I'm not sure as I haven't read this specific novel. But generally, the title might suggest themes like destruction, chaos, or a radical change within a household or a community it represents.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read the novel, but generally, there could be a protagonist who might be the one instigating or affected by the 'burning down the house' situation. Maybe it's a character who is disillusioned with their current life and takes this extreme action.
It might also be about starting anew. Sometimes, destroying the old (like burning down a house) is a way to make space for the new. In the context of the novel, characters could be going through a process of leaving behind the past and embracing a new beginning.
This collection of essays likely delves into various aspects of fiction. It might explore themes, narrative techniques, or the cultural significance of fictional works. For example, it could analyze how different authors build their fictional worlds and the impact these worlds have on readers.
In a love novel, burning down a house might symbolize the destruction of a relationship's foundation. It could represent the intense passion that has gone out of control and led to the ruination of what was once a stable and loving bond.
It can be used to create a sudden and dramatic turn in the story. For example, if the two lovers were having a secret relationship in the house and it burns down, it could expose their relationship to the outside world, adding new tensions and conflicts.
There could be a number of reasons. They might have been influenced by bad peers. If their friends were into doing dangerous and destructive things, they could have followed suit. Another possibility is that they were in a difficult family situation. For example, if they were neglected at home, they might act out in such a way to get attention. Or perhaps they were simply misinformed about fire and thought it was just a harmless prank, not realizing how quickly a fire can spread and destroy a house.