Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations, which was first published in 1861, just eleven years after the Great Exhibition in London. The Great Exhibition showcased the best of England and its empire to the world, highlighting Britain’s position as the greatest and most powerful nation during that time. The novel’s second book begins with the statement: “We Britons had at this time particularly settled that it was treasonable to doubt our having and being the best of everything.” Dickens wrote this novel as a warning against the arrogance of wealth and power that both Britain and its people possessed. Characters like Pip and Pumblechook further emphasize this message.
Before we can discuss the question at hand, it is important to establish the definition of a gentleman. In my perspective, there are two interpretations of this term. In the Victorian era, a gentleman was typically associated with wealth, extensive land ownership, fashionable attire, and influence. This is the ideal that Pip aspires to embody. Conversely, a more profound understanding of a gentleman entails being kind and virtuous. The word “gentleman” literally connotes a man who is generous and noble. For the purpose of this essay, I embrace the true meaning of a gentleman as a good and honest man. However, considering the nineteenth-century setting, I also acknowledge the inclusion of aspects related to wealth and property.
The protagonist, Pip, whose full name is Philip Pirrip, endeavors to transform himself into a refined gentleman, symbolized by his name meaning “seed.” However, he faces challenges in finding the ideal circumstances for personal growth. The desolate marshes of his hometown and the polluted, dirty city of London where he resides are far from ideal environments. Thus, Pip must learn this lesson through difficult experiences.
At the beginning of the book, Pip aspires to become a typical Victorian gentleman even though he lacks the qualities of a true gentleman. During the nineteenth century, being considered a gentleman required having a title, wealth, property, and influential connections. Unfortunately, Pip possesses none of these attributes. Moreover, one also needed to be well-dressed to fit in with high society. Although Pip eventually purchases a suit, his appearance only matches that of a gentleman superficially; internally, he still does not meet the criteria. However, the one essential quality that Pip does possess is kindness. In Book one, he demonstrates this virtue through various compassionate acts towards a convict and Miss Havisham.
The story begins in the local graveyard, where Pip encounters the gravestones of his parents. At this location, Pip encounters a convict and is instructed to retrieve food and a file for the convict. Despite being shaken upside down by the convict to empty his pockets for food, Pip performs his first act of kindness. In the future, it will be the same convict who provides assistance to Pip. Although Pip perceives the convict as intimidating and kind-hearted, he is unaware of the significant role the convict will play in his life.
At the beginning of the novel, Joe and Mrs Joe, who are married, are introduced as characters in Pip’s life. Despite being married, they have contrasting personalities and will both have an impact on Pip’s aspirations. Mrs Joe is portrayed as cold and unpleasant towards Pip, raising him with strict discipline. Pip describes himself as a target for her constant criticism. In contrast, Joe is shown to be loving and nurturing towards Pip, doing his best to protect him. However, this proves to be challenging due to Mrs Joe’s dominant personality.
Mrs Joe is a negative influence on Pip and there are several other people in town who are the same. This becomes apparent during Christmas when Mrs Joe invites Uncle Pumblechook and Wopsle for dinner. Pumblechook is Joe’s friend and along with Wopsle and Mrs Joe, they make Pip feel guilty. They constantly criticize him and cause him trouble. However, Joe tries to cheer Pip up by giving him plenty of gravy. Joe and Pip are good friends and Joe’s kind presence helps inspire Pip to perform acts of kindness.
At the start of the story, Mrs Joe discovers that a large pie and a file have gone missing. Pip had given them to a convict and fears that he will be caught by the soldiers who have arrived at the door with handcuffs. This highlights Pip’s vulnerability and fear due to the hardships he has endured in his life. However, it turns out that the soldiers only want the handcuffs to be repaired as they are hunting for the convict that Pip had helped. Wopsle, Joe, and Pip accompany the soldiers to the marshes where they witness the capture of the two convicts – Magwitch who was assisted by Pip and Compeyson who had betrayed Magwitch. In order to protect Pip, Magwitch takes responsibility for stealing the pie and file. Joe, ever forgiving, shows compassion by saying he wouldn’t want Magwitch to go hungry. This act of kindness by Pip and the convict’s deception to save him from punishment establish a bond between the two characters upon which the entire novel is built.
