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    Great Expectations In Plain and Simple English (Includes Study Guide, Complete Unabridged Book, Historical Context, Biography, and Character Index)
    Great Expectations In Plain and Simple English (Includes Study Guide, Complete Unabridged Book, Historical Context, Biography, and Character Index)
    Great Expectations In Plain and Simple English (Includes Study Guide, Complete Unabridged Book, Historical Context, Biography, and Character Index)
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    Great Expectations In Plain and Simple English (Includes Study Guide, Complete Unabridged Book, Historical Context, Biography, and Character Index)

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    Great Expectations is epic! Hundreds of pages, dozens of characters and settings--it's easy to lose track of things. Let BookCaps help with this comprehensive annotated study guide that is complete with character profiles (with pronunciations for names harder to pronounce), chapter summaries, analysis of themes, historical context, and much more!

    This annotated edition includes the original book with a comprehensive study guide and biography about the life and times of Charles Dickens.
    We all need refreshers every now and then. Whether you are a student trying to cram for that big final, or someone just trying to understand a book more, BookCaps can help. We are a small, but growing company, and are adding titles every month.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBookCaps
    Release dateAug 14, 2012
    ISBN9781476324067
    Great Expectations In Plain and Simple English (Includes Study Guide, Complete Unabridged Book, Historical Context, Biography, and Character Index)
    Author

    BookCaps

    We all need refreshers every now and then. Whether you are a student trying to cram for that big final, or someone just trying to understand a book more, BookCaps can help. We are a small, but growing company, and are adding titles every month.Visit www.bookcaps.com to see more of our books, or contact us with any questions.

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      Great Expectations In Plain and Simple English (Includes Study Guide, Complete Unabridged Book, Historical Context, Biography, and Character Index) - BookCaps

      Chapter Summaries

      Chapter 1

      The first chapter puts us directly in the middle of the action. We meet our narrator and main character, Pip, out on the marshlands near the church. He’s visiting the graves of his parents and five brothers. We learn that he’s an orphan being raised by his sister and brother-in-law, the blacksmith Joe Gargery. Their home is about a mile away, toward the village.

      From out of nowhere, a scary looking escaped convict grabs Pip and threatens him with a painful death. He has a chain around his leg and a wild look in his eyes. The convict turns the boy upside down to see what falls out of his pockets, which is only a piece of bread. He tells Pip that there’s another man traveling with him who will do horrible things to Pip if he doesn’t do exactly as he is told. The convict orders Pip to come back the next morning with a file and some fresh food to eat.

      Pip promises to return the next morning. The convict says if he tells anyone about their meeting, the unseen man will come to his home and take out his heart and liver. Pip believes all of this, and heads home in mortal terror.

      Chapter 2

      Pip returns home to find Joe sitting in the kitchen. He learns that his sister has been out looking for him several times, and the last time she left the house, she was carrying a stick for whipping. Pip and Joe seem equally afraid of his sister, who is tall, red-faced and angry, and doesn’t like questions. She apparently knocks Joe and Pip around whenever they do the slightest thing wrong. Mrs. Gargery finally comes home, and Joe protects his nephew from being whipped.

      Later, Pip stuffs a piece of buttered bread into his pants for the escaped convict. He is torn between the idea of stealing from his own home and being hurt by the terrible men lurking in the marshes. Sitting by the fire, he asks about the meaning of the cannon fire out by the river. His sister is annoyed, but she explains that the cannon means that a prisoner has escaped from the prison ships. Joe adds that two convicts of escaped in the past couple of days. Pip is very innocent about all these things and doesn’t understand why people go to prison. His sister says that people start being bad by asking too many questions.

      Pip doesn’t sleep much and keeps imagining the man out in the marshes. When the sky turns grey, he creeps to the kitchen and raids the pantry. He gets a file from Joe’s forge and runs into the marshes to meet the escaped convict at the churchyard.

      Chapter 3

      Pip sets out into the marshes with the brandy, mincemeat pie and other foods stolen from the pantry. It’s a cold, wet morning and everything he sees is threatening. Fences and livestock seem to materialize suddenly out of the mist. His feet are cold and he dreads the meeting with the convict.

      The battery, which is an old military installation, is Pip’s destination, but in the thick fog he loses his sense of direction. He ends up too far to the right, near the tideline of the river. He begins to retrace his steps when he suddenly sees someone all in grey. The man’s back is turned, and Pip thinks it’s the convict from the previous day, but it’s not. This new convict is thin and bruised and more haggard looking. The man turns on Pip and takes a swing at him but misses. After stumbling away into the fog, the bewildered Pip continues toward the battery.

      The convict is waiting at the battery, pacing and freezing. He gobbles down the food and liquor. When Pip suggests that he should leave some for the young man, the convict laughs. However, when Pip says that he just recently saw him, the convict is startled and immediately begins working to cut through his leg iron. Pip takes advantage of the convict’s distracted state of mind to sneak away unseen.

      Chapter 4

      Pip returns from his meeting with the convict to find his sister preparing the house for Christmas dinner. Joe gives him a signal that his sister is in a foul mood. They both have to put on church clothes and stay out of the way. The parlor, which is shut off for most of the year, is being opened up for guests.

      Mr. Wopsle, Mr. and Mrs. Hubble, and Mr. Pumblechook – Joe’s uncle – are all expected at the dinner. Pip is in a state of terror, knowing that his theft will most likely be discovered. While eating dinner, the guests make Pip feel uncomfortable by talking about the natural viciousness of children. Their moralizing conversations are made worse because Pip knows he’s just committed theft and is holding onto a secret. Joe spoons gravy onto his plate to make him feel better, but nothing will make the anxiety go away.

      After dinner, Pip’s sister serves Uncle Pumblechook a glass of brandy. Pip is terrified because he watered down the brandy during the night. Pumblechook takes one drink and rushes outside in a coughing fit. He says it was tar in the brandy that made him cough, meaning that Pip accidentally added tar water to the jug. Mrs. Gargery mixes some hot gin and water for Pumblechook.

      Later, while sitting in the parlor, Pip’s sister announces that it’s time for dessert. She goes to retrieve the pork pie from the pantry. Knowing that it won’t be there, Pip gets up and runs toward the door. To his fear and surprise, a group of soldiers is outside marching in the direction of the house. He believes they’ve come to arrest him and take him to the hulks.

