The Secret of the Governess
One of my biggest regrets in childhood was that I did not have a governess. Yes, I read too many Victorian novels. But really, could I be blamed for turning out such a mess without that faithful role model to guide me with a firm yet kind hand? How could I ever be expected to learn to act like a lady?
If there’s one archetype that rules 19th century literature, it is the governess. She of the tight bun, grim dresses, and unadorned face. The woman so plain, and poor, and alone, that she should’ve been completely overlooked… yet she always manages to ignite passion.
Whether it’s lighting the flames of evil, or the ardor of principles, or the loins of a brooding misanthrope, the governess somehow, even with her mousy ways and hesitant voice, shatters the world around her. What was the obsession with this character? Is it the sexy librarian syndrome: did we believe that if the governess would just loosen her top button, remove her glasses, and shake her hair free from its restraints, that a lush ripeness would burst forth? Did those very restraints, those covered secret places and corseted curves, represent our desire to break free and shout and run wild?
Whatever the reasons, here’s to the governesses, of yesterday and today. Maybe it’s time to let her free.
4 Comments
Ah…a topic near and dear to me. One of my favorite books is Agnes Grey. It’s a wonderful example of how the governess was in between worlds, too high up to be included with the common house help and too low down to be anything but a servant to the family she worked for.
Yay, Tammy, you read Agnes Grey! I love that book, but most people haven’t read it. Poor Anne, the overlooked Bronte…
That’s a fantastic description of the character’s struggle, by the way.
I used to have it as a selection for my lit classes b/c it was a Victorian novel (which I love) but it also has a nice “happy” ending that most students like. I also like The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – abused wife flees her abusive husband and struggles to raise her child as a single mother. I love all the Brontes, but I feel like Anne had more to say about social issues.
I LOVE the Tenant of Wildfeld Hall; it’s my favorite of all the Bronte novels. It’s so cool you read those!
I agree about Anne..she really did have ‘messages’ in her work.