To continue the analysis of fire throughout book two, I
noticed that Dickens chose to title chapters seven and eight
"Gunpowder" and "Explosion" (respectively). Given the
content of these chapters (including the bank robbery and how Harthouse begins
to intervene with how Tom treats Louisa in chapter seven, and then how Louisa
confronts Tom about stealing money in chapter eight), how has the nature of fire in regards to the
metaphors of "gunpowder" and "explosion" implied a foreshadow of
how Louisa's relationship with her brother Tom is progressing? That is, taking into consideration how fire can be sparked by gunpowder to later explode, is
there a correlation between the events of chapters "Gunpowder" and "Explosion"
and how Louisa and Tom are growing apart?
For chapter 7, I feel that Tom and Louisa get along more towards the end of that chapter. After Mr. Harthouse conversed with Tom about his childish actions recently; Tom has been poorly treating his sister after all she has done for him (marry Bounderby so Tom will receive money for his depts). Harthouse says to Tom, "on softening towards your sister --which you ought to do; and on being a more loving and agreeable sort of brother --which you ought to be." Tom responds, "I will be," (173-174) and reveals this when he apologizes sincerely to Louisa before dinner. With Mr. Harthouse as a mediator, their relationship strengthens. Yet, the two chapters titles seem to be hinting at Tom's own actions; his "explosion" is his breakdown at the end of chapter 8 when he realizes the terrible consequences of his actions. That was just my interpretation though.
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