      Chapter 5

      The sergeant explains that he needs the help of the blacksmith in mending some handcuffs. Joe says it will take two hours, and the sergeant offers to have his soldiers help around the house if needed. Uncle Pumblechook offers the port and sherry wine to the new guests, and the party becomes lively. The sergeant confirms that his men are on the lookout for two escaped convicts. Pip is partially relieved that the missing pie has been forgotten for the moment.

      When Joe’s repair work is done, he and Mr. Wopsle propose to go along with the soldiers and see what happens. Mrs. Gargery even allows Pip to go along with the group. She’s interested in knowing the whole story of the chase and capture. As they head in to the marshes, both Joe and Pip secretly hope that the convicts escape from their pursuers.

      It’s near sunset and there’s no mist when they hear voices in the distance. Clearly, there’s a struggle somewhere. Joe carries Pip and rushes along with the soldiers toward the sound of the fighting. They come over a bank to see both convicts fighting in the mud. The smaller, bruised convict is getting the worst of it. Pip’s convict claims that his counterpart is a villain. He stayed behind rather than escape the marshes to make sure that the villain was recaptured.

      Both convicts are handcuffed and lead to a guard shack along the river. While being processed, Pip’s convict announces that he stole food from the blacksmith’s house. The blame for the missing pie and brandy is off Pip’s shoulders.

      Chapter 6

      Pip is so tired after the chase and long walk to the guard shack that Joe must again carry him back home. Mr. Wopsle, who didn’t want to travel to the guard shack in the first place, is in a grumpy state of mind and frequently stopping for breaks. It’s well after dark when the three of them make it back home.

      Joe tells the story of the chase and capture of the convicts to the assembled party. He goes on to reveal the convict’s theft of brandy and food. Everyone is mystified as to how the convict entered the house. Uncle Pumblechook suggests that he got on the roof and lowered himself through the chimney with a torn-up bedsheet. It’s a silly idea, and Mr. Wopsle tries to protest, but the guests and Mrs. Gargery tend to think Pumblechook knows best.

      Pip is too exhausted to stay awake any longer, and his sister takes him to bed. He has mixed feelings about the events of the past two days. Of course, he’s glad that he didn’t get blamed for the theft. But he’s also upset with himself that he couldn’t do what he knew was right. Pip wants to tell Joe the truth of the matter, but can’t quite bring himself to it.

      Chapter 7

      The events with the convict on the marsh fade into memory. Pip goes to school in the evenings and gradually learns the alphabet and simple arithmetic. The community school is operated by Mr. Wopsle’s great aunt, while Wopsle himself lives upstairs. Mrs. Wopsle also runs a small store out of the same building. Her granddaughter, Biddy, helps around the house and the store. She and Pip are nearly the same age.

      Pip and Joe are sitting by the fire. Pip composes a letter to Joe on a slate board, but Joe can’t read. He explains how his father drank a lot, and his mother often ran away, all of which interfered with his education. Joe also remarks that Pip’s sister is really a good person and worthy wife, even if she is harsh and strict sometimes. Joe says that he’d rather not follow in the footsteps of his own father. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gargery and Uncle Pumblechook have been away at the market. As a bachelor, Uncle Pumblechook requires help in picking out household goods.

      Mrs. Gargery and Uncle Pumblechook are somewhat late getting back. When they walk in the door, they are obviously in the middle of a conversation that concerns Pip’s future. Pumblechook says that Miss Havisham has asked for a boy to come and play at her house. Miss Havisham is a wealthy lady who lives alone on the other end of town. Pip’s sister washes him furiously, dresses him in clean, nice clothes, and sends him off with his uncle to stay the night before going to Miss Havisham’s house. Pip has never had to say goodbye to Joe before. He has no idea what to expect.

      Chapter 8

      Pip has breakfast with Uncle Pumblechook, who quizzes him with math problems. Later that morning, they set off for Miss Havisham’s house. The gate is locked. Pip sees that the house is very massive, with an attached brewery, but doesn’t look occupied at the moment. A girl comes to the gate to let Pip inside, but turns Pumblechook away.

      The girl is pretty and commanding, and Pip is in awe of her. She takes Pip into the house and up to Miss Havisham’s room. He knocks and enters and sees a strange scene. Everything is decked out as if for a wedding, but the white fabrics have turned yellow. An old woman sits in a yellowed wedding dress with only one shoe on. The curtains are drawn and the only light comes from several candles. The clock and a pocket watch are both stopped at twenty minutes to nine. Pip says that Miss Havisham is the strangest woman that he’s ever seen.

      Miss Havisham, who tells Pip that she has a broken heart, orders him to play. He feels too out of place. She then commands him to summon Estella – the young girl who let him in the gate – so that they can play cards. Estella makes fun of Pip’s hands, and shoes, and the way he plays cards. It’s a humiliating experience.

      Pip is asked to return in six days. Before leaving, Estella serves him some food and drink in a courtyard. She doesn’t look at him, and he nearly begins to cry. He feels like he’s been treated unjustly, but can’t find the words to express his feelings. For the first time in his life, Pip feels shame in his upbringing and his family.

      Chapter 9

      Pip’s sister wants to know everything about Miss Havisham and her lavish house. She interrogates Pip, but he doesn’t say what she wants to hear. Even Uncle Pumblechook stops by for tea, hoping to hear about the goings-on at the house. Pip continues to be evasive and quiet. His sister boxes his ears, and something inside him snaps.

      Pip begins rattling off outrageous lies about his experience. He says that Miss Havisham sat in a black velvet coach and ate from gold plates. He and Estella handed the luxurious food into the coach window. He says also that they played a game called flags and had a wonderful time. Pumblechook and Mrs. Gargery are dumbstruck.

      Joe hears all about Pip’s great day and thinks it’s wonderful, especially the part about the four huge dogs. Later, Pip confesses that he made the whole thing up. He explains to Joe how Estella made him feel dirty and common. Joe gives him a pep talk and warns him against telling more lies.

      As Pip falls asleep that night, he continues to think about how common he feels. He recognized that his short visit to Miss Havisham’s has caused something to change inside of him.

      Chapter 10

      The nightly sessions at the schoolhouse aren’t very effective, so Pip asks Biddy to tutor him. He wants to become an uncommon scholar and so elevate himself out of the common, low position he’s in. He never again wants to feel the scorn of Estella.

