The Mystery of Edwin Drood · Chapter
II: A Dean, and a Chapter Also explained
The chapter opens with a conversation between the Dean and Mr.
What happens
The chapter opens with a conversation between the Dean and Mr. Crisparkle, the Minor Canon, about John Jasper's health and his expected nephew, Edwin Drood. The Dean expresses a hope that Jasper's affections for his nephew are not too strong, advising that affections should be guided. Mr. Crisparkle then visits Jasper at the gatehouse, finding him recovered from a brief illness. Jasper's room is described as somber, with a portrait of a schoolgirl (Rosa Bud) hanging over the chimneypiece. Edwin Drood arrives, and the two share a warm, affectionate reunion. They dine together, discussing Rosa Bud, Edwin's fiancée, and Edwin complains about the arranged engagement, feeling constrained by the wishes of their deceased fathers. Jasper, who has been secretly taking opium, suffers a momentary fit, which he attributes to the effects of the medicine. He recovers, and the conversation turns to Jasper's quiet life, with Edwin noting that Jasper has the freedom to choose his own path, unlike Edwin himself.
Themes in this chapter
Obsession and Possession
Jasper's intense, watchful affection for Edwin borders on obsession, and his hidden opium use suggests a deeper, darker fixation.
Fate and Free Will
Edwin laments the lack of choice in his engagement to Rosa, feeling bound by the wishes of their deceased fathers, while Jasper appears to have more freedom.
Duality and Deception
Jasper presents a genial, affectionate exterior while secretly struggling with opium's effects, hinting at a hidden, darker side.
Characters to notice
- John Jasper
Shows intense, watchful affection for Edwin; secretly takes opium for pain; his room is somber with a portrait of Rosa.
- Edwin Drood
Arrives at Jasper's gatehouse; lively and affectionate; complains about his arranged engagement to Rosa.
- Septimus Crisparkle
Visits Jasper on behalf of the Dean; described as a good-natured, boy-like Minor Canon.
- Rosa Bud
Mentioned as Edwin's fiancée; her portrait hangs in Jasper's room; Edwin discusses her with Jasper.
- The Dean
Converses with Crisparkle about Jasper; advises that affections should be guided, not master us.
- Mr. Tope
The Verger; reports Jasper's illness to the Dean; his wife, Mrs. Tope, appears in the chapter.
Key passages
“My dear Jack, I am as dry as a bone. Don’t moddley-coddley, there’s a good fellow.”
Edwin tells Jasper not to fuss over him, insisting he is perfectly dry.
Shows Edwin's casual, affectionate manner with his uncle.
“I have been taking opium for a pain—an agony—that sometimes overcomes me.”
Jasper admits to Edwin that he uses opium to relieve severe pain.
Reveals Jasper's secret dependency and hints at his inner turmoil.
“If I could choose, I would choose Pussy from all the pretty girls in the world.”
Edwin says that if he had the freedom to choose, he would still pick Rosa as his bride.
Despite his complaints, Edwin affirms his affection for Rosa.