Jane Eyre lives in the 1800s, she is a strong female character because she does not let society's misconceptions about her gender or social class dictate her own self-image. She knows her own worth as an individual, and she refuses to be abused by those around her. Thoughtful, committed to her principles and acutely in tune with her environment, Jane moves through a pretty messed-up life about as gracefully as one can, all while pondering the deeper meaning in everything. 