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Great Expectations

Introduction
For students of literature, Great Expectations is important for its themes (especially its
exploration of snobbery and the class system and its narrative method). Characters and
relationships are very important too and this tutorial focuses on these mainly (some
themes will be mentioned). Of the many characters in the novel, the most important, in
their relationship with Pip (the narrator and central character) are Joe Gargery, Abel
Magwitch, Miss Havisham and Estella. Although you will understand them best by reading
the whole novel, this tutorial allows you to focus, in each case, on a few pivotal chapters.

This is a basic guide. I have written a more advanced and detailed guide for this site.
Click on the link below to open it:

Go to advanced guide to Great Expectations.

Note:

In preparing this page for the web, I have looked in detail at two characters only (Joe
Gargery and Abel Magwitch). Students who need a lot of support may find this helpful.
But you are strongly encouraged to look at other relationships in this text and in other
works of literature.

Exploring Pip's relationship with Joe

(Read chapters 7, 27, 58 and 59; if you want to know more about Joe, click here.)

Chapter 7: This episode occurs about a year after Pip's adventure with the convict. He
discovers that Joe is illiterate, and why. The reader notes how part of Joe's agreeing to
marry Mrs Joe was in order to look after Pip. Joe and Mrs Joe have no children, but when
Joe marries Biddy (Chapter 58) a child soon arrives (Chapter 59).

Things to comment on or questions to answer

Subject/implications/moral and philosophical context

What is odd about Joe's love of reading? What does he really like about his
reading?
What do we learn of Joe's childhood here? Why did he never complete his
education?
Comment on Joe's belief that his father were...good in his hart.
Why does Joe put up with his wife's aggressive behaviour?
Comment on how Pip, at this point in the narrative, admires Joe.
Originally published on www.universalteacher.org.uk, Andrew Moores teaching resource site.
This free PDF version is available from www.teachit.co.uk. Andrew Moore, 1999-2005.
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Style/structure/narrative craft

Comment on the use of dialogue to show character (especially Joe's).

Explain the contrast between Pip's (adult) commentary and the child's viewpoint
here.

Effects of language/emotive, ironic, figurative effect/patterns and details

Explain Joe's play on the two meanings of hammering.

Comment on the contrast between Pip's letter and the narrative before and after it.

Chapter 27: This episode occurs after Pip has gone to London to be brought up as a
gentleman. Pip is embarrassed by Joe, who senses this and leaves. He promises never
to return to London. Pip knows he is patronising Joe, but cannot help it.

Things to comment on or questions to answer

Subject/implications/moral and philosophical context

Comment on what this chapter shows of Pip's snobbery and vanity.

How and why does Pip feel embarrassed by Joe?
What does Pip realise about Joe only when it is too late? (Read the final paragraph
of Chapter 27.)

Style/structure/narrative craft

Explain the contrast between Joe as he really is, and Pip's attitude to him during his
visit.
Comment on Herbert's natural courtesy towards Joe.
Explain how Dickens shows Joe's unease in the description of his hat and clothes.

Effects of language/emotive, ironic, figurative effect/patterns and details

Comment on Joe's addressing Pip as sir.

The final paragraph of this chapter is among the most moving in the whole novel.
Explain the simile (comparison) here. What is the emotive effect of this conclusion
to the chapter?

Chapters 58 and 59: This is the conclusion of the novel. Pip has lost his fortune and
been arrested for debt. He catches a fever but is nursed back to health by Joe. Joe pays
off his debt. Despairing of Estella, Pip thinks of proposing to Biddy. He returns to the
forge, but before he can speak, Biddy explains that she is married to Joe. Pip asks Joe to
forgive him, and their reconciliation is complete. In the final chapter of the novel, Pip
returns after many years, to find that Joe and Biddy have a son, whom they have named
after him.

Originally published on www.universalteacher.org.uk, Andrew Moores teaching resource site.

