Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
Great
Expectations
by Abigail E. Schoolfield
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information
storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information,
please write Smarr Publishers, 4917 High Falls Road—Suite 201, Jackson, Georgia 30233 or call
(478) 994-8981.
Any edition of the text is compatible with the study guide.
$11.95 IN USA
Great Expectations / 1
C
Introduction to Great Expectations
HARLES DICKENS offers an excellent example why
literary criticism should center on the text and not on
the author himself. No one knows for sure what an
author thinks while writing his work except for the words used
in the text. The complexities of the poet’s or author’s
psychological process is beyond the reach of everyone,
regardless of the claims by various schools of critical thought.
As a very complex author, Charles Dickens could be very
exacting with his art to please the intellectual, while he could
appeal to the common reader with his more popular, down-toearth novels.
A popular author even during his lifetime, Dickens remains a favorite among readers around the
world. His characters are unforgettable due to their exaggerated qualities like Pecksniff's
hypocrisy and Sydney Carton's self-sacrifice. Dickens wrote many of his works as episodes that
appeared in monthly periodicals. This was a popular method used by publishers to ensure
steady and repeat sales of their papers. By having the action stop at a critical point of the story,
readers anxiously awaited for the next edition of the story. In addition to this, even though this
writing of a series does create a lengthy novel, the action seldom slows or becomes stale. The
latest remake of “Little Women” has the March girls anxious for the arrival of the paper so that
they can read Dickens. The girls even formed their own literary club called “The Pickwick
Society,” in honor of Dickens’ The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club (1836). It was the
Pickwick Papers that gave Dickens his initial success as an author.
The genius of Dickens is the result of his early childhood and work experiences. Born in a
family of eight children, Dickens had to accept employment as a child. His kind father, John
Dickens, proved to be financially irresponsible, which caused the family to be put in
Marshalsea prison for his mounting debt. Regarding his employment as a child, Dickens writes
later to John Forster, his biographer, “My whole nature was so penetrated with the grief and
humiliation of such considerations, that even now, famous and caressed and happy, often forget
in my dreams that I have a dear wife and children; even that I am a man; and wander desolately
back to that time of my life.”
His novel, David Copperfield (1849), perhaps best reflects this “grief and humiliation.”
London, England, was well into its industrial development. Dickens certainly believed that he
was the norm and not the exception of children, who were thrust into the dehumanization of
industrialism and urban competition. For a little less than twenty cents a week, Dickens pasted
labels on blacking bottles while the rest of the family remained in prison. Constantly cold,
lonely, and hungry, Dickens would recount many of these experiences in his works, the vehicle
by which he could affect social reform regarding child labor, prisons, and education. His Tale of
Two Cities (1859) attacked the excesses of the nobility and democracy; his Hard Times (1854)
mocked utilitarianism; and his Great Expectations (1861) revealed the failings of the leisure
class and the penal system.
While Dickens was clearly conscious of the social conditions of England, he learned the
unfortunate truth that if an author is writing to the masses, then he must conform to the
demands of the public taste, which generally is not concerned with the loftier issues of life.
Hence, some critics suggest that the novels of Dickens are merely for entertainment and are
therefore no different than any modern cheap novel produced for the masses.
2 / Great Expectations
Fortunately for the Dickens family, John Dickens received a small inheritance to repay his
debts. Afterwards, Charles Dickens became a court and political reporter for a London
periodical. Since Dickens had little schooling, his duties as a reporter helped to discipline his
writing and his observing other people. While his poverty gave him material to write about,
Dickens was influenced by the writers he read as well. Included among the influential works
that he read were the Bible, Arabian Nights, the works of Ben Jonson, and especially the essays
of Thomas Carlyle. Carlyle held sway over both Tennyson and Dickens with his belief in
Transcendentalism and the “Great Man.” Indeed, since the intellectuals believed that
Rationalism had discredited the Bible, Carlyle was confident Tennyson would convert the
world to his new spiritual values through the poet laureate's verse, while Dickens would spread
the gospel of social reform through his novels.
In addition to writing, Dickens was also an actor, who gave public readings in both England and
the United States. Even though he was the father of ten children, Dickens did not have a very
happy marriage. A prolific writer, Dickens wrote nearly seven thousand letters to his friends. In
1870, with a pen in his hand, Charles Dickens died at his desk while writing his last novel, The
Mystery of Edwin Drood.
ROBERT W. WATSON
Some initial critical thinking questions

Explain the significance of prisons in Great Expectations.

Discuss how Pip at first sees a clear demarcation between that which is good and evil. How
does this either-or thinking result in causing dilemmas for Pip?

Explain whether Pip’s wanting to help Herbert is the result of a truly benevolent soul or is
the result of guilt.

Justify whether or not Pip was right to reject his benefactor once he discovered who his
benefactor was.

Discuss whether the legal system as described in Great Expectations is just or unjust.

Discuss whether Pip is justified to ignore and reject his past as becoming part of the leisure
class.

Great Expectations is narrated from the point of view of Pip (first person). Discuss whether
the reader is able to know whether the things that Pip reveals is trustworthy. Why or why
not?
Note about the illustrations
While all of the images used in this guide are in the public domain, many of the fine
illustrations are used through the courtesy of www.victorianweb.org.
Great Expectations / 3
Great Expectations
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
explicit adj.
impregnable adj.
connubial adj.
squally adj.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The money changers knew by Christ’s____________ behavior that he was not pleased with
their making merchandise in the temple.
2. The ______________ city of Troy finally fell after the citizens brought the Trojan horse
within their walls.
