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Anne Weston (née Taylor) is a character in Emma by Jane Austen.

Biography

Life as a Governess

The need for Mr. Henry Woodhouse to hire a governess was increased after his beloved wife died, and so he brought Miss Taylor into his girls' lives. She stayed with them for sixteen years, namely Emma, as Isabella married. Miss Taylor married a Mr. Weston when Emma was around 20.[1]

Marriage

Mr. Weston was a wealthy man, so Miss Taylor was able to transcend classes from governess to a married gentlewoman.[2]

Character traits

She is a sensible woman who adores Emma. Mrs. Weston acts as a surrogate mother to her former charge and, occasionally, as a voice of moderation and reason, although she is the one to yield in arguments more often than not.

Notes and references

  1. Emma, Volume I, Chapter I
  2. Note: Most governesses at the time were from more genteel classes, but perhaps their families had fallen into hard times that required the daughters to work.
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