Drood Renominated

Abstract

Abstract Several names in Dickens' novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood have been the source of disagreement among scholars. Among these are Drood itself, which may relate to rood ‘cross’; Neville Landless, both parts suggesting disenfranchisement; and the pet names for Rosa Bud, Rosebud and Pussy, both of which probably should not carry the sexual connotations some have ascribed to them.