Perseverance is the main theme of the story. One of the main character traits of Agnes is her perseverance. She uses this perseverance to try to influence the Bloomfield children but feels that she has little effect on them. This is not the first time that Agnes has shown perseverance in this novel. She first perseveres in her desire to be a governess and help her family. Although her family does not want her to have to get a job, she is finally able to convince them that she is capable of being a teacher. Although her first job does not work out well, Agnes insists on getting another job. This, again, shows her ability to persevere. Although her first experience as a governess was not a good one, she goes back and tries again.