chapter fifteen

Mr. Rochester tells Jane why he cares for Adele, and shows his doubt of his being related to her. Later on, Mr. Rochester’s bed catches fire (finally, some action) and Jane saves him from what could have been a very nasty death.

Themes

Isolation, this time of Adele, as her mother is dead, and, though I do not think she knows who her father is, he is also rejecting her, not physically, he still provides for her and houses her, but mentally. Mr. Rochester seems to try to avoid conversing with her, and does not visit her at Thornfield often (although this may be for a different reason). Due to this, the theme of love is also brought up, as Jane must feel particularly bad for Adele, as she knows the pain of having no parents to love her truly, and I find it hard to believe that Adele does not feel an absence of parental love.

Motifs

Fire comes into the novel again, and in a very dramatic way. Mr. Rochester’s bed curtains are set alight whilst he slept, and, if it were not for Jane, the book suggests he would have died (he must be a very deep sleeper). This shows that fire is again connected to trouble and pain (as is red.)

Narrative Voice

This chapter shows how, although she appears settled, Jane is still jumpy at Thornfield, and I should imagine, even more so after that night. Jane, after hearing a slight noise, seems completely unable to sleep or calm down, shows she is not completely comfortable at Thornfield yet.

Words and Phrases I liked

I liked the last paragraph of the chapter, where Jane describes how she is torn between her two feelings, one of disquiet as to who and why set fire to the bed, and the other a sense of happiness and relief as she saves Rochester, and a small grain of love, slowly growing inside her for Rochester.

Response

I liked this chapter, but probably only because I was getting so bored with the novel up until now. The suspense, excitement, and hint of romance provide a welcome break from the tedious conversations.