# X: Smoothing the Way explained — The Mystery of Edwin Drood

> Chapter companion for The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

> Is there no difference between submission to a generous spirit, and submission to a base or trivial one?

Isn't there a difference between yielding to someone noble and yielding to someone mean or petty?

_Helena questions whether Neville should apologize to someone like Jasper._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_edwin_drood_se/chapters