Charles Dickens | The Mystery of Edwin Drood | A Review
Charles Dickens’ ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’-A Review
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is the final novel by Charles Dickens, published posthumously in 1870. The novel is an unfinished work, as Dickens died before he could complete it, leaving the mystery unresolved. The novel is set in the fictional town of Cloisterham and revolves around the disappearance of the title character, Edwin Drood. The book has been the subject of much speculation and controversy over the years, with many readers and scholars attempting to solve the mystery of what Dickens intended for the conclusion of the story.
The novel begins with the arrival of Edwin Drood, a young man who has recently returned from abroad, in the town of Cloisterham. He is engaged to Rosa Bud, the daughter of his uncle’s friend, John Jasper. Jasper is a choirmaster and opium addict, and he becomes obsessed with Rosa, leading to a complex web of relationships and secrets that ultimately lead to Edwin’s disappearance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the fact that it is unfinished, leaving readers to wonder what Dickens intended for the conclusion. Some have speculated that Edwin Drood was murdered by John Jasper, while others believe that he may have committed suicide or run away. The novel ends with a cliffhanger, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions.
Despite its unfinished nature, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is a well-crafted novel with many memorable characters and an intricate plot. Dickens displays his usual skill in creating vivid and believable characters, from the enigmatic and sinister John Jasper to the kind-hearted and loyal Deputy, Neville Landless. The novel also has a strong sense of place, with Dickens bringing the town of Cloisterham to life with his vivid descriptions of its buildings and streets.
One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of the themes of addiction and obsession. John Jasper’s opium addiction is a major factor in the story, and his obsession with Rosa Bud drives much of the plot. Dickens also explores the themes of guilt and redemption, as Jasper struggles with his conscience and tries to come to terms with his actions.
In conclusion, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” is a fascinating and complex novel that showcases Charles Dickens’ talent for creating vivid characters and intricate plots. Its unfinished nature adds to its mystique and has made it the subject of much speculation and debate over the years. Despite its lack of resolution, it remains a must-read for fans of Dickens and lovers of classic literature. 0 0 0.
Charles Dickens The Mystery of Edwin Drood A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Charles Dickens’ Works‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
- World Short Story Criticism
- World Poetry Criticism
- World Drama Criticism
- World Novel Criticism
- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
- Emily Dickinson’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Walt Whitman’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works …
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