3. Children often run around, stirring up_____________ excitement in each other.
4. Once the marriage between the families took place, the _____________ relationship of the
Hatfields and McCoys was the solution to the age-old feud.
1.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 1–2
1.4 Recall Questions
1. Why is young Philip Pirrip called Pip?
2. What is the only thing Pip had from which to guess what his parents looked like?
3. With whom does Pip live?
4. What does the convict demand that Pip bring to him and what did he threaten to do if Pip
failed?
5. Why does the convict need these things?
6. What does Pip mean when he says his sister brought him up “by hand”?
7. What is Joe Gargery’s occupation?
8. What is “Tickler”?
9. Why does Pip not eat his bread and butter?
4 / Great Expectations
10. What does Joe think Pip has done with his bread when he sees it was gone, and what does
Mrs. Joe do as a result?
11. What are the “hulks,” and why is Pip afraid of being sent there?
12. Why does Pip stay awake all night?
13. What holiday is coming up the following morning?
1.5 Critical Thinking
 Explain how Dickens uses humor in the graveyard scene with Pip and the convict.
 Explain the symbolism of the misty marshes of Kent.
1.6 Bonus Thought
 The Marshes: The North Kent Marshes, where Pip and his family reside, are important
natural wetlands and rich in wildlife. The marshes provide nearby London with natural
flood protection. There are various efforts from volunteer groups to keep the marshes from
becoming too industrialized in order to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife. In addition
to this, these volunteers wish to encourage tourism to the area by appealing to fans of Great
Expectations and Charles Dickens.
"Pip's struggle with the escaped convict" by Harry Furniss Great Expectations / 5
Great Expectations
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
imprecations n.
conciliatory adj.
penitential n.
homily n.
contumacious adj.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Perhaps the greatest________________ ever preached was “Sinners in the Hands of an
Angry God,” which led to a great revival.
2. Paul tells the Romans that he is not happy that he made them sorry but that they had
_________________ grief over their lost condition.
3. Christ made one final ______________ offering by offering himself as a sacrifice for the
sins of mankind.
4. The little boy showed his _______________ nature by placing his hand in the cookie jar
after his mother told him repeatedly to wait for supper.
5. Adam and Eve's disobedience in eating the forbidden fruit caused an __________________
to be placed on mankind.
2.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 3–4
2.4 Recall Questions
1. Whom does Pip see on his way to meet the convict, and what conclusions does Pip draw
about him?
2. As Pip watches the convict eat, of what is he reminded?
3. What does the convict do when Pip tells him he saw someone on his way there?
4. Where does Pip tell his sister he has been?
5. What is Pip’s and Joe’s sign to tell each other when Mrs. Joe is angry?
6. Who ate Christmas dinner with the Gargerys?
7. Why does Pip not enjoy eating Christmas dinner with this group?
8. What does Joe do to comfort Pip during the dinner?
6 / Great Expectations
9. What is in the wine bottle from which Mrs. Joe pours Uncle Pumblechook’s drink?
10. Whom does Pip run into in his flight out the door?
2.5 Critical Thinking

Explain how Dickens conveys Pip’s innocence and childish out-look as Pip narrates his
story.
 Describe Pip’s domestic life by contrasting his treatment by Joe and by his sister.
2.6 Bonus Thought
 Celebrating Christmas: In these opening chapters of Great Expectations, Pip and his
family are celebrating Christmas. Charles Dickens loved Christmas and was largely
responsible for the revival of celebrating Christmas as a holiday in both England and
America. By the very beginning of the Victorian era, the celebration of Christmas was
declining. The Puritans had discouraged the observance of Christmas because of its pagan
origins. Also, the poorer classes had to work so hard to survive that they did not have much
time to celebrate holidays. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert helped bring back the
celebration by introducing England to the German custom of Christmas trees. But it was A
Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, written in 1843, that was most influential in reviving
Christmas in both England and America. A Christmas Carol was widely popular and
remains popular today. Dickens wrote other Christmas stories and encouraged the
celebration in every way he could. By the time of his death in 1870, his name had become
almost synonymous with Christmas. A little girl in 1870, when she heard of the death of
Charles Dickens, asked, “Mr. Dickens dead? Then will Father Christmas die too?”
Great Expectations / 7
Great Expectations
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
arid adj.
imp n.
execrate v.
pilfering n.
exonerate v.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Because of the ________________ land in Arizona, it often gets sandstorms.
2. The little child of Hester Prynne, who acted like an ________, was a constant reminder of
the Hester's sin in The Scarlet Letter.
3. After _____________________ other ships, pirates were often known to bury their illgotten gains on deserted islands.
4. Benedict Arnold was never _______________ by the American troops for betraying them
to the British.
5. When a person lives riotously and refuses to obey God, he ________________ Christ's
death on the cross to forgive sins.
3.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 5–6
3.4 Recall Questions
1. What do the soldiers want Joe to do?
2. What hope does Pip express to Joe as they are leaving to help look for the convicts?
3. What dread suddenly comes over Pip?
4. What do the soldiers hear during the hunt for the convicts?
5. Why does Pip’s convict want to give the other convict over to the soldiers?
6. What does the other convict accuse Pip’s convict of trying to do?
7. What is the reaction of the convict when he saw Pip?
8. What does the convict confess to the sergeant?
9. Why does Pip decide not to tell Joe the whole truth about the convict?
10. What is Mr. Pumblechook’s theory as to how the convict had managed to steal the pie?
8 / Great Expectations
3.5 Critical Thinking
 Explain Pip’s statement in chapter 6, “I had had no intercourse with the world at that time,
and I imitated none of its many inhabitants who act in this manner. Quite an untaught
genius, I made the discovery of the line of action for myself.” Is dishonesty learned by
society or is it human nature?
