which "served to
             articulate the new sense of self that in Bronte's time was still emerging
             and developing against the background of a changing social order,"
             (Schact 423). This novel not only proved the capability of Charlotte
             Bronte, but also, through Jane, gives readers hope as they view a young
             heroine who has a strong desire and struggles for independence, and who
             thinks for herself in a society which did not encourage this. Because of
             the prejudices against women, she felt that any opportunity for literary
             success would be stifled by her gender. For this reason the first
             editions of Jane Eyre were published under the pen name "Currer Bell."
             As we realize the barriers Bronte faced and had to overcome, we see her
             motivation for the development of the character, Jane Eyre, and for the
             publication of the novel. "Throughout the novel," Craig asserts,
             "Jane ascends new 'gradations of glory,' for in every relationship or
             confrontation, Jane emerges as the superior individual," (Craig 61).
             These "gradations of glory" assert Jane's value as a woman and virtually
             depict the worth of all women. Although these triumphs are not always
             immediate, Jane is always the ultimate victor. Even as a child,
             Jane is faced with relationships which attempt to extinguish her sense of
             self-worth. One of the first relationships we are introduced to is that
             of Jane with her Aunt Reed. Aunt Reed's custom of excluding and
             confining Jane underscore the sense of inferiority that Jane must deal
             with from childhood throughout the majority of her life. This exclusion
             is seen on the opening page of the novel as her cousins, "the said
             Eliza, John, and Georgiana were now clustered round their mama in the
             drawing-room... Me she had dispensed from joining the group," (Bronte 9).
             Not only did she face adversity in the relationship she had with
             her aunt, Jane also ...