Fire symbolizes the compelling emotion of the characters, and fire is portrayed throughout the novel to capture the growing passion of specific characters. The two most significant occurrences of fires in the novel are both situated at Thornfield Hall; and both are caused by Bertha Mason. The first occurs at the end of Volume 1 (Chapter 15), when Bertha sets fire to Mr Rochester’s bed and clothes, and the second is at the end of Volume 3 (Chapter 10), when Jane learns that Bertha managed to burn down the whole of Thornfield by setting fire to what was once Jane’s bedroom; and she succeeded. Bertha Mason, who has no control over her feelings, is a pyromaniac. The inferno at Thornfield illustrates the danger of letting passion run wild. “Tongues