 Explain the symbolism of the “hulks.”
3.6 Bonus Thought
 History of the “hulks”: A hulk is any ship that cannot sail or put to sea. A decommissioned
ship would have the masts and rigging removed, thus making the hulk inoperable.
Nevertheless, while not being seaworthy, a hulk can be useful as floating quarters or for
storage. In the case of Great Britain, the Royal Navy had an abundance of decommissioned
ships, which were converted into prisons as you read in today’s reading. England originally
used to transport convicts to the American colonies. After the War for American
Independence, England no longer transported convicts to America. As the English jails
were overcrowded and accommodations for convicts were scarce, the British decided to use
some of the ships that had transported the convicts as prisons. Although, almost no one
liked this arrangement, it lasted for eighty years in England. Today, hulks are used to store
large qualities of oil and grain.
A hulk floating and anchored in a harbor
Great Expectations / 9
Great Expectations
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
venerate v.
erudition n.
perspicuity n.
sagacious adj.
ablution n.
farinaceous adj.
4.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. In his farewell address, George Washington expressed ___________ advice to not make
binding treaties with other foreign nations.
2. The Captain's stalwart charge ________________ strong regards from his soldiers.
3. The _________________ with which Martin Luther answered the Pope left no doubt to his
belief that the Bible is the supreme authority.
4. The ___________________ of our founding fathers laid the groundwork of our great
nation.
5. Made from the best starch and other ingredients, the ______________ dessert tasted very
good, but made everyone sick.
6. Each year, the high priest in Israel made an ______________ of himself before entering the
Most Holy Place as a symbolic act of man's guilt needing to be cleansed before he can talk
to God.
4.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 7–8
4.4 Recall Questions
1. Explain Pip’s childish ideas about the words on his parents’ tombstones and his religion?
2. Where does Pip receive his small education?
3. What relation is Biddy to Mr. Wopsle’s great aunt?
4. What happened to Joe’s parents?
5. How does Joe describe Pip as a baby?
6. Why does Joe allow his wife to be so domineering?
7. What news does Mrs. Joe bring when she comes home?
10 / Great Expectations
8. Describe Miss Havisham’s house and dress.
9. What is Pip’s impression of Estella?
10. When does Miss Havisham want Pip to come back?
11. What had Pip come to think of himself by the end of the day?
4.5 Critical Thinking:
 Compare Joe’s life with his mother and father to Pip’s life with Joe and Mrs. Joe. Give
similarities and differences.
 Is Joe right to put up with Mrs. Joe’s unkindness, because he is afraid of mistreating a
woman? Why or why not?
 Explain what items in Miss Havisham’s house indicate that time has stopped for her.
4.6 Bonus Thought:
 Child labor: In these chapters, Pip states that his sister would send him to do odd jobs for
neighbors without letting him keep any of the earnings. In addition, Mrs. Joe is very happy
about Pip’s being introduced to Miss Havisham because of the financial gain the
acquaintance might bring. Also, Joe tells Pip that he had to work as a child to support his
parents, because his father drank. The treatment of children in nineteenth-century England
was a concern to Dickens. Children were often expected to work long hours in poor
working in order for families to eke out a living. Dickens himself had to work as a child to
help his family. However, Dickens always disagreed with families using their children to
support them and addressed this issue in his novels.
Great Expectations / 11
Great Expectations
Lesson Five
5.1 Vocabulary
ignominious adj.
adamantine adj.
obtrusiveness n.
audacious adj.
5.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. God caused the heart of Pharaoh to be as hard as an ________________ stone so that
Pharaoh would refuse to let Israel leave Egypt.
2. Anabaptists were considered ______________ heretics of the state church and condemned
oftentimes to death.
3. Due to the _______________ of young women who stood in front of us talking, we arrived
late for the opening curtain of the play.
4. Running in front of a car, the __________________ young boy saved the child from being
hit.
5.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 9–10
5.4 Recall Questions
1. How does Pip describe Miss Havisham to Mr. Pumblechook and Mrs. Joe?
2. What does Pip say that he, Estella, and Miss Havisham did during his visit?
3. How does Mr. Pumblechook say he was able to speak to Miss Havisham when he has never
seen her?
4. What does Pip confess to Joe?
5. What advice does Joe give to Pip?
6. What does Pip decide to do to help himself become “uncommon”?
7. How does Biddy try to keep order in the class while Mr. Wopsle’s great-aunt slept?
8. When Pip goes to pick up Joe, what does he discover about the stranger to whom Joe was
talking, and how does he make the discovery?
12 / Great Expectations
9. What does the stranger give to Pip?
10. In what does the stranger wrap the gift to Pip?
5.5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss how Joe’s wisdom and knowledge of life are shown in these chapters, in spite of his
lack of intellect and education.
 Discuss the themes of guilt and secrecy in these chapters.
5.6 Bonus Thought
 Dame schools: Schools such as the one Mr. Wopsle’s great-aunt runs had been around for
quite a while in England. These schools were called Dame Schools, and working class
children could attend for a small weekly fee. Dickens attended a dame school similar to the
one in the story for a brief time. The chaotic atmosphere described in Great Expectations
was typical at that time, and the children learned very little. As of a result of his early
educational experiences, Dickens was a leading advocate of government-sponsored public
education for all children.