The story fast-forwards a few years. In this initial section, Pip’s positive qualities are evident. He aids a convict (mostly out of fear) and maintains a strong bond with Joe. Despite facing other challenges, he displays goodness and kindness, which form the foundation for his transformation into a gentleman.
His second act of kindness occurs after his initial visit to Satis House at the suggestion of Pumblechook, where he meets Miss Havisham. These visits hold great significance in the novel, as Pip encounters Estella, a stunning girl whom he immediately admires. Estella, symbolizing a star, becomes Pip’s inspiration throughout the story. He believes that becoming a gentleman will help win Estella’s love. However, during a card game with Estella, she ridicules his attire, accent, and demeanor, which are all essential qualities of a gentleman. This incident sparks Pip’s desire to escape his common background. Despite being used by Miss Havisham, Pip continues to visit her on alternating days.
Miss Havisham is an enigmatic and evocative figure, adorned in an aged bridal gown and presiding over a dilapidated mansion. Alongside her sits a decaying wedding cake while time stands still with motionless clocks scattered throughout the house. Resembling a spectral presence, Miss Havisham appears ghostly, with her pale, skeletal figure draping in white. The abandoned state of the entire dwelling suggests years of desertion.
In the second act, Pip comes back from Satis House and faces questioning from Pumblechook regarding his encounter with a peculiar woman. Rather than disclosing the truth about her and her eccentricities, which would subject her to ridicule, Pip fabricates stories to protect her from mockery.
At Satis House, Pip’s desire to become a gentleman is born, but it is also where he starts to develop snobbish tendencies and feel ashamed of his working-class background and manners. He confesses, “In my heart, I continued to despise my trade and feel ashamed of my home.” He lacks gratitude towards Joe, who has taken care of him and shown him kindness. Instead, it is Miss Havisham who funds his apprenticeship as a blacksmith with Joe, although he believes such work is beneath him.
At Satis House, we are introduced to the Pockets, the greedy and snobbish family of Miss Havisham who exploit her for money. They regularly visit her on her birthday, hoping for her death so they can inherit her wealth. Additionally, a man with a strong smell of soap is introduced, who becomes significant in book two. He also encounters a pale young gentleman who challenges Pip to a fight, which Pip eventually wins. Both the soap-man and the young boy play important roles later in the story.
Years later, Pip remains unchanged. He and Joe have visited Miss Havisham, who arranges for Pip to become a blacksmith apprentice and covers the cost of his training. As he grows up working alongside Joe, Pip becomes increasingly ashamed of his own identity. His desire to be a gentleman intensifies, driven by his longing for Estella, and he feels embarrassed by his humble surroundings. Disdaining his blacksmith occupation, Pip believes it is beneath him and begins to feel that Joe, being working-class, is not good enough. In their workplace, another man named Orlick joins them. Pip does not particularly like Orlick, and a fight ensues between him and Joe, resulting in Orlick’s defeat.
He despises Pip as well, believing that Joe favors him. Eventually, Mrs Joe is struck on the head with a hammer and the perpetrator remains unknown. She is severely affected, losing her ability to speak, feeling, and memory, becoming almost completely incapacitated. Biddy, a young girl who had previously taught Pip how to read and write, enters the household to care for Mrs Joe. She is a kind and pleasant girl who, similar to Joe, looks after Pip. However, their influence on Pip fails to resonate with him and he is embarrassed by both of them. Pip confides in Biddy, sharing his emotions and aspirations. Biddy is angered by Pip’s lack of gratitude and his embarrassment towards Joe. In response, she asserts “A gentleman is never unjust”, although it will take Pip a significant amount of time to grasp this concept. Pip wrongly perceives Biddy as displaying a negative aspect of human nature when he himself is guilty of this behavior.
