English women in the 19th century in Brontë Agnes Grey

Agnes Grey was written by Anne Brontë who comes from the Brontë family and is renowned as a family that produces major literary works. This study aims to reveal the portrayal of 19th-century English women in the novel Agnes grey. To achieve this goal, the research problem is formulated as follows. How do the female characters represent English women in the 19th century? This research uses a qualitative approach and sociology of literature. The qualitative approach is used to identify, classify, and analyze the data. Meanwhile, the sociology of literature approach tries to explain the data in the novel about the conditions of society at the time the novel was written. On the other hand, new historicism theory is used because it helps to understand how the characters and events in the novel represent the social reality at that time. The results show that three female characters represent three classes of society. They are Rosalie Murray, Agnes Grey, and Nancy Brown. Rosalie represents an upper-class woman. She has the privilege of education, wealth, social status, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, she has no authority when it comes to choosing a life partner. Meanwhile, Agnes Grey represents a middle-class woman. She has access to education to support professional work such as governess. In addition, she has the privilege to marry the person she loves. Finally, Nancy Brown represents lower-class women. She has limited access to education and employment. Her marriage was determined by economic needs, so after becoming a widow she struggled financially.