Agnes Grey, Chapter 4 summary
Chapter 4 of 25 · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, Miss Grey returns from home to unruly pupils whose parents demand obedience without supporting her authority, while their grandmother’s apparent sympathy gives way to criticism. Repeated clashes over disorder, punishment, and tidiness deepen her isolation, and Betty’s dismissal shows that another servant also struggles to control the children.
What happens
- Miss Grey returns from a happy visit home and resumes work, struggling to manage three children without their parents’ support.
- The children endanger her belongings and escape into the snow, where Mr. Bloomfield orders them inside and blames her.
- Miss Grey overhears the grandmother questioning her suitability and grows guarded; polite remarks briefly restore the older woman’s favor.
- Mr. Bloomfield increases his inspections and condemns Miss Grey even when the children quietly crush empty eggshells.
- Miss Grey withholds supper until the children clear their rubbish, but Mrs. Bloomfield rewards Tom’s violent refusal with food.
- Betty offers sympathy and explains that she loses her position because she continues to strike the children.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Miss Grey’s reply distinguishes the father’s effective authority from her own unsupported position. His immediate blame ignores that difference.
Quick check
How does Mrs. Bloomfield respond when Tom refuses to clear the schoolroom?
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