The Mystery of Edwin Drood · Chapter
XV: Impeached explained
Neville Landless is brought before Mr.
What happens
Neville Landless is brought before Mr. Sapsea by Mr. Crisparkle to make a voluntary statement regarding Edwin Drood's disappearance. John Jasper, walking beside Neville, remains silent until they reach the Mayor's parlour, where he declares his reliance on Mr. Sapsea's penetration and suggests suspicions against Neville. Mr. Sapsea opines the case has an 'Un-English complexion' and considers committing Neville to jail, but Mr. Crisparkle protests and undertakes for Neville's remaining in his house. A thorough search of the river and its banks is conducted for days, but no trace of Edwin is found. Jasper, exhausted and bedaubed with mud, returns home, where Mr. Grewgious visits him and reveals that Edwin and Rosa had broken their engagement, intending to be as brother and sister. Jasper reacts with a terrible shriek and collapses into a heap of torn and miry clothes.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and the Unknown
The chapter is steeped in the mystery of Edwin Drood's disappearance, with the search yielding no trace and suspicions cast on Neville.
Duality and Deception
Jasper's outward grief and reliance on Sapsea contrast with his inner turmoil, and the revelation of the broken engagement hints at hidden truths.
Grief and Loss
Jasper's exhaustion and despair, along with the search for Edwin, evoke a profound sense of loss and bereavement.
Characters to notice
- Neville Landless
Brought before Mr. Sapsea to make a voluntary statement; he is suspected of Edwin's disappearance and is bowed down with horror and amazement.
- Septimus Crisparkle
Accompanies Neville and protests against his committal, undertaking for his remaining in his own house.
- John Jasper
Walks beside Neville, remains obstinately silent, and later declares his reliance on Mr. Sapsea's penetration; he is active in the search and is deeply affected by Mr. Grewgious's revelation.
- Thomas Sapsea
The Mayor who hears the statement and opines the case has a dark, Un-English look; he considers issuing a warrant for Neville's committal.
- Mr. Grewgious
Visits Jasper to reveal that Edwin and Rosa had broken their engagement, causing Jasper's dramatic collapse.
Key passages
“Mr. Sapsea expressed his opinion that the case had a dark look; in short (and here his eyes rested full on Neville's countenance), an Un-English complexion.”
Mr. Sapsea said the case seemed suspicious and, looking directly at Neville, called it un-English.
Sapsea's vague and prejudiced opinion adds to the suspicion against Neville.
“Mr. Grewgious saw a ghastly figure rise, open-mouthed, from the easy-chair, and lift its outspread hands towards its head.”
Mr. Grewgious watched as a horrifying figure stood up from the chair, mouth open, and raised its hands to its head.
Jasper's physical reaction to the news of the broken engagement reveals his intense inner turmoil.