      Pip’s sister has instructed him to pick up Joe on the way home from school. It’s a Saturday night, and Joe likes to spend some time at the Jolly Bargemen, a public house. He finds Joe smoking his pipe by the fire with Mr. Wopsle and an odd-looking stranger. The stranger asks all sorts of questions, some of them about Pip. He offers to buy a round of drinks. When the rum comes to the table, Pip sees that the stranger is stirring it with the file from Joe’s forge. Somehow, this stranger is connected to the convict from the marshes.

      Pip feels like a nightmare has come back to life. The stranger gives him sidelong glances that no one else notices. Pip fears the worst, but as they are leaving, the stranger offers Pip a shilling. He takes it, not knowing how to react. When Joe and Pip reach home, they find that the shilling was wrapped in two pound notes. Joe tries to find the man and give the money back, but he’s gone. Mrs. Gargery stuffs the notes in a teapot; Pip has bad dreams about files coming at him out of the dark.

      Chapter 11

      On his second visit to Miss Havisham’s, Estella takes Pip to another small house near the brewery. Inside are several people - three ladies and a gentleman - who don’t speak to him. After a short while, Estella takes Pip on to Miss Havisham’s chambers.

      Miss Havisham makes Pip walk her around an adjoining room. In the room is a moldy wedding cake and lots of crawling insects. The lady remarks that this is the room she’ll lie in after she dies.

      Estella and the strangers come to the chambers while Pip and Miss Havisham are still walking around the room. The strangers are identified as Miss Sarah Pocket, Georgiana, Camilla and her husband. They are all relatives of Miss Havisham and they pretend to care about her a great deal. But really they’re only after her inheritance. She sends them all away in a huff. When they’re alone again, Miss Havisham tells Pip that it’s her birthday, but no one can speak of it.

      After playing some cards with Estella, Pip is taken down to the courtyard to eat. He wanders around as before, but encounters a lanky boy his own age dressed like a young gentleman. The boy is friendly at first but then wants to fight with Pip. Even though he’s taller and seemingly very athletic, Pip trounces him. He doesn’t feel very good about it, though.

      Before leaving, Estella lets Pip kiss her on the cheek. It seems that she has secretly watched the fight and is impressed with Pip’s performance.

      Chapter 12

      Pip worries that his fight with the young gentleman will have consequences, but nothing comes of it and he doesn’t see the boy again. He starts going to Miss Havisham’s more frequently - about every other day. A sort of wheelchair appears, and it becomes a normal routine for Pip to push the lady around her rooms, sometimes for hours on end. Estella’s moods are hot and cold. Some days she is friendly and others fierce and condescending. Miss Havisham seems to enjoy when Estella makes Pip uncomfortable.

      At home, Pip’s sister and Uncle Pumblechook continue to ask him about his visits to the old lady. They try to puzzle out what Miss Havisham has in mind for Pip, but it’s all just guesswork. He remains tight-lipped, only describing for Biddy the house and everything that happens there.

      After about eight months of pushing Miss Havisham around in her chair, she notices that Pip has started to become tall. This displeases her. She asks about his apprenticeship to Joe and requests the Pip bring Joe to the house on his next visit. When Pip’s sister hears this news, she is devastated and furious. She can’t understand why she’s left out of the affair.

      Chapter 13

      Joe prepares for the visit to Miss Havisham’s by donning his Sunday best. Pip thinks he looks more natural and more comfortable in his working clothes. Mrs. Gargery is in a foul mood as they all walk into town. They pass by Pumblechook’s, where she stops in to wait on the return of Pip and her husband.

      Estella meets Joe and Pip at the gate and leads them silently to Miss Havisham’s room. The old lady asks Joe a series of questions, but Joe is so embarrassed that he pretends he’s talking with Pip. Miss Havisham says that Pip has been a good boy. She hands Pip a bag with 25 pounds in it to give to Joe. Privately, she tells Joe not to expect anything else. Outside of the house, Joe seems dumbstruck by the whole experience. He keeps saying, Astonishing, until he recovers his wits.

      Back at Pumblechook’s, Joe calms his wife down with news of the money. It’s agreed that Pip should go to the courthouse immediately, so he can be bonded to Joe and the blacksmith trade. That night, there’s a small party at a local restaurant in celebration of Pip’s apprenticeship and the lavish payment from Miss Havisham. Lying in bed, Pip realizes that he’s not so keen on being a blacksmith anymore, not after his experience of life at Miss Havisham’s.

      Chapter 14

      Pip’s opinion of his home life changes because his time with Estella and Miss Havisham. There’s no more dignity in the simple kitchen or the parlor room. He sees nothing but commonness and dullness all around him. Previously, he had looked forward to being apprenticed to Joe. He saw it as his passage into manhood and respectability. Working with Joe at the forge was one of his boyhood dreams. But his mind has been altered by the scornful girl, Estella, and the heartless old woman, Miss Havisham. He can’t go back to the old way of thinking ever again.

      Pip knows that his feelings are dark and ungrateful and shouldn’t be voiced to anyone. He never shares with Joe the way he really feels and goes along with the blacksmithing work. His respect for Joe keeps him at the forge instead of running away to the army. Sometimes, he worries that Estella will walk by when he’s grimy with coal dust and laugh at him. He imagines how Estella and Miss Havisham would look down upon the humble dwelling by the marshes. No matter how he tries, Pip can’t shake the hopeless, blank feeling he has in his heart. His future is all planned out, but to him, it’s nothing but dreariness and hard work.

      Chapter 15

      A year of Pip’s apprenticeship to Joe has passed. On Sundays, they sit on the earthworks near the river and Pip tries to teach Joe the alphabet, reading and writing, and arithmetic. Pip often things of Miss Havisham and Estella as he watches the boats move off toward the sea. One Sunday afternoon, Pip proposes to Joe that he might pay a visit to Miss Havisham. Joe warns that perhaps the lady wanted a clean break, but Pip is persistent. Joe grants him a half holiday for making the visit.

      Joe employs a workingman named Dolge Orlick. He’s big and sullen and becomes irritated when he learns of Pip’s half holiday. He asks for the afternoon off himself, which Joe grants. Mrs. Gargery hears this and flies into a rampage. Orlick calls her some ugly names, and gets into a fight with Joe, which he loses. All is forgiven, and Orlick and Pip go on their holidays.