In the next part of the tale, Pip, Joe, and Jaggers, a lawyer (who is the soap-man Pip previously met), have a conversation. Jaggers informs Pip that he will have ‘great expectations’ and explains that Pip is required to leave for London in a week to receive training as a gentleman. However, there are two conditions that Pip must adhere to: he must not attempt to discover the identity of his benefactor, and he must not change his name from Pip. Jaggers provides him with money for new clothes and offers compensation to Joe, but Joe declines, demonstrating yet another act of kindness and humility.
He purchases a suit and now receives attention from Trabbs, the tailor, and others who all desire some of his money. Pip’s ingratitude and snobbery overshadow his previous kind actions, causing him to lose his potential to be a gentleman. He bids farewell to everyone and heads to London, so eager to escape that he counts down the days.
In Book One, Pip’s potential to become a gentleman is portrayed through two contrasting aspects of his character. On one hand, his kind and generous nature is evident in his acts of compassion towards the convict and Miss Havisham. Growing up with a humble and nurturing upbringing from Joe, Pip’s willingness to assist others, even at a young age, highlights his inherent goodness. However, this kindness is overshadowed by his blatant arrogance and embarrassment regarding his own identity. He feels ashamed of Joe, Biddy, and their working-class lifestyle, showing no appreciation for the kindness they have shown him. This arrogance and snobbery, acquired during his time at Satis House, goes against the qualities expected of a gentleman and has the potential to hinder his chances of success if he does not exercise caution. Despite these conflicting traits, there is little optimism or hope evident in Pip. He continues to feel out of place even after acquiring new clothes, suggesting that his new social class may not bring him happiness.
He arrives in London at Jagger’s office where he encounters the intriguing character, Jaggers. Jaggers has a peculiar habit of biting and flicking his finger like a fishing rod. His purpose is to exploit criminals by extracting money and valuable possessions from them. Jaggers informs him that he will be living with Herbert Pocket at his apartment. Earlier, Herbert Pocket was one of the Pockets residing at Satis House. He is referred to as the ‘pale young gentleman’ who engaged in a fight with Pip. However, Herbert possesses distinctive qualities that set him apart from the rest of the Pocket family. Wemmick escorts Pip to Barnard’s Inn, which will now serve as his new home. During this time of anticipation for Herbert’s arrival, two symbols emerge. Firstly, Pip inscribes his name, Pip, on the dusty window-sill, symbolizing that his aspirations to become a gentleman in the midst of London’s impurities and dirt will ultimately prove unsuccessful. Thus, Pip’s transformation into a gentleman is unlikely to occur here. Secondly, while gazing out of the window, it unexpectedly falls and narrowly avoids causing harm to Pip, acting as a warning sign that he will lose his sense of reason in London and potentially worsen his situation.
The area where Pip lives in London, which is known as ‘Little Britain’, embodies Dickens’ perception of the evolving nature of Great Britain as being snobbish and greedy, exploiting others. It includes Jagger’s Offices, Newgate Prison, and Smithfield’s meat market. The latter two locations reflect Jagger’s occupation. The prison serves as a greenhouse for criminals who can further engage in illegal activities, allowing Jaggers to profit from them. Wemmick, Jaggers’ assistant, seeks out the most lucrative opportunities among these prisoners. Adjacent to the prison are gallows where executions take place. In close proximity is the meat market, where animal carcasses are hung from the ceiling. The overall depiction of this area emphasizes its squalor and perpetuates a sense of darkness and gloom.
