The Mystery of Edwin Drood · Chapter
XX: A Flight explained
Rosa Bud, fleeing from John Jasper's terrifying declaration of love, resolves to escape to her guardian, Mr.
What happens
Rosa Bud, fleeing from John Jasper's terrifying declaration of love, resolves to escape to her guardian, Mr. Grewgious. She reflects on her suspicions about Jasper's role in Edwin Drood's disappearance, feeling a profound sense of danger. She travels to London and arrives at Mr. Grewgious's chambers, where she breaks down and tells him of Jasper's advances. Mr. Grewgious, moved by a sudden surge of protective energy, vows to protect her and arranges for her comfortable lodging at Furnival's Inn, ensuring her safety from Jasper.
Themes in this chapter
Mystery and the Unknown
Rosa's internal debate about Jasper's guilt highlights the central mystery of Edwin's disappearance and the uncertainty surrounding Jasper's true nature.
Obsession and Possession
Jasper's obsessive pursuit of Rosa, which she flees from, and his fixation on his nephew's fate are central to the chapter's tension.
Characters to notice
- Rosa Bud
Flees to her guardian, Mr. Grewgious, after Jasper's declaration of love, feeling terrified and seeking protection.
- Mr. Grewgious
Receives Rosa with chivalrous tenderness and vows to protect her from Jasper, showing a sudden and surprising burst of energy.
- John Jasper
Though absent, his threatening presence and declaration of love are the catalyst for Rosa's flight.
- Helena Landless
Mentioned as the only person Rosa has confided in about her dread of Jasper.
- Edwin Drood
His disappearance and the mystery surrounding it are central to Rosa's fears and suspicions.
Key passages
“Rosa no sooner came to herself than the whole of the late interview was before her.”
As soon as Rosa regained consciousness, she was immediately overwhelmed by the memory of her recent conversation with Jasper.
This sets the scene for Rosa's immediate and urgent decision to flee.
“The more fearful he appeared to her excited memory and imagination, the more alarming her responsibility appeared; seeing that a slight mistake on her part, either in action or delay, might let his malevolence loose on Helena’s brother.”
Her fear of Jasper grew with every thought, and she felt a heavy burden of responsibility, knowing that any mistake she made could unleash his anger on Neville Landless.
This explains Rosa's motivation for not confiding in Helena, fearing for Neville's safety.
“In the stoutness of his knight-errantry, he seemed to think the last-named protection all sufficient.”
Mr. Grewgious, in his chivalrous zeal, believed that his own presence nearby was the best possible protection for Rosa.
This highlights Grewgious's protective and somewhat naive chivalry.
“I shudder with horror of him, and I have come to you to protect me and all of us from him, if you will?”
I am terrified of him and have come to you to ask for your protection for myself and everyone else from him, if you are willing.
This is Rosa's direct plea for help, which triggers Grewgious's energetic response.