ENDURING LITERATURE ILLUMINATEDBY PRACTICAL SCHOLARSHIPA young governess falls in love with her employer in this classic coming-of-age tale set in 19th-century England.EACH ENRICHED CLASSIC EDITION INCLUDES: A concise introduction that gives readers important background information A chronology of the author's life and work A timeline of significant events that provides the book's historical context An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations Detailed explanatory notes Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader's experienceEnriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world's finest books to their full potential.SERIES EDITED BY CYNTHIA BRANTLEY JOHNSON

Charlotte Bronte was born in 1816 in Haworth, Yorkshire. When she grew up, she became a teacher (later a private governess). In 1846 she pseudonymously published a book by herself and her sisters, Emily and Anne, which sold only two copies. Undaunted, Charlotte completed The Professor, which remained unpublished until after her death. But a kind note from one publisher encouraged her to finish Jane Eyre. In 1848, tragedy struck--her brother and two sisters died. Despite bouts of depression, she managed to write Shirley and Villette. Still, she never overcame her grief over the loss of her sisters and, beset by ill-health, she died in 1855.