Jane Eyre, Chapter 15 summary

What happens

1. Mr. Rochester describes Céline Varens’s betrayal, his duel with her companion, and his decision to support the abandoned Adèle.
2. Jane promises greater devotion to Adèle and reflects on her growing affection for Rochester despite his faults.
3. After two o’clock, Jane hears a strange laugh and retreating footsteps, then discovers smoke pouring from Rochester’s room.
4. Jane pours water over the burning bed and wakes Rochester, who forbids her to summon the household.
5. Rochester investigates upstairs, accepts Jane’s suspicion of Grace Poole, and asks Jane to keep the incident secret.
6. He holds Jane’s hand and expresses deep gratitude; she returns to her room too excited and conflicted to sleep.

In this chapter

What to notice

Jane identifies the conflict beneath her excitement after Rochester’s gratitude. Her growing hope meets an inward demand for restraint.

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