The Mystery of Edwin Drood · Chapter
XVII: Philanthropy, Professional and Unprofessional explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Crisparkle visits the Haven of Philanthropy to confront Mr. Honeythunder, who accuses Neville Landless of Edwin Drood's murder. Crisparkle defends Neville, criticizes Honeythunder's aggressive and hypocritical philanthropy, and later visits Neville in his London lodgings, encouraging him to persevere.
Themes in this chapter
Philanthropy and Hypocrisy
Mr. Honeythunder's aggressive and self-serving philanthropy is contrasted with Mr. Crisparkle's genuine and modest charity.
Class and Social Hierarchy
The chapter highlights the social stigma faced by Neville Landless, who is treated as an outcast due to suspicion of murder.
Characters to notice
- Septimus Crisparkle
Visits the Haven of Philanthropy and confronts Mr. Honeythunder, defending Neville Landless and criticizing the aggressive methods of professional philanthropists.
- Mr. Honeythunder
The professional philanthropist who accuses Neville Landless of murder and engages in a heated argument with Mr. Crisparkle.
- Neville Landless
Living in retreat in London, Neville is worn and haggard, but is encouraged by Mr. Crisparkle's visit and support.
Key passages
“Mr. Crisparkle was so completely lost in musing on these similarities and dissimilarities, at the same time watching the crowd which came and went by, always, as it seemed, on errands of antagonistically snatching something from somebody, and never giving anything to anybody, that his name was called before he heard it.”
Mr. Crisparkle was so deep in thought about the resemblance between philanthropists and boxers, and observing the crowd that seemed to take from others without giving, that he didn't hear his name called until it was repeated.
Highlights the satirical comparison between philanthropists and pugilists.
“They violate equally the justice that should belong to Christians, and the restraints that should belong to gentlemen.”
These platform methods are detestable because they break both Christian justice and gentlemanly restraint.
Mr. Crisparkle's condemnation of Honeythunder's tactics.