ge that both Rochester and Jane use in describing their emotions towards each other, and in the final fire that destroyed Thornfield Hall, crippled Rochester, and killed Bertha. The image of fire symbolizes sinfulness. Since the passionate love that Rochester and Jane first held was sinful, it was accompanied by images of fire and burning--possibly a portrait of Hell. When Rochester first shows indications of affection to Jane, not only does Jane's passion consume her, but Rochester similarly shows intense emotion:
             " 'I saw it in your eyes when I first beheld you: their expression and smile did not (again he stopped) did not (he proceeded hastily) strike delight to my very inmost heart for nothing.... My cherished preserver, good night.' Strange energy was in his voice, strange fire in his look." (158) In this passage, the reader can almost hear Rochester stumble over his words and gasp for breath as he tries to restrain his feelings for Jane. His difficulty in expressing his true feelings with clarity and poise demonstrates the somewhat immobilizing effect Jane has on him
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