I'm a huge Jane Eyre fan and I have to admit of the three books, I read Jane Eyre the most.

I liked Wuthering Heights - especially the psychology of the characters - and there's no doubt Emily had fantastic writing ability, but I found it quite a harrowing read - even more so than The Tenant in some respects.

I think the reliance on men was simply the way of that time. It was very much a male dominating society and Louisa May Alcott was up against the same thing, though she tried to fight it more.

I'm wouldn't go so far to say its a really bad thing - I like a good fairytale happy ending with Prince Charming as much as the next person - but I do think having female protagonists who can ultimately live and be happy on their own is something we should encourage more in fiction.

Just my opinion though - Thanks for your comment!