This free PDF version is available from www.teachit.co.uk. Andrew Moore, 1999-2005.
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Things to comment on or questions to answer:

Subject/implications/moral and philosophical context

In Chapter 27 Joe says he will not return to London. But now he does. Comment
on this.
Explain how Pip's relationship with Joe is restored in this part of the novel.
What is the meaning of Pip's speech at the end of the chapter (in several sections)?

Style/structure/narrative craft

Explore the relationship between Pip's intentions for Biddy and what she and Joe
choose for themselves.

Effects of language/emotive, ironic, figurative effect/patterns and details

In Chapter 7, Pip's letter contains the phrase wot larx. What is the effect of this
phrase being written by Biddy in her letter in Chapter 27, and again in Joe's note to
Pip in this chapter? Explain how what larks becomes a catchphrase, almost, for
Joe's and Pip's friendship.
Comment on the similarity between the earlier description of Pip (at the start of the
novel) and the description of his younger namesake here.

Pip's relationship with Joe in all these passages

Show how Pip and Joe begin as the best of friends, how this relationship is affected
by Pip's wealth, and how it is restored when he loses his money.
Pip, early in the novel, decides Joe is not very intelligent, as he cannot teach him to
read. Later, though, Biddy does teach him. What does this show the reader?
Some readers think the portrayal of Joe is over-sentimental. What is your view of
him?

Some background on Joe

Read this if you need help; ignore it if you don't!

While it suits the plot for Pip's protector to be a blacksmith (he has the means to remove
the convict's leg-iron) it also seems a fitting occupation for the man Dickens depicts. The
job is hard and requires skill, yet no formal learning, so Joe seems a fool to those around
him. We forgive the child, Pip, for doing this. But others - Mrs. Joe and Pumblechook -
both patronize Joe and ignore him. Miss Havisham, a shrewder judge, seems to see what
Joe is really like, in spite of his awkwardness, when she signs Pip's indentures (ie when
Pip is apprenticed).

Originally published on www.universalteacher.org.uk, Andrew Moores teaching resource site.

This free PDF version is available from www.teachit.co.uk. Andrew Moore, 1999-2005.
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Joe becomes self-conscious and tongue-tied in unfamiliar surroundings, yet can speak
well. This does not appear in the clumsy rhyme of his intended epitaph for his father
(Whatsume'er the failings on his part, Remember reader he were that good in his hart).
Joe is more eloquent when he says of his blacksmith father: he hammered at me with a
wigour (vigour) only to be equalled by the wigour with which he didn't hammer at his anvil.
Joe's plain speaking often exposes others' false standards, as when he says of Pip's
house in London, that he wouldn't keep a pig in it, at least not if he wanted a meller
(mellow) flavour in the pork.

Joe appears to be a poor scholar, but Biddy's patience succeeds where Pip has failed, and
he learns to read and write. The physical strength of blacksmiths is proverbial and Joe
illustrates this well. Orlick, himself a big man, is knocked down by Joe as if he had been
of no more account than the pale young gentleman (Herbert, when younger), and Pip
knows of no-one who could stand up long against Joe, although Joe is not at all
aggressive. Joe is typically a gentle giant. He does what he can to protect Pip from
Tickler (Mrs. Joe's stick), but sees that too much interference will lead to more trouble
later.

The reader is amused by the picture of Mrs. Joe's constant assaults upon this great man,
who never retaliates, for fear of becoming like his bullying father. Joe's great size is
almost a metaphor for his moral stature. He knows what he can do well in life (his job) and
sees what is wrong with Pip's fantasy existence in London long before Pip does. Though
Joe tells Pip he will never see him again out of his forge and his working-clothes, he is
man enough to go once more to London when Pip is ill and in danger of prison. His
money, earned by honest toil, pays off the immediate debt. Joe wants no thanks and is
embarrassed when Pip refers to it: he does not give the matter a second thought, just as
there is no question whether he will take time off from his business (and so lose income) to
look after his friend.

