Fact to Fiction: Anne Brontë Replicates La Trobe’s Biblically Inspired Advice in Scenes fromAgnes Grey

What is it about?

Anne Bronte, whilst at school in Roe Head in Mirfield, was influenced by the Calvinistic teachings of Dewsbury clergymen and became both physically and spiritually ill from her fears of never attaining salvation. Comforted by the Moravian priest, James La Trobe, she transferred their conversations into fictionalised scenes in Agnes Grey.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This paper reveals her hope that, under cover of anonymity, she can show the hypocrisy and insincerity of certain clergy who practised exclusionism.