 Origin of Sunday schools: One of the by-products of
the Industrial Revolution was the founding of the
Sunday school. A large number of children had to
work six days a week in the mills and factories. The
only free time they enjoyed was on Sundays. The
children had nothing to do, and often became very
rowdy and a nuisance to the neighbors. In the 1780s,
a newspaper editor, Robert Raikes, believed that the
time the children used for causing trouble and
mischief would be better spent if they learned to read
and to write. Raikes formed his first Sunday school
by enlisting several chimney sweeps to become
pupils. After a couple of years, Raikes wrote an
editorial in his paper about his successful
“experiment.” The idea caught the imagination of
many people, and soon Sunday schools were
established all over England. The Sunday school
movement was supported and administered for the
most part by the working class, and the movement
eventually led the way for the British to establish
their public school system.
Robert Raikes painted by George Romney Great Expectations / 13
Great Expectations
Lesson Six
6.1 Vocabulary
supercilious adj.
dexterous adj.
sanguinary adj.
trepidation n.
6.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. David defied the ______________________ of the Israelites when he fought against
Goliath, for he knew God had delivered him into his hands.
2. The ________________ Wright brothers believed it was possible for man to fly and as a
result gave the modern world the airplane.
3. Unleashing the ____________________ animal on a defenseless town insures for certain
disaster.
4. In his _____________ way, the lawyer thought that he could successfully defend anyone,
no matter the crime, and win the case for him.
6.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 11–12
6.4 Recall Questions
1. Who else is visiting Miss Havisham when Pip returns?
2. Of whom does Camilla remind Pip?
3. What does Estella do to Pip at the beginning of his second visit to Miss Havisham? What
was Pip’s reaction?
4. What job does Miss Havisham give to Pip?
5. How does Miss Havisham feel about her relatives?
6. What does Miss Havisham tell Pip about that particular day?
7. Whom does Pip encounter as he wonders around Miss Havisham’s garden, and what does
the person ask Pip to do?
8. What does Estella allow Pip to do right before he left?
9. Why is Pip afraid of the law in the days following his second visit to Miss Havisham?
14 / Great Expectations
10. Who is the only person in whom Pip began to confide?
11. Whom does Miss Havisham decide Pip should bring to see her and for what purpose?
6.5 Critical Thinking
 Some of Miss Havisham’s relatives are introduced in these chapters. Explain how the
description of the physical features of Miss Havisham’s relatives corresponds with the
description of their characters.
6.6 Bonus Thought
 The ideal woman: Dickens had a very high ideal of what a woman should be. According
to biographers, Dickens believed women should be loving, kind, cheerful, models of virtue,
and devoted to their families. As the opposite of Dickens’ ideal woman, Mrs. Joe is
domineering and unkind to her husband and younger brother. Although Mrs. Joe does
efficiently run her household, she is unloving, cheerless, and greedy. Estella does not meet
up to Dickens’ ideal, either. Although she is beautiful and graceful, Estella is cold and
insolent to all who visit Miss Havisham’s house. Estella is cruel to Pip and disrespectful to
her elders.
“Miss Havisham” by Harry Furniss “An unexpected pleasure for Pip” by Harry Furniss Great Expectations / 15
Great Expectations
Lesson Seven
7.1 Vocabulary
augur v.
ostentatious adv.
malevolent adj.
excrescence n.
7.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The wise men ____________________ the coming of the Christ child from a special star
seen in the heavens.
2. The __________________ landlord threw the helpless widow and her children out into the
street, refusing to hear their plea of mercy.
3. Witches are often depicted with an ugly _______________ on the end of their nose.
4. Donned in his ______________, colorful uniform, the vain soldier rode into the city upon a
white horse, announcing his arrival by blowing his horn.
7.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 13–14
7.4 Recall Questions
1. Where does Mrs. Joe insist on going while Joe and Pip are visiting Miss Havisham?
2. What is strange about Miss Havisham’s conversation with Joe?
3. What does Miss Havisham give to Joe?
4. How does Joe handle Mrs. Joe’s anger when she was not invited to see Miss Havisham?
5. When Mr. Pumblechook hears of Miss Havisham’s gift, what does he lead Mrs. Joe to
believe?
6. What impression does Pumblechook’s manner of taking Pip to the court to be “bound” give
to the onlookers?
7. What does a person in the crowd give to Pip?
8. What does Mrs. Joe insist on doing that evening?
9. How does Pip feel about being apprenticed to Joe?
10. What does Pip fear would happen while he was working for Joe?
16 / Great Expectations
7.5 Critical Thinking
 Miss Havisham rewards Pip for the time he has served her at her house. In light of Pip’s
desire to improve himself, is Miss Havisham’s “reward” to Pip more a punishment than a
reward? Discuss.
 How is Pip’s growing ingratitude shown in these chapters? Can Pip be held responsible for
his ungraciousness, or does the fault lie entirely with Miss Havisham and Mrs. Joe? Discuss.
7.6 Bonus Thought
 Apprenticeships began in the Middle Ages and are
still used today. A master craftsman could employ a
young person in order to train him in a particular
craft. The apprentice was usually about 14–21 years
old and would live in the master craftman’s
household. After the appreticeship ended, the young
person could aspire to get his own workshop and
become a master craftsman. Many aprrentices had to
first spend time as a journeyman before becoming a
master. A journeyman is employed by a master, but
has completed his apprenticeship and can live in his
own household. A journeyman often travels from
one workshop to the other. Oftentimes journeyman
were informally called knaves or jacks. The
expression “jack of all trades, master of none” refers
to a journeyman, who knows several trades, but does
not have the skill to become a master.
