"Orphaned Jane Eyre grows up in the home of her heartless aunt, where she endures loneliness and cruelty, and at a charity school with a harsh regime. This troubled childhood strengthens Jane's natural independence and spirit - which prove necessary when she takes a position as governess at Thornfield Hall. But when she finds love with her sardonic employer, Rochester, the discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a choice. Should she stay with him and live with the consequences, or follow her convictions, even if it means leaving the man she loves? Jane Eyre (1847) shocked readers with its passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom." "In her introduction, Stevie Davies discusses the novel's language and its literary influences. This edition also includes a chronology, further reading, an appendix and notes."--BOOK JACKET.

Includes bibliographical references.