Governess Oppression in Victorian Era Potrayed by Agnes Grey in Anne Bronte’s Agnes Grey

ABSTRACT

This thesis analyzes a novel by Anne Bronte entitled Agnes Grey. The novel portrays the governess oppression in Victorian era which is shown by Agnes Grey, the main character of the novel. Agnes Greyis hired by the wealthy family, Bloomfield and Murray family to be governess for their children. In being governess, Agnes faces different situation and condition from her own family. She gets many difficulties to face her new situation in her position as governess.

The research is aimed at getting attention to describe about governess condition in her position. The objectives of the study are identifying the governess oppression potrayed by Agnes Grey in Anne Bronte’s Agnes Grey and identifying the governessresistance of the oppression portrayed by Agnes Grey in Anne Bronte’s Agnes Grey.

To achieve the above objectives of the study, the researcher applies a literary criticism theory to emphasis on the analysis of a literary work.In this case, the researcher uses feminist literary criticism approach to deal with the governess oppression in Victorian era portrayed by Agnes Grey.

After analyzing the novel, the researcher finds many evidences and difficulties of Agnes Grey as governess in Victorian era. In this research, the researcher has many results of the governess oppression. The first finding is governess oppression in Victorian era, which is proved by lack of authority, lack of respect, being neglected and getting bad treatment. The second finding is the governess resistance toward governess oppression in the Victorian era that is, being patient, being enthusiastic and being optimistic.