The Critique of the Priest in Anne Bronte's Agnes Grey

This paper investigates Anne Bronte's treatment of three Anglican priests in Agnes Grey. While Mr Hatfield is shown to be deficient in religious doctrine and defective in character, the Reverend Mr Grey is depicted as a weak man dominated by his powerful wife. However, Anne Bronte offers a highly favourable image of the curate Edward Weston. The paper explores the apparent similarities between Mr Weston and the Reverend Patrick Bronte's popular curate, the Reverend William Weightman. It suggests that Patrick Bronte's Funeral Sermon for the Late Rev William Weightman MA, Preached in the Church of Haworth on Sunday, the 2nd of October 1842 is an invaluable primary source for understanding what 'every clergyman ought to be' in the eyes of both Patrick and Anne Bronte.