Jane Eyre has been called a revolutionary novel for its time, breaking the mold of what is expected of women. With this claim in mind, I set out to determine the ways in which Jane Eyre both is and isnÕt a feminist novel. To better understand the time that the novel takes place, I first research the state of England in the 19th century to determine the evolving view and role of women in English society. I then apply this understanding to the life of Charlotte Bron‘, the author of Jane Eyre, to analyze the ways in which her life did and did not reflect the feminist attitudes of the time. By better understanding Victorian England and the authorÕs life, I am able to consider the ways that Jane reflects the evolving view of women in her society. I also analyze the character of Bertha Mason, RochesterÕs wife who suffers from mental health problems and is locked in the attic. Her character is demonized throughout the whole novel, an important factor to consider while determining the ways in which the novel supports feminist views. Ultimately I will consider the ways in which both the author and her characters are constrained, and the actions they take to break from those restraints to liberate themselves in an evolving society.