Orphaned, cast off by her hardened aunt Mrs. Reed, and maltreated at Lowood School, Jane Eyre did not begin life with good prospects, but what she lacked in physical and material comforts, she made up for with a fervent and vigorous spirit, self-respect, and a will to make a life of her own. When she finds herself working for Mr. Rochester as the governess of his ward, Adele, it seems chance has meted "a measure of happiness" at last: only to have it seemingly all snatched away as mysteries surface and figures from the past reappear.