      Pip secretly wants to see Estella. Sarah Pocket lets him in, and Miss Havisham agrees to see him. She tells Pip that Estella has gone abroad. She says Pip can come back on his birthday if he likes.

      Pip is downcast and doesn’t want to go home. Instead, he encounters Mr. Wopsle and together they head to Pumblechook’s for some theatrical entertainment. Wopsle walks Pip home. On the way, they run into Orlick. The cannons are firing to signal more escapees from the prison ship, a sound which has special meaning for Pip. As the three of them pass the Three Jolly Bargemen, they notice a commotion. Someone says there’s been a break in at the Gargery household; they run the rest of the way and find Mrs. Gargery senseless on the kitchen floor.

      Chapter 16

      The attacker leaves only one clue. Next to Mrs. Gargery in the kitchen lay a pair of leg irons that have been cut though. Joe says that the irons were cut through long ago. Pip believes he knows where the irons came from. He assumes that either the strange man from the pubic house or Orlick perpetrated the crime.

      Pip’s sister is bedridden for a long time, and her hearing and eyesight are permanently damaged. She also has trouble with speech and memory, so that she had to carry a slate and chalk around to communicate. She’s as bad a speller as Joe, so Pip has a difficult time meeting her needs.

      The authorities try unsuccessfully to identify a suspect. They soon return to London. For their part, they think Joe must know more than he’s telling. Pip therefore has a poor opinion of law enforcement.

      When Mr. Wopsle’s great aunt passes away, Biddy comes to live with the Gargerys. She’s much better at understanding what Pip’s sister needs and wants. For some reason, she gets into the habit of requesting Orlick’s presence almost every day. The workingman slouches into the kitchen for a drink. It’s a mystery to Pip why his sister should want to be so kind to Orlick.

      Chapter 17

      Biddy and Pip gradually become good friends. On a walk out on the marshes, Pip confesses to Biddy that he wants to become a gentleman. He doesn’t know whether he wants to impress or spite Estella, only that he’s not comfortable in life as it is. Estella has ruined his outlook. He admits to Biddy that had things been different, the two of them might have had a happy life together. Biddy explains that Estella isn’t worth his time or energy if she’s really so moody and stuck up. However, Pip is in love, and his emotions won’t listen to reason.

      As the pair walk home, Orlick appears and offers to walk them home. They decline, but Orlick brings up the rear anyway. Biddy doesn’t like him and is even a little afraid of him. She thinks he has eyes for her and is always trying to get her attention. This annoys Pip, and he makes a point of getting in the way of Orlick from that point forward.

      Life at the forge continues as before, only Pip sometimes thinks he should forget all about Estella and give more attention to Biddy. Other times, he’s just as hopelessly in love and despondent as ever.

      Chapter 18

      Four years of apprenticeship pass by. One Saturday evening, Pip and Joe are relaxing at the Three Jolly Bargemen. Mr. Wopsle is narrating the story of a murder from the newspaper. A strange man is eyeing him; Pip recognizes this man from Miss Havisham’s. He has big eyebrows, a stubbly beard and smells like soap. When Mr. Wopsle is through with his reading and pronounced the man guilty, the soapy-smelling stranger begins to cross-examine him. His tactics are so effective that it’s obvious he’s a lawyer of some kind.

      After dressing down Mr. Wopsle in front of everyone, the man asks for Joe Gargery and Pip. He says he has some private business with them. On the way to the house, he introduces himself as Jaggers, a London lawyer.

      In the parlor back home, Jaggers explains that Pip has a secret benefactor and now has great expectations. He’ll be made into a gentleman and tutored in London. It’s overwhelming for Pip, but Joe and Biddy are happy for him. Jaggers gives Pip strict instructions not to try and learn anything about his benefactor. Jaggers also explains that he will act as guardian and trustee while the young man lives in London, and that Matthew Pocket will be his tutor - a name Pip remembers from his visits to Miss Havisham’s. In his heart, he believes that Miss Havisham is the source of his great expectations. He prepares to leave in a week’s time.

      Chapter 19

      Pip tells Biddy that she ought to bring Joe up in manners and education. Pip plans to bestow a fortune on Joe when he has the money and wants Joe to be a bit more genteel. Biddy suggests that Joe is happy and proud of his place in the world. Pip lashes out at this remark. His own insecurities about his great expectations and his common roots have made him show ingratitude to his loved ones.

      Later, Pip goes to the tailor to be measured for a new suit. He also goes to the other shops to be outfitted for his new life. His last stop of the day is Uncle Pumblechook’s house. The groveling businessman pretends that he knew all along that Pip was an uncommon boy, destined for greatness. He hints that some more capital invested into his corn and seed business might really turn the tables for him. Pumblechook asks to shake his nephew’s hand about a hundred times. Pip gets slightly tipsy on wine and has to take a nap before heading home.

      On the morning of his departure, Pip has mixed feelings. He’s excited to see London, but heartbroken to leave the place of his birth and childhood. He even thinks about getting off the coach and walking back. In the end, he resigns himself to his new life with a heavy heart.

      Chapter 20

      Pip arrives in London after a five-hour coach ride. His first impression is that the city is dark, dusty and grimy. Jaggers’ office is in a seedy part of town, and people are milling about waiting to speak with the lawyer. Pip goes in, and the clerk, Wemmick, informs Pip that Jaggers is at court and that he should wait in the office.

      Eventually, Pip gets tired of waiting for Jaggers and decides to take a walk. He sees Newgate Prison and sees lots of people outside the courthouse. A stranger offers to give him a good seat at the trials, but Pip declines. He shows him the gallows instead, and Pip is horrified. Again, his impression of London is that they city looks and smells badly.

      Jaggers returns and the people outside his office surround him. He deals with them one at a time. As a lawyer, he’s very powerful. His clients are in awe of him.

      Inside the office, Jaggers has a short meeting with his assistant, Mike. From the conversation, it sounds like they’re involved in some unethical dealings, such as witness tampering and perjury. When he’s along with Pip, Jaggers explains what Pip’s allowance will be, who to see for clothes and other goods, and where to find the home of his tutor. It’s a short distance away, and Wemmick walks him there.

      Chapter 21

      Wemmick and Pip walk toward Pip’s lodgings at Barnard’s Inn. Pip asks questions about London, to which Wemmick gives short, matter-of-fact answers. He has a dark, cynical mind, and explains that all sorts of bad things can happen on the streets of London. They arrive at Barnard’s and Pip is again disappointed. The courtyard looks like a cemetery and the buildings are in disrepair. Most of the apartments are for rent.

