The Mystery of Edwin Drood · Chapter
A Recognition explained
Rosa Bud, having fled to Mr.
What happens
Rosa Bud, having fled to Mr. Grewgious, is joined by Mr. Crisparkle, who came from Cloisterham to assist. They discuss the plight of Helena and Neville Landless. A visitor arrives—Mr. Tartar, an old schoolmate of Crisparkle, who saved him from drowning as a boy. Mr. Grewgious devises a plan for Rosa to secretly meet Helena using Tartar's chambers, which overlook Neville's rooms. Rosa and Tartar walk together to his rooms, and she feels a growing admiration for him.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
The reunion between Crisparkle and Tartar highlights the schoolboy hierarchy of fag and master, and the enduring bonds that transcend it. Also, the careful planning to avoid a 'spy' reflects the social anxieties of the time.
Mystery and the Unknown
The chapter is steeped in secrecy and caution: Rosa's flight, the need to communicate privately, and the lurking threat of Jasper's surveillance. The plan to use Tartar's rooms is a covert operation.
Characters to notice
- Rosa Bud
Rosa is the central figure, having fled to her guardian. She is anxious about Helena and Neville, and feels shy and admiring of Mr. Tartar.
- Mr. Grewgious
Rosa's guardian, who has taken her in and is devising a cautious plan for her to communicate with Helena. He is methodical and protective.
- Septimus Crisparkle
The Minor Canon who came from Cloisterham to help. He is reunited with his old schoolmate Mr. Tartar, who once saved him from drowning.
- Mr. Tartar
A former sailor and old schoolmate of Crisparkle. He offers his chambers for Rosa to meet Helena, and escorts Rosa to his rooms, impressing her with his strength and kindness.
Key passages
“Nothing occurred in the night to flutter the tired dove; and the dove arose refreshed.”
Rosa slept peacefully and woke up feeling better.
The 'tired dove' is a metaphor for Rosa, who had been distressed but is now calm.
“The ghost of some departed boy seemed to rise, gradually and dimly, in the room.”
Crisparkle began to vaguely remember a boy from his past.
This describes the moment of recognition when Crisparkle starts to recall Tartar from their school days.
“I am very much afraid I shall be—Be what, my dear? asked Mr. Grewgious, as she hesitated. Not frightened? No, not that, said Rosa, shyly; in Mr. Tartar's way. We seem to be appropriating Mr. Tartar's residence so very coolly.”
Rosa worries that she is being too forward in using Mr. Tartar's rooms without much ceremony.
Rosa's shyness reflects her modesty and the social propriety of the time.