Herbert returns with food for Pip, serving as a humorous and kind character who brings moments of comedy and serves as a misleading link in the plot. Pip is surprised to see him again, expressing his disappointment and worry towards the end of book one. This marks the start of Pip’s uncomfortable feelings in London, as he finds it to be over-rated and not meeting his expectations. While they eat, an important piece of the book’s puzzle emerges. Herbert shares the story of Miss Havisham’s heartbreak, stemming from her failed wedding to a man named Compeyson (the same convict that Magwitch despises). Miss Havisham, devastated by the abandonment, stopped all the clocks and became a recluse, neglecting the house and spending her days in her room. She used to manipulate a young girl named Estella into breaking men’s hearts as a means of revenge (similar to what she did to Pip). Throughout the meal and their time together, Herbert teaches Pip proper manners, including how to hold a spoon and use a knife and fork.
An intriguing quote that characterizes Pip is ‘No man who was not a gentleman in his heart, ever was in manners’. This quote conveys that merely adopting gentlemanly manners doesn’t make someone a true gentleman. Being a gentleman is not defined by one’s lifestyle or possessions, but rather by one’s character. If an individual is virtuous, kind, well-behaved, and polite, then that is sufficient. Although Pip has acquired the external trappings of a gentleman such as fine clothes and wealth, he lacks the internal qualities that make a genuine gentleman.
In the next chapter, Pip visits Herbert’s family, who, as previously shown during their visit to Miss Havisham’s, exemplify the snobbery Dickens aims to critique. Mrs Pocket, engrossed in a book on titles, desires one for herself. The household lacks organization and the parents display indifference towards their children, leading to the servants pilfering food and neglecting the children. This comedic moment serves to satirize the snobbishness prevalent in Victorian society. Despite Pip’s humble upbringing, having been raised “by hand” by Joe, the book suggests that this upbringing is preferable to none at all.
Mr Pocket operates a school for gentlemen that Pip is scheduled to attend. Despite being kind, Mr Pocket is also strict. He was the sole individual who warned Miss Havisham about the ill-fated marriage with Compeyson. Unfortunately, this caused Miss Havisham to turn against him. The snobbishness of the Pocket family isn’t as evident when it comes to Mr Pocket himself. Two other students, Bentley Drummle and Startop, also study at the school. Drummle is described as a cold and sullen individual who possesses arrogance, selfishness, and rudeness towards Pip. These negative traits are beginning to rub off on Pip. The focus of this educational institution is mainly on teaching mannerisms and proper behavior rather than academic subjects that are necessary for future employment.
Drummle is a member of a group known as ‘The Finches’, who gather every two weeks. These individuals are unpleasant – impolite, quarrelsome, and intoxicated, despite their supposed status as ‘gentlemen’. During their meetings, Jaggers views Drummle as a potential client in case he finds himself in trouble, due to his violent and aggressive nature. This company is equally as unfavorable as it was in his hometown (excluding Joe), and it will definitely hinder his quest to become a ‘proper’ gentleman.
By this time, Pip has settled in London and is acquiring gentlemanly qualities. However, it becomes evident that London is not a conducive environment for Pip to develop into a true gentleman. The inhabitants of the city are self-centered, materialistic, and snobbish, including the individuals who are perceived as gentlemen. The only genuine acts of kindness come from Herbert and his father, who genuinely wish to assist Pip. Nonetheless, Pip has become so conceited that their efforts may not be enough to help him. Not once has he thought about his home or written a letter to Joe and Biddy. This lack of consideration shows his rudeness and ingratitude towards Joe’s past kindness.
However, a new character emerges in the form of Wemmick, who hasn’t played a significant role until now. Wemmick invites Pip to dinner at his ‘castle’, a term he uses to describe his home. In contrast to the bleak and dirty London, the ‘castle’ represents Dickens’ vision of a romantic Old Britain. Wemmick lives with his senile father, known as Aged P, and despite his old age and cognitive decline, Wemmick takes good care of him. This is in stark contrast to Pip, who failed to look after his own family. The house itself is old-fashioned, complete with a moat and guns that are fired throughout the day, creating a complete juxtaposition to Little Britain. It illustrates the two sides of Wemmick’s personality – in London, he is cold, ruthless, and hard, but at home, he is warm, kind, caring, and gentle. These are the true qualities that Pip must learn in order to become a gentleman.