A master blacksmith with his apprentice photograph taken circa 1875 courtesy of Archives, Université Laval, Québec Great Expectations / 17
Great Expectations
Lesson Eight
8.1 Vocabulary
preposterous adj.
maudlin adj.
altercation n.
aberration n.
8.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The strong ____________________ exchanged between the two men revealed they
certainly were not friends.
2. It is a _________________ notion to believe that elephants really can fly.
3. The __________________ episode of the boy losing and reuniting with his beloved dog
seems to be the dominant theme of all dog movies.
4. The _______________________ of our society from its original course our founding
fathers intended is directly associated with the humanistic philosophy that man is basically
good and does not need God and His laws.
8.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 15–16
8.4 Recall Questions
1. What does Pip ask Joe’s permission to do?
2. Why is Orlick jealous of Pip, and what does he ask Joe to give him?
3. How does Mrs. Joe react to Orlick’s request?
4. When Pip goes to visit Miss Havisham, where is Estella?
5. Where does Mr. Wopsle invite Pip to go with him that evening and for what purpose?
6. Whom do Pip and Mr. Wopsle run into on their way home?
7. What has happened to Mrs. Joe while Pip and Joe were gone?
8. What is the piece of evidence found on the kitchen floor?
9. What two people do Pip suspect in the assault on his sister?
18 / Great Expectations
10. Who comes to be Mrs. Joe’s attendant?
11. What does the “T” that Mrs. Joe draws mean?
12. How does Mrs. Joe react to Orlick when he comes in to see her?
8.5 Critical Thinking
 Explain why Pip feels partly responsible for what happened to his sister.
8.6 Bonus Thought
 Bow Street men: In chapter 16, Dickens refers to “the Bow street men from London.” In
1749, the author Henry Fielding founded the Bow Street Runners, which is considered to be
the first professional police force in London. The runners were paid by the magistrate’s
office on Bow Street in London and would travel around England to arrest offenders.
Another group of policeman in Bow Street, the Bow Street Horse Patrol, were the ones who
wore the red waistcoats that Dickens refers to. The Bow Street Patrol did not travel and
were nicknamed “Robin Redbreasts.”
“Bow Street Office” by Rudolf Ackermann Great Expectations / 19
Great Expectations
Lesson Nine
9.1 Vocabulary
supposititious adj.
subterfuge n.
pugilistic adj.
expostulatory adj.
9.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The ____________________ dexterity that the boxer uses when fighting his opponents
often helps him to win the match.
2. In his ____________________ address to the nation, George Washington urges the nation
to be united and not have party divisions.
3. George Washington set up a __________________ against New York and instead,
marched on Cornwallis and conquered his encampment.
4. Satan provides a ______________________ counterpart to God's word for the purpose of
deceiving as many as he is able.
9.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 17–18
9.4 Recall Questions
1. On what occasion does Pip annually visit Miss Havisham?
2. What confession does Pip make to Biddy?
3. Whom do Biddy and Pip run into on their way home?
4. Why is Biddy afraid of Orlick?
5. Who is Mr. Jaggers, and what news does he bring to Pip?
6. What are the conditions attached to Mr. Jaggers’ news?
7. Who is to be Pip’s new tutor?
8. Where must Pip go to be tutored?
9. Why does Joe become angry with Mr. Jaggers?
10. Whom does Pip believe to be his patron?
20 / Great Expectations
9.5 Critical Thinking
 Compare and contrast Biddy and Estella. Would Biddy indeed be better for Pip than
Estella? Why or why not?
 Explain why Pip thought that the night he received his expectations was the “loneliest he
had ever known.”
9.6 Bonus Thought
 Lawyers: The lawyer Mr. Jaggers is formally introduced in these chapters. Pip recognizes
Mr. Jaggers as the man he briefly encountered during his second visit to Miss Havisham’s.
Dickens did not have a very good opinion of lawyers, considering most lawyers to be power
-hungry and heartless. Although lawyers during the time of Dickens were respected,
Dickens believed lawyers’ clients regarded lawyers with fear rather than respect. The
company at the Three Jolly Bargemen was certainly intimidated by Jaggers. Dickens also
uses Jaggers to illustrate a lawyer’s interest in protecting himself by never expressing a
personal opinion. Jaggers tells Pip, “I never recommend anybody.” Jaggers protects himself
from the responsibility of any decision a client makes by refusing to commit himself to a
definite personal opinion.
“Mr. Jagger and his clients” by Harry Furniss Great Expectations / 21
Great Expectations
Lesson Ten
10.1 Vocabulary
divest v.
condescension n.
collation n.
adjuration n.
affable adj.
amalgamation n.
portmanteau n.
10.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Many door-to-door salesmen are often seen carrying their large ____________________ in
which they their keep their products.
2. The ____________ young gentleman kindly walked the older woman to the car.
3. Noticing a __________________ gathering around a car, I decided someone important must
be in the car.
4. A judge has the right to _______________ the citizenship from a person who commits
treason against his own country.
5. The __________________ of truth with error makes error all the more dangerous because
the error seems true.