      The two go up the rickety stairs to the rooms that Pip will share with Herbert Pocket. There’s a note on the door indicating that Herbert is out but will return shortly. Wemmick leaves Pip to wait on his roommate. At least half an hour passes before Mr. Pocket returns. As he comes up the stairs, he carries fruit and other goods from the market in both arms.

      The door sticks, so Herbert asks Pip to hold the fruit while he forces open the door. He then shows Pip all of the rooms and furniture and explains where the coffee and tea come from. As Herbert takes back the fruit, they both realize that they’ve met somewhere before. Mr. Pocket is the pale young man who challenged Pip to a fight years ago in Miss Havisham’s courtyard.

      Chapter 22

      Herbert and Pip enjoy dinner together and share what they know of Miss Havisham. Herbert explains the whole sad story of her failed wedding, the swindler who tricked her into loving him, and the half-brother who was a suspect in the fraud. When Herbert’s father attempted to talk sense to her, she banished him. This partially explains the Pocket family’s poverty.

      Instead of a bridegroom on her wedding day, Miss Havisham received a letter informing her that the marriage was off. It was at that point that everything stopped for her, including the clocks.

      Herbert also explains that he was at Miss Havisham’s as a sort of test to see if he might play with Estella as Pip did. It didn’t work out, and he says Estella is a brute anyway. He says that Miss Havisham has brought her up to wreak vengeance on all men.

      Later, Pip accompanies Herbert to his father’s house t begin his tutoring. Pip sees that the family has seven young children, all bouncing around the yard and house. Mrs. Pocket is absorbed in a book and seems only half-aware of her surroundings. When Mr. Pocket enters the room, he has a bewildered look on his face.

      Chapter 23

      The Pocket household is modest. In addition to Pip, they have two boarders who join them: Bentley Drummle an Startop. Like Pip, Drummle and Startop are under the tutelage of Mr. Pocket.

      Mrs. Pocket (Belinda) has an aristocratic character. She believes her grandfather was denied a well-deserved position of royalty. It’s to satisfy her whims that Mr. Pocket keeps servants, even though they can barely afford that kind of extravagance. Because of her pampered upbringing, Mrs. Pocket isn’t useful for very much except looking down on other people. Drummle seems to encourage her in this behavior.

      At the dinner table, a neighborhood friend, Mrs. Coiler, joins them. She has a way of saying just the right thing to everybody, but Pip sees through this. She also has of coming very close to someone’s face when she’s making a point. Pip wishes he was on the other side of the table.

      Mr. Pocket shares many of the traits of his son, Herbert. He is kind and natural. He’s also exasperated by his wife’s moods, the seven children, and the servants who seem to take advantage of them.

      Chapter 24

      Pip asks Jaggers if he might continue staying with Herbert at Barnard’s rather than board at the Pockets’ house. Pip thinks the arrangement would work out best for everyone, and Jaggers agrees. Pip then offers to buy the rented furniture plus a few other things for brightening up the space. Jaggers interrogates him as to the exact amount and then gives him math problems, much as Pumblechook used to do.

      When Jaggers leaves, Pip has a nice conversation with Wemmick. The clerk explains that Jaggers is very deep, and his personality is deliberately off-putting. It’s how he argues cases in court, by keeping people on their toes and unsure of what to say.

      Wemmick takes Pip on tour of the offices. They visit the other clerks working upstairs and then return to Jaggers’ room. Pip asks about the two heads on the bookcase, and Wemmick is happy to tell the story. The heads represent two former clients who brought fame to the law office before being tossed into Newgate Prison. Wemmick calls them Old Artful and Cove.

      Before leaving the office, Wemmick invites Pip over for a meal. He also tells him that when he dines with Jaggers, he should pay close attention to the housekeeper, because she used to be a wild beast.

      Chapter 25

      Pip and Startop come to be good friends, but Drummle has a sour mood and isn’t very likable. Some of the other Pockets - Sarah, her husband and Georgiana - come to visit Matthew and Belinda. They pretend to like Pip, but in reality, they’re jealous of his good fortune. They generally look down upon the Pocket household as being poor and simple.

      Pip sends a letter to Wemmick asking if they shouldn’t have their dinner date. Wemmick agrees, and after the close of business one day they set off together for his residence in Harlow. It’s a tine cottage, with a moat and a small cannon, a garden, a few chickens and a pig. Wemmick’s deaf and elderly father lives with him. The younger Wemmick explains that Pip should just nod to his father and that will make him happy.

      The Walworth property is like a self-sustaining castle. There’s even a small drawbridge and moat, and every evening the gun is fired. Pip sees a side of Wemmick that’s very different from the tight-lipped, official clerk at work. He has a very appealing character, especially in the way that he looks after the health and wellbeing of his father.

      Chapter 26

      Jaggers invites Pip and his friends - Herbert, Startop and Drummle - to dinner at his home. They meet at the office and then Jaggers leads the way. Unsurprisingly, Jaggers’ home is dingy and grimy on the outside. The windows could definitely use washing. Inside, everything is neat and functional. Unlike Wemmick, Jaggers seems to make no distinction between his home life and his work life. There’s a desk and bookcases and it’s obvious that the lawyer works in the evening.

      For some unknown reason, Jaggers takes a liking to Drummle. He goads everyone into talking and saying more than they want to, but especially Drummle. The young men drink a little too much wine and a fight nearly breaks out.

      There’s only one servant. Her name is Molly, and her only job during dinner is to bring plates to the table. Jaggers takes care of everything else himself. At one point, Jaggers makes Molly show the group her powerful wrists. One of them has terrible scars. Jaggers says they’re the strongest he’s ever seen in man or woman. Pip watches Molly carefully, and notices the scared, hunted look in her eyes that Wemmick mentioned. She’s afraid of her master, but he has some unknown power over her.

      Chapter 27

      Pip receives a letter from Biddy informing him that Joe is coming to London and asking if it wouldn’t be acceptable for them to meet and have breakfast together. Pip is embarrassed to think of Joe visiting him but can’t really say no to the idea.