There are three significant events that occur for Pip. First, Joe visits him to inform him that Miss Havisham and Estella want to see him. In a complete contrast to Wemmick caring for his father, Pip essentially rejects Joe. He feels anxious about Joe’s visit and ashamed of him. He finds fault in Joe’s behavior and manners. Before, when Joe took care of Pip, he did an excellent job by showing care and kindness. Now, their roles have reversed and so has Pip’s attitude. When Joe mentions the letter, Pip’s demeanor changes and he returns home to see Estella. He makes an excuse to avoid staying with Joe at the forge and instead opts to stay at the local pub. There, he is humiliated by a tailor’s worker who pretends to be scared of him. This situation reveals all of Pip’s negative traits – his arrogance, greediness, ingratitude, and snobbishness – as he distances himself from Joe.
The second important event is the death of Mrs. Joe. Her funeral is extravagant, with people expecting Pip to foot the bill while Pumblechook indulges himself. Despite being at his sister’s funeral, Pip is unkind and criticizes Biddy for not writing to him, even though he hasn’t written to her since leaving. He promises to see her and Joe more often, but she responds with a reminder not to make false promises. Pip acknowledges that she is right and realizes that he is in the wrong, a hopeful sign of self-awareness. He has dinner with Miss Havisham and Estella, who has grown even more beautiful with age. Despite Pip’s efforts to become a gentleman, Estella remains out of his reach. Although he knows Biddy would be a better match for him, he is still infatuated with Estella. He becomes the catalyst for Estella’s first rebellion against men. She and Miss Havisham have their first argument, with Estella acknowledging her own cold and cruel nature but placing the blame on Miss Havisham for making her that way. She explicitly tells Pip not to pursue her any further. Shortly after, Pip is summoned by Jaggers and learns two things: once again, he cannot know the identity of his benefactor, and he will now receive an annual income of five-hundred pounds.
The third effect of these expectations on Pip is evident on his twenty-first birthday. Despite facing worsening financial troubles, he decides to move houses twice, hires a servant, and continues to spend on food and stationery. He also indulges in buying numerous furniture and other luxurious items, causing his debts to escalate rapidly. However, amidst this bleak situation, there is a glimmer of hope as Pip sets aside some money to assist Herbert. While Pip’s expectations falter to some extent, these faint glimmers offer a ray of hope, suggesting that all may not be lost and that Pip can strive to become the virtuous person he desires to be. The money he sets aside aims to support Herbert’s establishment in a shipping business.
Despite finishing book two, Pip remains unchanged from the beginning. He is still haughty and snobbish, feeling embarrassed by Joe and Biddy while longing to impress Estella. However, amidst the bleakness, there are glimmers of hope. Pip is starting to recognize his own transformation, seeing Biddy’s goodness and potential as a wife despite Estella captivating him with her snobbery. Witnessing the negative consequences of snobbery and greed through Bentley Drummle’s actions may serve as a deterrent for Pip in the future. Most significantly, Pip selflessly helps Herbert, who is now engaged to Clara, by securing him a job at a shipping company despite his own heavy debts. This act of kindness hints at the possibility for Pip to continue performing such actions and ultimately become both a good person and a true gentleman from within.
At the conclusion of book two, Herbert is absent due to business matters. However, on a tumultuous and gloomy night, an unforeseen visitor emerges. This visitor happens to be Abel Magwitch, the convict who initially sought sustenance and a tool from Pip at the inception of the book, ultimately becoming Pip’s benefactor. Pip’s treatment towards the convict undergoes a transformation during the final book and serves as a pivotal element in shedding light upon his authentic essence.
The convict is welcomed by Pip and they converse. Magwitch inquires about the money and provides hints until Pip eventually discovers that Magwitch, a prisoner, is the person responsible for his transformation into a gentleman. This realization terrifies Pip, as he despises individuals like Magwitch, despite being the one who has bestowed him with wealth. They decide to present Magwitch as Pip’s Uncle Provis, who is temporarily residing with him. In the following days, Pip’s aversion towards Magwitch intensifies. Magwitch eats voraciously and exhibits poor manners, further contributing to Pip’s disdain for him. Though Magwitch harbors fondness for Pip and desires for him to excel as a gentleman, Pip continues to detest him and remains astonished by his own repulsion towards Magwitch.
