The Mystery of Edwin Drood · Chapter
X: Smoothing the Way explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Crisparkle visits John Jasper to propose a reconciliation between Edwin Drood and Neville Landless. Jasper, though initially perplexed, agrees to intercede and shows Crisparkle diary entries revealing his morbid fears for Ned's safety. Edwin writes a letter agreeing to shake hands with Neville at a Christmas Eve dinner. Meanwhile, Crisparkle urges Neville to apologize, but Neville and Helena resist, feeling that Jasper maligns him and that submission would be false.
Themes in this chapter
Duality and Deception
Jasper's perplexed expression and his diary entries suggest a hidden, calculating nature beneath his outward concern.
Jealousy and Rivalry
The ongoing conflict between Edwin and Neville, fueled by Jasper's influence, highlights the rivalry between the young men.
Characters to notice
- Septimus Crisparkle
Acts as a peacemaker, visiting Jasper and urging Neville to apologize.
- John Jasper
Agrees to intercede with Edwin, but shows a perplexed and calculating expression; reveals his diary of fears.
- Edwin Drood
Writes a letter agreeing to shake hands with Neville at Christmas Eve dinner.
- Neville Landless
Resists apologizing, feeling that Jasper maligns him and that submission would be false.
- Helena Landless
Defends her brother, arguing that submission to a base spirit is different from submission to a generous one.
Key passages
“I was dreaming at a great rate, and am glad to be disturbed from an indigestive after-dinner sleep.”
I was having a vivid dream and am happy to be woken from my post-meal nap.
Jasper's casual greeting to Crisparkle.
“I am a minister of peace, and I pursue my subject in the interests of peace.”
I am a clergyman who seeks harmony, and my purpose here is to promote peace.
Crisparkle states his intention to reconcile the two young men.
“I have exacted a very solemn promise from him as to his future demeanour towards your nephew, if you do kindly interpose; and I am sure he will keep it.”
I have made Neville promise to behave properly towards Edwin if you intervene, and I trust him to keep that promise.
Crisparkle assures Jasper of Neville's commitment to peace.
“I have a morbid dread upon me of some horrible consequences resulting to my dear boy, that I cannot reason with or in any way contend against.”
I have an irrational fear that something terrible will happen to my nephew, and I cannot shake it off.
Jasper reads from his diary, revealing his dark premonitions about Edwin.
“I am touched by your account of your interview with Mr. Crisparkle, whom I much respect and esteem.”
I was moved by your description of your talk with Mr. Crisparkle, for whom I have great respect.
Edwin's letter to Jasper, agreeing to the reconciliation.
“I have no doubt he is, poor fellow, but what you tell me is confirmed by suppressed hints and references that I meet with every day.”
I am sure he is, poor fellow, and what you say is backed up by the veiled comments I hear all the time.
Helena acknowledges the prejudice against Neville.
