Chapter XVI Summary

Rochester told everyone he was reading in bed, fell asleep and the fire was started by a candle. Jane tries to question Grace Poole, but gets nowhere. Jane does not understand why Grace is allowed to stay and why there is so much secrecy around the event. Rochester leaves Thornfield for a party and to see Blanche Ingram, a beautiful, talented woman. Jane asks if the two might marry, but Mrs. Fairfax discounts the possibility due to age differences. Jane forces herself to draw a plain, critical picture of herself, then to draw a picture of the beautiful Miss Ingram. The two portraits make a striking contrast. Jane uses the differences to prove to herself that Mr. Rochester would never choose her over Blanche.

Chapter XVI Analysis

In an attempt to satisfy her curiosity, Jane attempts to question Grace about the...