Pip visits Jaggers, who confirms the truth but cautions him to keep it a secret. Magwitch was sent to Australia as a punishment, and if his return is discovered, he will face death by hanging. In an attempt to conceal his identity, Pip purchases new clothing for Magwitch, yet he remarks, “The more I dressed him… the more he looked like the slouching fugitive on the marshes.” Unbeknownst to Pip, he is also referring to himself. No matter how much one tries to alter someone’s appearance and behavior, their true nature remains unchanged, just like in Pip’s case.
Pip believes that he is the monster of Frankenstein, crafted by Magwitch who is tormented by fear. He begins to despise his own identity, convinced that he cannot be a genuine gentleman if his wealth was obtained from a criminal. This prejudice against those who are deemed “poor” or “common” is Pip’s most negative trait. He fails to recognize that true worth lies within an individual. However, Pip also dreads the possibility of Magwitch facing execution because of his association with him. Amidst this darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges. Since Magwitch wields significant power over Pip and has been providing him with money, Pip would feel like a killer if Magwitch were to be hanged, suggesting that he must harbor some degree of affection for him.
Although Pip is still feeling down, Herbert has returned. Pip is burdened with a sense of responsibility for Magwitch’s life and does not want him to make any reckless choices. Additionally, he refuses to accept any more financial assistance from Magwitch, despite Magwitch’s desire for Pip to become a true gentleman. Together, Herbert and Pip devise a scheme to help Magwitch flee the country and lead a comfortable life overseas.
Magwitch exposes details of his trial, highlighting the unfair treatment he received compared to Compeyson due to the latter’s privileged status and refined appearance. The corrupt legal system of that era favored the wealthy and well-mannered individuals. Additionally, Pip comes to the realization that it was Compeyson who shattered Miss Havisham’s heart alongside her brother Arthur. This newfound understanding allows Pip to empathize with Miss Havisham’s bitterness and comprehend her motive in grooming Estella to seek revenge against men. Ultimately, Pip extends forgiveness to both Miss Havisham and Compeyson.
Pip visits Satis House to see Estella. While at the pub, he gets into an argument with Bentley Drummle and notices that Drummle is planning to spend time with Estella. This confirms Pip’s realization that Estella is unattainable and is now involved with Drummle.
Miss Havisham has achieved her goal of causing pain to men. Pip is now filled with misery and sadness, as he has been left with nothing. He finds himself in a dire financial situation with considerable debt, having lost Estella once again and having no more prospects. He believes that his life will not improve, feeling as though he was born without purpose and lacking any talent.
Miss Havisham mocks Pip’s sadness caused by Estella’s actions as a way to punish the Pockets for their greed. Despite this, Pip defends the kindness of Matthew and Herbert. Pip’s continued acts of goodness suggest that he may become a gentleman in the future. As a consequence of her meanness, Pip suggests that Miss Havisham continues to financially support Herbert’s work. Pip and Herbert share a strong friendship, and Pip cares deeply for him, reminiscent of Joe’s care for him during his youth. These positive qualities in Pip are becoming more apparent.
Pip acknowledges his deep love for Estella and forgives Miss Havisham for mistreating him, understanding that they will never have a future together. He realizes that Miss Havisham’s desire to harm men has unintentionally caused Estella to become cruel and heartless, which in turn has affected Miss Havisham herself. As a result, both Pip and Miss Havisham have been emotionally wounded.
Estella, defying Miss Havisham’s desire for her to cause more harm to men, declares her intention to marry Bentley Drummle, despite his brutish nature. Aware of her own incapacity to love, she decides to dispose of herself. Pip, too, forgives her and prays for God’s forgiveness and blessings upon her.
