate our work in class, participants need to acquire a printed edition of the text (any more upmarket paperback edition will do).
Assessment/requirements:
Übung: test at the end of term
Seminar: 12-page research paper
- Kursleiter/in: Uwe Klawitter