Both the older Pip who tells the story and Biddy, at the time of the events narrated, point
the reader to Joe's virtues. There are touches of sentimentality in the depiction of this
honest, simple but deep character; but they are only touches, and Pip, aware of his earlier
ingratitude to Joe, can be excused for indulging them. The portrayal of Joe is convincing
and very moving. We are not sure about his father, but Joe is certainly good in his hart.

Exploring Pip's relationship with Magwitch

(Read chapters 1-4, 39, and 56).

Subject/implications/moral and philosophical context

Comment on how Pip thinks about the convict at different points in the novel.
Comment on how caring for the convict helps cure Pip of his snobbery.
Does Dickens think all criminals are bad? Comment on Dickens' view of those
convicted of crime and of the legal system and powerful people who pass
judgement on them.

Originally published on www.universalteacher.org.uk, Andrew Moores teaching resource site.

This free PDF version is available from www.teachit.co.uk. Andrew Moore, 1999-2005.
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Style/structure/narrative craft

Explain how the reader's changing attitude to Magwitch is influenced by Pip's

feelings.
Comment on the effect of Pip's discovery of the source of his wealth. Note that this
comes at the end of the second of the novel's three parts, very late in the narrative.
Comment on the ways in which Dickens gains the reader's sympathy for those on
trial.

Effects of language/emotive, ironic, figurative effect/patterns and details

Comment on references to Pip's holding Magwitch's hand in Chapter 56.

Comment on Dickens' use of dialogue in the chapters in which Magwitch appears.
Explain the ironic effect of Pip's quoting (without speech marks) the judge's exact
words in his passing sentence - does Dickens want the reader really to accept the
judge's views?
Explain Magwitch's sense of irony in his words to the judge (Chapter 56: I have
received my sentence from the Almighty).
Comment on the symbolism (Chapter 56) of the broad shaft of light dividing the
judge from those being sentenced.
Explain how Dickens uses biblical language and allusion (reference) in Chapter 56,
to suggest that man's judgement is not the same as God's.

Notes:

Pip refers to a parable in St. Luke's gospel (Luke 18. 10-14) about two men who went to
pray: the Pharisee thanks God for making him so good, while the sinner humbly asks for
forgiveness - it is the sinner of whom God approves.

Magwitch's Christian name (mentioned only six times in the novel) is Abel. In the book of
Genesis Adam has two sons, Cain and Abel. Like the biblical Abel, Magwitch keeps
sheep; like Abel, whom Cain murders, Magwitch is the victim of someone close to him.

Some background on Magwitch

Read this if you need help; ignore it if you don't!

Abel Magwitch is one of Dickens' greatest inventions in this novel - he leaps out at the
reader at the start, haunts Pip as he grows up, and returns to explode his illusions. He is
intimately linked with other characters in the novel, and does not realize this himself.
Dickens uses Magwitch and his daughter, Estella, to show that social class is an artificial
creation of man, and that we are all equal in truth and in the sight of God.

Magwitch is thematically linked with Estella from the start. Pip's horror of Magwitch is
often expressed as a fear of what Estella would think if he knew Pip had helped him.
Repeatedly, convicts, the courts or reminders of Magwitch appear in scenes in which
Estella is present. Magwitch is also contrasted with Miss Havisham. Pip supposes her to

Originally published on www.universalteacher.org.uk, Andrew Moores teaching resource site.

This free PDF version is available from www.teachit.co.uk. Andrew Moore, 1999-2005.
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be his benefactress and hopes that she is (since Estella may also be included in her
design) when in reality his money comes from Magwitch.

