Charlotte Bronte's first published novel Jane Eyre" was immediately recognized as a work of genius when it appeared in 1847. Orphaned into the household of her Aunt Reed at Gateshead subject to the cruel regime at Lowood charity school Jane Eyre nonetheless emerges unbroken in spirit & integrity. How she takes up the post of governess at Thornfield Hall meets & loves Mr Rochester & discovers the impediment to their lawful marriage are elements in a story that transcends melodrama to portray a woman's passionate search for a wider & richer life than that traditionally accorded to her sex in Victorian society."