      Joe comes to Barnard’s on a Tuesday morning for breakfast. He’s very uncomfortable in the presence of Pip and Herbert. He doesn’t know what to do with his hat exactly, and it keeps falling off the corner of the mantel. Joe stares around the room in awe and drops much of his food. Herbert has to leave for town, and Pip is relieved.

      After they talk together for a while, Joe reveals that he had something of an ulterior motive in making the visit. He explains that Miss Havisham sent for him one day at the Three Jolly Bargemen with some important news. It seems that Estella returned from her journeys abroad and said that she would like to see Pip. Naturally, Pip can’t contain his excitement and confusion at this news. Joe takes his leave with dignity. Pip stays behind for a minute, completely dumbstruck.

      Chapter 28

      As Pip is preparing to leave for his home village, he considers whether to stay at his old home or take a room at the Blue Boar. He decides that it would feel better to stay at the Boar and not get in the way of Joe or Biddy. In his heart, he knows he’s ashamed of them.

      A pair of prisoners is being transported to the prison ships on the same coach. Pip instantly recognizes one of them as the man who gave him two pound notes in the Three Jolly Bargemen, years ago. He has a fear of being recognized, but soon realizes it’s unlikely. Herbert has given him the nickname of Handel, which is a fortunate coincidence.

      It’s late on a winter afternoon when the coach starts and dark by the time they near the marshes. Pip awakens from a doze to hear the two convicts telling stories. One of them mentions an escapee who asked him to deliver the money to a boy who helped in Pip’s village. Pip sees how all the dots connect but is still anxious to get off the coach and separate himself from the convicts. He disembarks at the Blue Boar and is never recognized.

      At the bar, the waiter pushes a newspaper in his direction. In it, an article touts Pumblechook as the founder of Pip’s fortunes. He’s disgusted and hopes not to see his uncle while in town.

      Chapter 29

      Pip arrives at Miss Havisham’s house to find Orlick working as the porter. He has a small room near the brewery and keeps the keys to all the gates and doors. Pip enters the house and meets Sarah Pocket in the hallway, then continues up to Miss Havisham’s rooms. There’s an attractive young woman sitting next to the old lady. At first, he doesn’t realize it’s Estella. When they are re-acquainted, Miss Havisham tells them to go for a stroll in the garden.

      Walking with Estella, Pip still feels very far away from her. But in his mind he believes that Miss Havisham intends them to be together. He is upset when Estella doesn’t remember certain episodes from their time together as children. She warns him that she’s heartless and unsympathetic. He believes he can awaken her dormant passions.

      Jaggers is also in town on business with Miss Havisham. Pip, Jaggers, Estella and Sarah Pocket have an awkward dinner together. Jaggers points out that Miss Havisham never eats in the presence of other people. Later, they play cards before leaving for the evening. Pip is instructed to meet Estella at the coach station when she comes to London. He’s more hopelessly in love than ever before.

      Chapter 30

      On the morning of their return to London, Pip suggests to Jaggers that Orlick isn’t the best person to work as porter at Miss Havisham’s. Jaggers says he’ll take care of it.

      As he’s walking out of the village, the tailor’s boy decides to have some fun at Pip’s expense. He comes directly toward him on the street and collapses in a pretend fit of anxiety. He then circles back through the alleys and gives a repeat performance. Pip is disgusted and embarrassed but can’t really do anything. He leaves town feeling disgraced.

      Back at Barnard’s Inn, Pip and Herbert talk about love. Pip confesses that he’s smitten with Estella, but he has no proof that his benefactor intends them to be together. Herbert asks whether Pip might have the strength or determination to forget about her. He points out that she’s proud and moody, and likely to make a husband miserable. Pip is silent for a while, then answers that it would be impossible for him to forget about her.

      Herbert reveals that he has a fiancée, Clara, but that for the moment she’s a secret to his family. Pip finds the playbill for Wopsle’s upcoming play in his pocket, and they decide to attend.

      Chapter 31

      Pip and Herbert set off for Mr. Wopsle’s performance of Hamlet. The stage is very rudimentary, and the players are cheaply dressed. Pip observes that Wopsle looks at times more like an undertaker than a prince. The audience has a good time making fun of the performance, yelling answers to rhetorical questions and laughing at the acting. Pip and Herbert try to be respectful, but eventually they laugh out loud as well.

      When the show is over, Pip wants them to hurry out so as not to be cornered by Wopsle. They make it to the door, where a small man stops them and says that a Mr. Waldengarver would like to see them. Herbert realizes that Waldengarver is likely the stage name for Mr. Wopsle.

      They go along with the man, who is apparently a sort of manager or Mr. Wopsle, and arrive at the dressing room. Mr. Wopsle asks what they thought of the performance and characterizations. Herbert and Pip are as flattering as possible. Pip, feeling shameful for trying to avoid him earlier, invites Mr. Wopsle over for dinner. They stay up late talking about drama and the classics; Pip goes to bed dreaming of Estella and his fortunes.

      Chapter 32

      A letter arrives from Estella, informing Pip that she’ll arrive by coach the day after tomorrow. He’s miserable and anxious until the day arrives. He walks to the coach office many hours before her arrival, worried that something might go wrong if he’s anywhere else. By coincidence, Wemmick strolls by on his way to Newgate Prison. Wemmick asks Pip to join him, and he agrees - it frees him from the agony of waiting at the coach office all day.

      At Newgate Prison, Pip learns that Wemmick is on very familiar terms with many of the inmates. He knows several of them be name, and discusses the details of upcoming court dates. He shakes hands with one called the Colonel, who was apparently a counterfeiter. Wemmick asks the Colonel to send him a pair of his carrier pigeons, to which he agrees. Pip becomes even more impressed by the influence that his guardian, Jaggers, has over the legal system as well as the criminal element in society. In fact, he feels a bit dirty and wishes he hadn’t come to the prison.

      Once back at the coach office, Pip tries to shake off the dark, foul sensation of Newgate. He dusts off his shoes and tries to breathe in the fresh air. The contrast between Estella and the prison he just left is very strong in him mind. As the coach pulls up, he sees Estella in the window. For the second time, he has a strange impression when he looks at her face, but he can’t put his finger on the cause.

      Chapter 33

      Estella arrives with instructions for Pip: to hire a coach to take them to Richmond, where she’ll be staying. In the meantime, they wait in a dining parlor at the coach office. The manager brings them bread, butter, tea and other items, although Pip had only asked for tea. The two of them exchange pleasantries and talk about old times.