6. Solomon made an ____________________ to his son not to consent to the enticements of
the wicked
7. Christ's _____________________ to become a man rose men's status above the angels.
10.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapter 19
10.4 Recall Questions
1. What is it that Pip is afraid might happen during the six days before he leaves the forge?
2. What does Pip promise himself he will do for the people of the village?
3. What does Pip imagine about the cows as he walks by them?
4. What does Pip ask Biddy to do while he is gone and how does she react?
5. Why does Pip want his new clothes sent to Mr. Pumblechook’s house?
6. What does Mr. Pumblechook repeatedly ask Pip’s permission to do when Pip visits him?
7. Why is Sarah Pocket so angry when Pip goes to say good-bye to Miss Havisham?
22 / Great Expectations
8. Why does Pip ask Joe to let him go to the coach alone when it is time for him to leave?
9. What does Pip consider doing when he arrives at his coach?
10.5 Critical Thinking
 Justify the following statement: “In Great Expectations, Pip is treated better by the
townspeople after he receives a benefactor.”
 Has the growing snobbishness of Pip caused him to become like the very people, such as
Mr. Pumblechook and Mrs. Joe, who treated him unkindly in his childhood? Why or why
not?
10.6 Bonus Thought
 The rich man and the kingdom of Heaven: In chapter 19, Pip says that Joe and he went to
church and that the clergyman read the passage about the “rich man and the kingdom of
Heaven.” Pip is referring to our Lord’s statement in Matthew 19:24 that it is easier for a
camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. In
Matthew 19:23-24, our Lord refers to both the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Heaven.
The two phrases should not be used interchangeably. The kingdom of God is a spiritual
kingdom, which is within the believer. All who are saved are in the kingdom of God. On the
other hand, the kingdom of Heaven is the literal, physical kingdom of the millennial reign of
Christ. (Luke 17:20-21). For Pip, such a passage becomes troublesome in light of his newly
acquired wealth.
However, the warning about the rich man should sober and caution modern-day Americans.
To most of the world, even the poorest of Americans is very wealthy. Indeed, we have more
comforts, conveniences, and money than many societies throughout history have enjoyed.
However, most Americans, secure in their wealth and self-righteous in their outlook, spend
very little time thinking about their own eternal salvation. Americans would do well to
consider themselves when reading this warning about a rich man.
“Pip and Miss Havisham” by Charles Green Great Expectations / 23
Great Expectations
Lesson Eleven
11.1 Vocabulary
confectioner n.
disgorge v.
dilapidated adj.
11.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. In inner cities, homeless people may make ________________ old buildings their home.
2. Looking in the baker's shop early in the morning, the little boys licked their lips as they
watched the _______________ dipping the pastries in sugar.
3. The plumber ___________________ the little toy that was clogging the sink from the drain
pipe.
11.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 20–21
11.4 Recall Questions
1. What is Pip’s first impression of London?
2. Where has Mr. Jaggers gone when Pip arrives?
3. What does Pip do while he waits for Mr. Jaggers?
4. How does Mr. Jaggers treat the other clients that come to see him?
5. Where is Pip to stay temporarily?
6. Why does Pip think Mr. Wemmick has “sustained a good many bereavements?”
7. What does Pip learn about London from Mr. Wemmick?
8. What are Pip’s feelings when he arrives at his hotel?
9. Who does the young man with whom Pip is staying turn out to be?
11.5 Critical Thinking
 In what ways do the people, costums, and atmosphere of London differ from Pip’s village
on the marshes?
 Is Mr. Jaggers a caring man, in spite of his outward harshness? Why or why not?
24 / Great Expectations
11.6 Bonus Thought
 London, England: Pip describles London as ugly and dirty. During the time of Charles
Dickens, England was experiencing the Industrial Revolution. London was one of the
largest and most active cities in the world. The population of London was increasing, with
one million people by 1800. Living conditions in London were dirty and crowded with all
the factories, smoke, and soot from the chimneys, and manure from the many carriages
traveling the streets. The population increase was partly due to the Inclosure Acts, which
were passed from 1750–1860. The Inclosure Acts were acts of parliament which inclosed
farmland previously available for any farmer to use, such as common pasture for live stock.
With the Inclosure Acts, only the landowners could use the land. The peasants were forced
into the urban areas to find work in factories. Many of the factories were not only dirty, but
also dangerous. Poor people who could not find work often ended up living on the streets.
Crimes such as murder and theft with immorality including drunkenness and prostitution
were rampant on London streets. This is the London Pip comes to from his quiet life at the
Forge.
A tenement in Victorian London Great Expectations / 25
Great Expectations
Lesson Twelve
12.1 Vocabulary
acquiesce v.
propitiate v.
avaricious adj.
asseverate v.
incipient adj.
12.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Don't ______________ your convictions to please someone who is doing wrong.
2. A man with convictions will _________ his convictions to anyone who tries to oppose
them.
3. The ______________________ old man demanded more money from his tenants.
4. Christ came to earth to atone for man's sins and died on the cross to _________ God's
wrath.
5. The ______________________ horseless-carriage became all the more familiar and popular
when Ford invented the assembly line.
12.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 22–23
12.4 Recall Questions
1. According to Herbert Pocket, Miss Havisham brought up Estella for what purpose?
2. What name does Herbert decide to call Pip, and how did he choose that name?
3. Why does Herbert’s father stop coming to see Miss Havisham?
4. What does Herbert reveal to be the apparent reason for Miss Havisham’s fiancé breaking
the engagement on the wedding day?
5. What is Herbert’s present occupation? What does he want to do later?
6. How did Mr. and Mrs. Pocket come to be married?
7. Who is it that is taking care of the Pockets and letting them live in their house?
8. Who are the other two gentlemen staying with the Pockets?
26 / Great Expectations
9. To what title is Mr. Drummle heir?
10. Why does Jane take the baby from Mrs. Pocket’s lap, and how does Mrs. Pocket react?
11. What action of Mr. Pocket’s amazes Pip?
12. What news does the housemaid bring about the cook?
12.5 Critical Thinking

Describe Mr. Pocket’s domestic life.

