In what way was 'woman' depicted in Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre?

In 18th and early 19th century, women were shown to play a domestic role who adjusted themselves to accepted social norms.
But in Charlotte Bronte’s novel, the protagonist Jane Eyre is shown as an assertive and independent woman. At the age of only ten, Jane protests against the hypocrisy of her elders and aunt bluntly. This novel depicts woman in new role.