      Estella explains that the Pockets, Sarah in particular, tie themselves in knots with jealousy of Pip. They spread rumors and make false accusations against his character. They’re worried that Miss Havisham might bestow her fortune on him rather than one of them. Estella has a hearty laugh at their expense. Having grown up with Miss Havisham, she sees through their petty schemes.

      On the way to Richmond, they pass Newgate Prison. Pip doesn’t mention his recent visit. Estella says that she sees Jaggers from time to time, but he’s always deep and mysterious. She considers him creepy and suspicious, and is glad that he’s not her guardian.

      The house in Richmond is a nice country estate. Pip wishes he was staying there as well. He returns to the Pockets’ house at Hammersmith with a deep heartache inside of him. He considers confiding in Matthew Pocket, but changes his mind.

      Chapter 34

      Pip, despite his allowance from his guardian and the promise of an inheritance to come, gets into money trouble. He racks up significant debts all over the city. To his dismay, he also involves Herbert in these debts. Herbert, being his friend and roommate, feels compelled to spend as Pip spends. The situation is worse for Herbert because his resources are much fewer.

      The pair get into another habit, that of staying out late and drinking heavily. They put their names in for election to a social club called The Finches of the Grove. Bentley Drummle is already a member of the club. Pip never finds out the exact purpose of the club, apart from having expensive dinners.

      When his money troubles are especially heavy on his mind, Pip proposes that they get out pen and paper and tabulate exactly what they owe and to whom. Somehow, putting their debts down on paper feels almost as good as paying them off. Nevertheless, after making a full accounting of their affairs, Pip and Herbert inevitable get into deeper water.

      One evening, a letter with a black seal drops into the room. Inside is news that Pip’s sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery, has passed away, and Pip’s presence is requested at the funeral.

      Chapter 35

      Trabb, the tailor, oversees the formal dress for Mrs. Gargery’s funeral. Everyone is wrapped head to toe in black. Pip speaks briefly with Joe and Biddy. Pumblechook is there also, and soon forces his presence on Pip. Mr. and Mrs. Hubble are very proud of themselves for keeping company with Pip, even though it’s a funeral.

      The procession to the church is slow and stately. Some young children run around and get in front of the mourners. Pumblechook continuously smooths Pip’s cloak and arranges his hat. It’s as if he’s unaware of the solemn and serious occasion.

      Mrs. Gargery is buried near her mother and father. Back at the old home, the Hubbles and Pumblechook leave together. Pip asks for permission to stay the night in his old room. He goes on a walk in the lane with Biddy. She explains that Orlick still pursues her attention, and that even moments ago she saw him skulking around. Pip is indignant and offers to have him sent away from the town somehow.

      Pip promises that he’ll visit again as often as possible. Biddy doubts this, which makes him angry with her again. But as he prepares to leave the next morning, he secretly knows that Biddy is probably right. He may never see the forge again, at least not for a long time.

      Chapter 36

      Pip and Herbert both celebrate their coming of age, which means their 21st birthday. Pip expects something special might happen on his birthday and isn’t surprised when Jaggers asks him to come to the office. Sitting in Jaggers’ room, Pip again feels like he’s on the witness stand. Jaggers asks him if he’s living beyond his means. He also asks if he expects anything for his birthday. After holding him in suspense, Jaggers hands over a 500 pound note. He says that’s to be Pip’s yearly allowance from that point forward.

      With the money in hand, Pip considers what he might do with it that’s more noble than spending it on food and drink. He asks Wemmick his opinion of making an investment in a friend’s business. Wemmick explains that he would be better off tossing the money off a bridge. Pip isn’t very pleased with that answer, and wonders if he wouldn’t get a different answer if they were at Wemmick’s home rather than the office.

      Jaggers invites himself to dinner with Pip and Herbert. After he leaves, both Pip and Herbert are in a sour mood. Pip is annoyed because he wasn’t able to learn anything more about his benefactor, who he still believes must be Miss Havisham. He thinks that Jaggers is probably holding something back.

      Chapter 37

      Pip travels to Wemmick’s castle in Walworth to see about helping Herbert realize some of his business ambitions. Wemmick isn’t there, so he enjoys some time with the Aged Parent. The Aged tells him more about his son and his work around the property. He’s hard of hearing, so it’s a one-sided conversation.

      Wemmick signals his arrival with a device that drops his name out of a box on the wall. Pip and the Aged meet him at the drawbridge. It’s a Sunday afternoon, and Wemmick has a friend with him, Miss Skiffins. Pip comments on her orange dress and green gloves. It seems that the Aged and Wemmick are very familiar with Miss Skiffins. They begin to arrange tea and toast.

      While tea and toast are being prepared, Wemmick and Pip take a stroll in the garden. Pip again asks if there’s a way he might help Herbert get ahead in life. He wants his help to be secret but substantial. Wemmick thinks it’s an excellent idea. He explains that Miss Skiffins has a brother who’s an accountant and agent. He says he’ll ask around for an opening.

      After a few weeks, Wemmick has arranged a deal between Pip and a new shipping company. Pip invests heavily on Herbert’s behalf. When Herbert comes home exultant, Pip has to pretend he’s excited by the news.

      Chapter 38

      Estella accumulates many admirers in and around Richmond. She gains a reputation as a proud and beautiful young woman. She plays games with all the men who court her, keeping them guessing and bewildered.

      Miss Havisham sends a letter to Estella requesting that she visit Satis House and bring Pip along with her. They travel together and find Miss Havisham just as she’s always been. Miss Havisham becomes heated with Estella because she’s so hard and unloving. Estella responds by pointing out that she has become exactly what the old lady intended her to become. Pip believes in his heart that Estella is still destined to be his wife, but still Miss Havisham gives no indication of that possibility.

      Back in London, Pip discovers that Bentley Drummle is one of the young men on whom Estella bestows her attention. He toasts her name at a meeting of The Finches of the Grove. Pip is furious and wants to fight over her honor. Peace prevails when Drummle produces evidence that he’s danced with the lady.

      In private, Pip asks Estella why she encourages Drummle. She says that she toys with all of the men, with the exception of Pip. This admission doesn’t do much to relieve Pip’s state of mind.

      Chapter 39

      A couple of years have passed – Pip is now 23 years old. He and Herbert have moved to a new residence called the Temple. Herbert is doing well for himself and is away on business. A powerful storm rages, and the rain and wind are making for a miserable night. Pip feels as lonely as ever.