Compare and contrast the Pockets’ marriage with the marriage between Joe and Mrs. Joe.

Give some examples of how Dickens satirizes society in these chapters.
12.6 Bonus Thought
 “Mount to the woolsack...roof himself in with a mitre”: This expression refers to the two
choices in occupation that Mr. Pocket had when he was young. The woolsack is a seat for
the Lord Chancellor in the House of Lords which is cushioned with a bag of wool covered
by cloth. People would some times use “the woolsack” to refer to the Lord Chancellorship.
A mitre is a hat worn by a bishop. So Pip is saying that Mr. Pocket could have either
worked his way up to the Lord Chancellorship by becoming a lawyer, or could have become
a bishop.
Lords wearing wigs Roman Catholic leaders wearing mitres Great Expectations / 27
Great Expectations
Lesson Thirteen
13.1 Vocabulary
rudiment n.
ludicrous adj.
apostrophe n.
complacent adj.
egress n.
13.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Her _________________ attitude toward the test revealed her assurance of a good outcome.
2. They had to provide an ___________ for the water of the man-made lake in order to drain
it.
3. Some poets have made an _________________ in their poem to other great poets of the
past that they have admired.
4. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of
men, after the _____________ of the world and not after Christ.” Col. 2:8
5. The teacher did not believe her student’s ____________ response that a dog ate his
homework.
13.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 24–25
13.4 Recall Questions
1. What request does Pip make to Mr. Pocket and Mr. Jaggers concerning his accommodation?
2. Why does Mr. Wemmick accept mourning rings in honor of deceased clients?
3. What does Mr. Wemmick tell Pip to do when he dines with Mr. Jaggers?
4. What does Mr. Wemmick mean when he asks Pip if he wants to see Mr. Jaggers “at it?”
5. Why does Mr. Jaggers never allow his doors and windows to be locked?
6. How is Pip able to communicate with Mr. Wemmick’s deaf father?
7. What does Mr. Wemmick ask Pip not to tell Mr. Jaggers?
8. What does Mr. Wemmick call the Aged’s “treat?”
28 / Great Expectations
9. Describe Mr. Wemmick’s house.
13.5 Critical Thinking
 Compare and contrast the Mr. Wemmick at work and the Mr. Wemmick at home.
13.6 Bonus Thought
 The Old Bailey: In Chapter 24, Mr. Wemmick mentions “getting evidence together for the
Bailey.” Mr. Wemmick is referring to the Old Bailey, the court in London, located near
Newgate Prison, where criminal cases were tried. The Old Bailey was named after the street
where it was located, and was also called Justice Hall or the Sessions House. The close
proximity to Newgate Prison made it convenient for prisoners to be transported to court for
their trials.
Old Bailey in London, England, perhaps the most famous courthouse in the world Great Expectations / 29
Great Expectations
Lesson Fourteen
14.1 Vocabulary Recognition
obtuseness n.
lave v.
reticent adj.
14.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. His _________________ showed that he was a commoner rather than an educated man.
2. A person who is ________________ about his feelings is considered wise.
3. Do not _____________ yourself before you work out in the garden and get dirty.
14.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 26–27
14.4 Recall Questions
1. What is Mr. Jaggers doing when Pip and his friends arrive at Mr. Jaggers’ office to go to
dinner?
2. Which of Pip’s companions is the first one Mr. Jaggers notices?
3. What does Mr. Jaggers call this young man?
4. What does Mr. Jaggers force his housekeeper to show the gentlemen at supper?
5. What do Pip and Drummle argue about at dinner?
6. What news does Pip receive in a letter from Biddy?
7. How does Pip feel about Joe’s visit?
8. What does Pip call the servant boy he has hired?
9. What does Joe tell Pip about Mr. Wopsle?
10. What news has Joe come to tell Pip?
14.5 Critical Thinking
 What does the state and decor of the home of Mr. Jaggers say about him?
30 / Great Expectations
 Why is Pip more concerned about Drummle’s reaction to Joe than Herbert’s or Mr. Pocket’s
reaction? Is Pip’s belief that “our worst weaknesses and meannesses are usually committed
for the sake of the people whom we most despise” correct?
14.6 Bonus Thought
 An allusion: The blacking warehouse that Joe and Wopsle visits is the same place where
Charles Dickens had to work as a child.
 Who’s who? The phrase “of Roscian renown” refers to Quintus Roscius Gallus, a Roman
comedic actor, who was the greatest of his time. “Our national bard” refers to William
Shakespeare. Shakespeare is often called simply “the Bard.” The program that Joe gives to
Pip is announcing that Wopsle is going to be in a Shakespeare play and that he is as good as
Quintus Roscius Gallus.
“Mr. Wopsle as Hamlet” by Harry Furniss Great Expectations / 31
Great Expectations
Lesson Fifteen
15.1 Vocabulary
spurious adj.
incommode v.
lethargic adj.
remiss adj.
15.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The enemy overcame the opposing army since the sleeping guards were __________ in
their duty and failed to warn their comrades in time.
2. The ruffians thought that the beggar had ________________ claim for suggesting that he
was the next heir to the kingdom.
3. The rude man ____________________ the family when he requested a room at an
unreasonable hour of the night.
4. The citizens of a nation who are _______________ towards their freedom will become
slaves.