The connections among the characters begin before the start of the narrative.
Compeyson, a gentleman (in terms of social class) befriends Miss Havisham's brother,
Arthur, and later takes on Magwitch as his helper. When the Havishams disinherit Arthur,
Compeyson helps him be revenged - although married, he poses as a suitor, and jilts Miss
Havisham on her wedding day. Soon after, he is arrested for his various frauds, along with
Magwitch, whom he blames for allegedly leading him into crime. The reverse is the truth,
but Compeyson is believed because of his smooth manners. When Magwitch's common-
law wife, Molly, kills a rival and is acquitted through the skill of her lawyer, Mr. Jaggers,
she is persuaded to give up her child for adoption, as another client of his, Miss Havisham,
wants to adopt a baby girl. Magwitch, now convicted, is told that the child was born dead.

At the start of the novel, Magwitch escapes from the hulks (old warships used as prisons)
but finds that Compeyson has escaped, too. He lets himself be caught in order to return
his enemy to prison. He threatens Pip, he does him no harm; when recaptured he saves
Pip from trouble by admitting to the theft of some food from the forge. As soon as he has
any money to give, he sends it to Pip in the village - years later Pip overhears a convict (on
the roof of a coach) tell how he delivered this money.

For attempting escape, Magwitch is transported to Australia. When he has served his time
he can make a new life there, but if he returns to England, he faces the death sentence. In
fact, this did not happen at the time in which the novel is set - the offence (returning from
transport) was on the statute books until 1835, but the last hanging of a returned transport
took place in 1810. The reader learns this later from Magwitch himself (Chapter 39). He
farms sheep, lives cheaply and saves his money. When he has saved a fair amount he
communicates with Mr. Jaggers, who acts as his agent and becomes Pip's guardian and
adviser. Pip assumes that Miss Havisham is the source of his wealth. Jaggers sees this
but will not tell Pip the truth, as it helps him conceal Jaggers' real identity.

In time, Magwitch returns, as he is desperate to see how his boy has done. He likes what
he sees and does not notice Pip's initial disgust. He rather admires Pip's snobbery. In
England, Magwitch goes under the alias of Provis, posing as Pip's uncle - Jaggers insists
that Pip does not tell him the truth, as to know this would make him, a lawyer, an
accessory to Magwitch's crime of returning.

Pip gradually becomes fond of Magwitch, as he tries to smuggle him out of London. They
are being watched by Compeyson who is terrified of Magwitch, and betrayed as they are
about to board a steamer for Hamburg. In the struggle that follows Compeyson is
drowned. Magwitch is found guilty of returning, and sentenced to death, but is dying
anyway. Pip nurses him and comes to love him; before he dies, Pip tells Magwitch that his
daughter is alive, a great lady and that he (Pip) loves her.

Magwitch is a criminal but he is led into crime by Compeyson. The snobbish Pip would
rather his fortune came from Miss Havisham's (unearned) inheritance than Magwitch's
hard work in Australia. Dickens shows, in the character of Magwitch, how many so-called
criminals are basically good people, how the crimes of a gentleman like Compeyson (a
swindler) are far more harmful in their consequences, and how the legal system enables
the rich to oppress the poor.
Originally published on www.universalteacher.org.uk, Andrew Moores teaching resource site.
This free PDF version is available from www.teachit.co.uk. Andrew Moore, 1999-2005.
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Summary of Great Expectations

Read this if you need help; ignore it if you don't!

WARNING: This section contains an outline of the plot of Great Expectations. If youve
already read the novel this may help you recall or revise its content. If you have not yet
read the novel, this summary may spoil your pleasure by revealing what the author hides
until the end - do not read it unless you are ready for this!

Great Expectations is written in three parts of nineteen or twenty chapters each (59
chapters in all). In the first part, the narrator and chief character Pip (Philip Pirrip) meets
an escaped convict who terrifies him into stealing food and a file, to remove his leg iron.
Pip, an orphan, lives in the Kent marshes with his bullying sister and her husband, Joe
Gargery a gentle giant of a blacksmith. Pip takes food to the convict, but when he learns
of another convict who has escaped, the first convict makes sure both are recaptured. We
learn much later that the convict was transported to Australia.