When he returns to London, Wemmick informs Pip that Newgate Prison is aware that Magwitch is back in the area and advises him to conceal him. Herbert relocates Magwitch to Mill Pond Bank where Clara (his fiancée) and her father reside. Due to the imminent danger threatening Magwitch’s life, Pip becomes more compassionate towards him and his demeanor becomes more caring. Magwitch acknowledges Pip and Herbert’s invaluable assistance, and this newfound tenderness motivates Pip to endeavor wholeheartedly to rescue him, to the point where he even frets about the venture’s success. Ultimately, Pip’s maturation involves establishing a genuine concern for another person, as genuine care is an essential characteristic of a gentleman, and Pip is exemplifying it commendably. He is providing Magwitch with considerable aid in facilitating his escape from the country and ardently desires for it to succeed.
Despite the fact that Magwitch has done a great deal for Pip, he decides to give back the remaining money and wishes for him to live a prosperous life overseas. Unfortunately, the situation becomes more perilous when Compeyson, who had been following Pip at the theater one night, arrives in London. Additionally, Pip learns from conversations with Jaggers and Herbert that Magwitch is Molly’s spouse (who works as a housemaid for Jaggers) and, more significantly, Estella’s biological father.
Miss Havisham summons Pip back to Satis House to discuss Herbert’s sponsorship. Despite their previous cold and heartless personas, both characters now display acts of kindness. Aware of the unhappiness she has caused Pip, Miss Havisham attempts to demonstrate her capacity for kindness by giving him nine-hundred pounds for Herbert. Pip forgives her, acknowledging that his unhappiness extends beyond her actions. Through this act of goodwill and his forgiveness, Pip helps restore humanity to Miss Havisham. Both Pip and Miss Havisham are thawing from their previously icy demeanor driven by greed. However, as Pip is preparing to leave, a tragic event occurs – Miss Havisham’s flowing dress catches fire. Despite suffering severe burns to his hands, Pip valiantly tries to save her. Unfortunately, Miss Havisham cannot bear this physical and emotional trauma and soon passes away. This incident marks the end of a significant chapter in Pip’s life.
In this portion of the novel, it becomes evident that many individuals are capable of displaying kindness despite their initially cold demeanor. Jaggers, the second character Pip is able to reveal a compassionate side to, exemplifies this. After learning about Estella’s familial situation, Pip confronts Jaggers and encourages him to be more open. Surprisingly, Jaggers reveals that he too possesses emotions. Recognizing the hostile and criminal atmosphere in London, he acknowledges that abandoned children often grow up to become criminals who can be exploited for financial gain. However, he expresses a sense of benevolence by stating, “Here was one little child out of the heap I could save.” He is referring to Estella, and he displays kindness by arranging for her adoption by Miss Havisham.
Pip’s act of goodwill is giving the money to ‘Clarriker’ to involve Herbert in his business, marking the first pure good deed Pip has done since learning about his expectations. However, things take a dark turn when Pip receives a note instructing him to meet at the limekiln in Kent. There, he encounters Orlick, who ties him up and attempts to kill him. In this moment of near-death, Pip is overcome with fear that he will die without expressing his remorse and love for Joe and Biddy. Earlier, he realized the ingratitude he displayed towards Joe despite all that Joe did for him, and now he dreads being remembered as spiteful and cruel instead of genuine. Fortunately, Herbert, Startop, and the tailor’s boy rescue him and bring him back to London for care. Once again, Pip demonstrates gentlemanly qualities as he sincerely regrets his past behavior towards Joe and Biddy and desires for them to know that he loves them and will treat them better in the future.
Pip realizes upon his return to London that he must promptly assist Magwitch in leaving the country. Just as Joe once cared for Pip, Pip now devotes himself completely to saving Magwitch and aiding him. With the help of Herbert, they arrange for a boat to transport Magwitch to a distant place where he can seek refuge. However, their plan is disrupted as a large galley, containing police wh
