Agnes Grey, Chapter 5 summary
Chapter 5 of 25 · 10 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Miss Grey opposes Uncle Robson’s encouragement of the children’s vanity and cruelty, killing captured nestlings to prevent Tom from torturing them. Mrs. Bloomfield blames her for the children’s poor progress and dismisses her, but she returns home determined to seek another chance as a governess.
What happens
- Uncle Robson encourages Mary Ann’s vanity and teaches Tom to admire drinking and cruelty.
- When Tom threatens to torture five nestlings, Miss Grey crushes them with a stone rather than let them suffer.
- Robson praises Tom’s anger, while Mrs. Bloomfield condemns Miss Grey’s interference and defends the child’s amusement.
- Visitors indulge the children, making Miss Grey’s attempts to control their rude behavior ineffective.
- Near May’s end, Mrs. Bloomfield announces that Miss Grey’s employment ends after Midsummer, blaming her for the children’s shortcomings.
- Miss Grey returns home ashamed of losing her position but remains determined to try teaching another family.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Miss Grey rejects Mrs. Bloomfield’s defense of cruelty toward animals. Their disagreement exposes the conflict between her moral duties and her employer’s expectations.
Quick check
Why does Miss Grey kill the nestlings?
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