Later Pip is invited to the house of Miss Havisham, heiress to a brewery. She was jilted on
her wedding day, but still wears her wedding dress, while the wedding feast has been left
in her house. She lives with her ward, Estella, whose background is a mystery, but who
has been brought up as a member of high society, and taught by Miss Havisham to be
cruel to men. Pip loves Estella and is ashamed at his common origin. Pip's sister hopes
that Miss Havisham will favour Pip with some of her fortune, but when he is fourteen Pip
learns that he is to be Joe's apprentice. Pip is unhappy at Joe's forge and asks for time off
to visit Miss Havisham on her birthday. Mrs. Joe is attacked while Pip is out, the weapon
is the convict's leg-iron. A village girl, Biddy, becomes Mrs. Joe's nurse and housekeeper
at the forge. Meanwhile Pip receives astonishing news from a lawyer, Mr. Jaggers: he has
a secret benefactor who is to pay for him to be brought up as a gentleman in London.

Pip thinks Miss Havisham is the source of his fortune. She allows him to think so. In
London, Pip becomes a snob. He comes to know Estella better and becomes her closest
friend. She marries a wealthy but stupid man called Bentley Drummle. She aims to make
Drummle miserable, but he is too brutal for this, and it is she who suffers more. In London,
Pip befriends Herbert, with whom he shares rooms (and whom he met years before at
Miss Havisham's house). When Joe visits Pip in London, Pip is embarrassed and
patronizes Joe, who promises he will not come to London again. One day Pip receives a
visit from the convict he met years before, Abel Magwitch, who has prospered in sheep
farming but has returned (illegally) from Australia. He is the source of Pip's great
expectations.

The last part of the novel is like a thriller. Pip tries to get Magwitch out of England. He
discovers that a man called Compeyson led Magwitch into crime originally. Compeyson
was also the friend of Miss Havisham's brother, disinherited by his parents for his way of
life. Compeyson, already married, posed as Miss Havisham's fianc as an act of revenge.
When Magwitch and Compeyson were on trial for various crimes Compeyson claimed to
have been led astray by Magwitch who received a much harsher sentence. Later, though,
Compeyson was jailed, and it was him whom Magwitch stopped from escaping years

Originally published on www.universalteacher.org.uk, Andrew Moores teaching resource site.

This free PDF version is available from www.teachit.co.uk. Andrew Moore, 1999-2005.
AM

before on the marshes. Compeyson betrays Magwitch to the authorities. He is caught

boarding a steamer for Hamburg, but jumps into the Thames, taking with him Compeyson,
who is drowned. Magwitch is sentenced to death but dies first. Pip who was at first
revolted by Magwitch grows to love him. With Herbert's help, Pip completes Magwitch's
story. Mr. Jaggers' housekeeper, Molly, was once Magwitch's lover, and pregnant with his
child. She had a rival, whom she murdered, was defended by Jaggers, and acquitted.
She gave up her child to Miss Havisham, who had asked Jaggers to find her a baby girl,
and Magwitch was led to believe the child was dead. Now Pip tells him that the child lived,
grew up to be beautiful and loved by him - it is Estella.

The authorities seize Magwitch's fortune. Pip is arrested for debt and catches fever. Joe
comes to London, pays off his debts and nurses him back to health. Pip thinks of marrying
Biddy and going back to the forge - but he finds she is already married, to Joe. Miss
Havisham has died, but before her death Pip has asked her to help set up Herbert in
business. Now he becomes a partner in the business and goes abroad. Years later, he
returns to Miss Havisham's house and meets Estella once more. The novel ends
ambiguously with a hint that Pip and Estella will never be parted again.

Originally published on www.universalteacher.org.uk, Andrew Moores teaching resource site.

This free PDF version is available from www.teachit.co.uk. Andrew Moore, 1999-2005.