Shirley is a woman of independent means; her friend Caroline is not. Both struggle with what a woman's role is and can be. Their male counterparts - Louis, the powerless tutor, and Robert, his cloth-manufacturing brother - also stand at odds to society's expectations.
Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte was an English novelist and poet, best known for her novel "Jane Eyre," which is considered a classic of English literature. Her writing is characterized by its exploration of social issues, strong female protagonists, and gothic elements. Bronte's works often examine themes of love, identity, and independence. She, along with her sisters Emily and Anne Bronte, played a significant role in the development of the novel as a literary form. Charlotte Bronte's contributions to literature continue to be celebrated for their enduring relevance and powerful storytelling.