Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre
by Charlotte Brontë & Emily Brontë
Contents
Jane Eyre — CHAPTER XVI
Overview
After the mysterious night fire, Jane finds Grace Poole calm and evasive, deepening suspicion while revealing nothing. Mrs. Fairfax reports Rochester has left for a house party with the Ingrams. Stung by jealousy and realism, Jane disciplines her feelings by sketching her own plain likeness and an idealized Blanche Ingram, steeling herself for what may come.
Summary
Jane, restless after saving Mr. Rochester from the nocturnal fire, expects to see him but hears only servants discussing a supposed candle accident and his having slept on the library sofa. Passing his chamber, she finds Grace Poole calmly sewing new curtains, exhibiting unnerving self-possession.
Jane probes Grace about the night’s noises and the strange laugh. Grace coolly attributes the incident to Rochester falling asleep with a candle and pointedly questions Jane about whether she heard anything and whether she bolts her door. Alarmed by Grace’s cross‑examination, Jane resolves to secure her room henceforth, puzzled that Rochester neither dismissed nor exposed Grace.
At tea, Mrs. Fairfax casually reveals Rochester has departed to the Leas to join the Eshtons, the Ingrams, and other distinguished guests, likely for a week or more. She recalls Blanche Ingram’s beauty, talents, and past duet with Rochester, inadvertently stoking Jane’s anxiety about a possible match.
Alone, Jane judges her own recent hopes as delusive. To master her feelings, she sentences herself to draw two portraits: a truthful, unflattering chalk self‑portrait labeled a poor, plain governess; and an ivory miniature of an imagined Blanche, adorned and radiant, as described by Mrs. Fairfax.
Jane completes the sketches over the next fortnight, the stark contrast reinforcing restraint. The disciplined task steadies her mind, preparing her to meet future developments with outward calm.
Who Appears
- Jane EyreProtagonist; probes Grace Poole, learns Rochester has left, and disciplines her feelings by drawing contrasting portraits.
- Grace PooleReserved seamstress; responds coolly to Jane’s questions and pointedly inquires about Jane’s habits, deepening suspicion.
- Mrs. FairfaxHousekeeper; reports Rochester’s trip to the Leas and praises Blanche Ingram’s beauty and accomplishments.
- Mr. RochesterMaster of Thornfield; absent, said to have left for a fashionable gathering including the Ingrams.
- Adèle VarensPupil; notices Jane’s agitation in the schoolroom before leaving to play with Sophie.
- LeahHousemaid; cleans smoke‑stained windows near Rochester’s room and summons Jane to tea.
- John’s wife (the cook)Cook; discusses the fire as a candle accident and coordinates Grace Poole’s meal.