# A Gritty State of Things Comes On explained — The Mystery of Edwin Drood

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

## What happens

Rosa and Helena plan to use Mr. Tartar to watch over Neville and draw out Jasper's machinations. Rosa, now staying in Mr. Tartar's rooms, is joined by Miss Twinkleton, who comes to stay with her in London. The chapter details the comedic friction between Miss Twinkleton and the formidable Mrs. Billickin, the new landlady, as they establish their new domestic arrangement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The interactions between Miss Twinkleton and Mrs. Billickin are a comedic battle over social status, propriety, and the perceived hierarchy between a schoolmistress and a landlady.

### Mystery and the Unknown

The chapter advances the plot to uncover Jasper's secretive actions against Neville, with the characters strategizing to draw out his next move.

## Character check-ins

### Rosa Bud

Staying in Mr. Tartar's rooms, coordinating with Helena and Mr. Crisparkle, and preparing for Miss Twinkleton's arrival.

### Helena Landless

Devising a plan for Mr. Tartar to befriend Neville to draw out Jasper's tactics, and expressing her deep care for Rosa.

### Mr. Tartar

Has given up his rooms for Rosa's use and has agreed to help by making contact with Neville.

### Septimus Crisparkle

Facilitating communication between the group, seeking Mr. Grewgious's advice, and supporting the plan to involve Mr. Tartar.

### Mr. Grewgious

Arranging for Miss Twinkleton to stay with Rosa in London and advising on the strategy against Jasper.

### Miss Twinkleton

Arrives in London with much luggage to stay with Rosa, leading to a comedic clash with Mrs. Billickin.

### Mrs. Billickin

The new landlady who immediately enters into a 'war' of manners with Miss Twinkleton.

## Key lines

> I would sooner see you dead at his wicked feet.

Helena tells Rosa that she would prefer Rosa to die rather than be in a relationship with Jasper, showing the depth of her hatred for him.

_Helena expresses her intense animosity towards Jasper._

> Mr. Grewgious held decidedly to the general principle, that if you could steal a march upon a brigand or a wild beast, you had better do it; and he also held decidedly to the special case, that John Jasper was a brigand and a wild beast in combination.

Mr. Grewgious believes it is wise to take the initiative against a dangerous person, and he considers Jasper to be a combination of a bandit and a wild animal.

_Mr. Grewgious gives his strategic advice, characterizing Jasper as a dangerous adversary._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_edwin_drood_se/chapters/xxii-a-gritty-state-of-things-comes-on
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_edwin_drood_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_mystery_of_edwin_drood_se/chapters