      It’s late and Pip is reading by lamplight. The lamps on the street have gone out because of the foul weather. He hears a step on the staircase and is frightened. In his imagination, he thinks it could be his sister; he opens his door and yells down the staircase. A man announces his presence. He says he’s looking for Mr. Pip.

      When the man enters the lamplight, Pip doesn’t recognize him. He’s a heavily dressed, older man. He looks like he’s been at sea.

      The man seems to know Pip. He extends his hands to him. Pip is confused. Little by little, the man reveals his identity. He’s the convict from the marshes who Pip fed from his kitchen. He explains that he was exiled to the colonies and has been busy making a fortune. In gratitude for Pip’s help, the convict has gifted his fortune to Pip: He is the source of the great expectations.

      Pip is horrified. Knowing that Miss Havisham is not connected to his fortune in any way, Pip sees his life as a wreck and a lie. He wishes that he had never left the forge. Even worse, his benefactor explains that he returned to England on pain of death. If the authorities catch him, he will surely be executed. Pip considers running away from his apartment while the convict sleeps heavily in Herbert’s room.

      Chapter 40

      Pip learns that his benefactor’s name is Abel Magwitch, but he has traveled under the alias of Provis. On the morning after Provis’ arrival, Pip goes downstairs to speak with the guardsman. To his surprise, he stumbles on a man slouched on the staircase. It seems like an unpleasant coincidence.

      The guardsman tells Pip about the people who came through the gate during the night. He mentions that Provis had another person following behind him, unnoticed. Pip realizes that his benefactor is being followed. He begins to consider how best to hide Provis without raising too much suspicion. He decides that he’ll say that his uncle has arrived from the country when his housekeepers show up. He also arranges for some new clothes and a haircut. Pip rents out a nearby dwelling so that his benefactor will have his own space and maybe not arouse too much suspicion.

      Pip stops by Jaggers’ office, but the crafty lawyer is one step ahead of him. Jaggers doesn’t want to know anything about Provis or anyone else. Before leaving, he confirms for Pip that Miss Havisham never had anything to do with his fortune, nor was there any evidence to suggest it.

      Herbert arrives and is surprised to see Magwitch. The old man makes him swear truth and allegiance on a little black book, and the whole story is revealed to Herbert.

      Chapter 41

      Herbert is equally appalled by Magwitch as Pip is. It’s midnight before Pip sees him off to his new lodgings across the way. On the short walk home, he has a sense of paranoia, but doesn’t see anyone who really looks suspicious.

      Herbert and Pip speak privately together about what has to be done. They agree that the fortune is tainted. They agree also that Pip at least owes Magwitch the honor of trying to keep him safe. The beginnings of a plan are conceived that will get the former convict out of England safely. Herbert points out that they will need subterfuge. At any time, Magwitch could retaliate against them by giving himself up. Pip feels he must somehow pay back the money and take no more. Herbert is strongly supportive, but Pip believes his life, to that point, has been a shallow lie.

      Magwitch comes to breakfast, as agreed. Pip and Herbert say that they deserve more information. For someone so tightly bound up with Pip’s good fortune, they know very little about him. Specifically, Pip wants to know more about the other convict from the marshes, the convict that Magwitch wrestled with when the soldiers found him. Magwitch reminds them that they’ve both sworn an oath of secrecy and settles down to tell his tale.

      Chapter 42

      Magwitch explains that he was born an orphan and found his way into trouble from the very first. No one wanted to give him a chance, so naturally he started on a career of stealing and swindling. It was all a means to an end, which was simply to get food into his mouth. He was homeless many times and put in prison many times, too. As a character, there’s an interesting contrast between his childhood and Pip’s: Everyone sees Pip as bad, while Magwitch truly is bad. But then, it’s not really his fault.

      Twenty odd years ago, Magwitch crossed paths with someone named Compeyson – a counterfeiter and master manipulator. He enters into his employment, but always seems to be the one taking the greatest risks and gaining nothing from it. Compeyson has another, older partner named Arthur. Magwitch explains that Compeyson had recently swindled a women out of a great deal of money (Herbert correctly identifies this woman as Miss Havisham and Arthur as her brother).

      When the law catches up with them, Compeyson leaves Magwitch out in the cold. They have separate defenses, and the trial doesn’t go well for Magwitch. He gets twice the sentence of his boss, the real kingpin of the operation. On the prison ship, Magwitch tries to attack Compeyson but fails. He meets Pip out on the marshes after he’s escaped the ship. Upon learning that his old associate had also escaped, he determines to make sure they both go back to the ship together.

      Pip and Herbert ask if Compeyson is still alive, but Magwitch doesn’t know.

      Chapter 43

      Pip realizes that if Compeyson is alive and anywhere near London, he wouldn’t hesitate to turn Magwitch over to the authorities. He and Herbert agree that he must be whisked out of the country by sea. Pip has also given some thought to Estella. He shivers to think what the lady would think of him now, with a former convict as the founder of his fortunes. He resolves that she must never know.

      Pip decides he must visit Estella before leaving England. He goes to her residence in Richmond, but the family she stays with says she has returned to Miss Havisham at Satis House. Pip thinks this is mysterious because she’s never gone there before without him accompanying her. He tells Magwitch a falsehood about needing to see Joe one more time and takes the next day’s coach to the marsh country.

      Stepping off at the Blue Boar, Pip is disgusted to see Bentley Drummle. At first, they pretend not to know each other. Later, as they both stand near the fire, they get into a testy exchange. Drummle tells the waiter that the lady won’t be riding today, meaning Estella. Pip is in a blind rage. They come very near a brawl, but then some other guests come in and Drummle leaves. As he’s mounting his horse, Pip thinks he sees Orlick helping him with his coat. As he prepares to visit Miss Havisham and Estella, he couldn’t be in a worse state of mind.

      Chapter 44

      Pip surprises Estella and Miss Havisham with his unexpected visit. Estella is knitting by the fire. Pip explains to Miss Havisham that Matthew and Herbert Pocket are very different than the other pockets. He asks if Miss Havisham can continue his good deed of investing in his future. She agrees to the idea and agrees to remain a secret donor.

      Miss Havisham realizes that Pip has discovered his true benefactor. She doesn’t deny that she allowed him to

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