15.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 28–29
15.4 Recall Questions
1. What excuse does Pip give for not staying with Joe when he goes to visit Miss Havisham?
2. Who is it that gets in the coach with Pip when he leaves London?
3. What conversation does Pip overhear during the ride?
4. Why does the waiter at the Blue Boar give Pip an old newspaper column to read?
5. When Pip arrives at Miss Havisham’s, who opens the gate?
6. What does Estella tell Pip about herself during their walk outside?
7. Sometimes when Pip looks at Estella, what startles him?
8. What does Miss Havisham tell Pip to do as he pushes her in her wheelchair?
9. Who arrives to eat dinner at Miss Havisham’s along with Pip?
32 / Great Expectations
10. What does Miss Havisham never do in public?
15.5 Critical Thinking
 Explain the significance of Pip’s ride home in a coach with two convicts. How does this
resurrect the themes of Pip’s secrecy and feelings of guilt?
 Discuss Pip’s feelings for Estella. Pip states that he loves Estella “against reason, against
promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness….” Is this kind of unreasonable
love noble and selfless? Why or why not?
 Discuss the differences between Pip the character and Pip the narrator in these chapters.
How does Pip the narrator judge the feelings and decisions of Pip the character regarding
Joe and Estella?
15.6 Bonus Thoughts
 High-street: In chapter 28, Dickens refers to the High-street. In parts of the United
Kingdom, High-street refers to streets in the downtown area of cities with a high
concentration of shops and businesses. The American equivalent of a High-street is Main
Street, which most American big cities and smaller towns have.
 Bread-poultice, baize, rope-yarn, and hearthstone: A poultice is a soft, warm, and damp
substance used to sooth wounds such as bruises and inflammations. Throughout history,
bread has been a popular poultice, as well as cereals and bran. Baize is cloth made of thick
wool, which was probably the convicts’ prison clothes. Rope-yarn refers to the prisoners’
work of unraveling rope. Hearthstone is the stone that is place before a fireplace, and also
refers to stone that is broken up and used to clean doorsteps and hearthstones.
 Telemachus: The newspaper article calls Pip “our young Telemachus.” Telemachus is a
character in Homer’s Odyssey. Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope. Athena
instructs young Telemachus, disguised as a family friend, in the absence of his father.
 Quintin Matsys: Quintin Matsys is a Flemish painter who lived from 1466-1530. Matsys
was initially trained as a blacksmith before becoming a painter.
 verb. sap. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase verbum satis sapienti, which means in
English “a word is enough for the wise.” The newspaper article is saying that Pumblechook
is someone’s benefactor, and all a smart person needs is a good hint to figure out who the
beneficiary is.
 Tag and rag and bobtail: The phrase “tag and rag and bobtail” refers to the lowest classes
of society. Bobtail is the tail of a horse that has been cut short, and John Fletcher used it in
1619 as slang for a contemptible rascal. Tag is a piece of torn cloth. Bobtail and tag
combines with rag to form tag, rag, and bobtail. Rag and tag were later extended in the
nineteenth century to raggle-taggle, which means shabby and disheveled.
Great Expectations / 33
Great Expectations
Lesson Sixteen
16.1 Vocabulary
quell v.
rotatory adj.
truncheon n.
derisive adj.
elocution n.
16.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. “The marshal’s ___________ nor the judge’s robe does not become them with half the
greatness as mercy does”—Shakespeare.
2. The guilty try to ____________ the cry of truth.
3. Since working on an assembly line can become boring, Henry Ford developed the concept
of ______________ tasks so that workers could do a variety of different jobs.
4. The _______________ of Hitler was so powerful that he was able to persuade many to
follow him.
5. With ________________ homage, the soldiers mocked Jesus as they placed the crown of
thorns on his head.
16.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 30–31
16.3 Recall Questions
1. What does Pip suggest to Mr. Jaggers concerning Orlick?
2. Describe Pip’s encounter with Trabb’s boy.
3. What does Pip confide to Herbert on his return to London?
4. What advice does Herbert give to Pip regarding his feelings for Estella?
5. What does Herbert confide to Pip?
6. Where do Pip and Herbert decide to go at the end of their conversation?
7. What is the stage name of Mr. Wopsle as he went into drama?
8. Describe the behavior of the audience during Mr. Wopsle’s performance.
34 / Great Expectations
16.5 Critical Thinking:
 What are the various ways Pip is humiliated in these chapters?
 Discuss Pip’s cowardice in these chapters. How does he deal with people and situations that
cause him concern or offense? In what manner does he dispose of Orlick, apologize to Joe,
and confront Trabb about his assistant?
 In what ways has Pip become like Mr. Pumblechook? How is even Estella more caring and
honest than Pip?
16.6 Bonus Thought:
 Being insured in some extraordinary fire office: In Pip’s time, insured buildings
displayed plaques stating the names of the fire insurance companies that insured them.
When the fire company would race to a burning building, the plaques let them know if it
was one of the buildings it was insuring. The large medallion that Pip sees around Wopsle’s
neck reminds him of one of those insurance plaques.
One example of a fire insurance plaque Great Expectations / 35
Great Expectations
Lesson Seventeen
17.1 Vocabulary
latent adj.
facetious adj.
superfluous adj.
17.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The ____________ motive for his murder was not revealed until the Will was found.
2. The ______________ laughter from a few in the group gave indication of their mischievous
planning.
3. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners supply our family with a _________________ supply
of food in that we always have more food that we can possible eat..
17.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 32–33
17.4 Recall Questions
1. From whom was the note Pip received and what did it say?
2. Where was Wemmick going when he ran into Pip?
3. Why does Pip refer to the prison as “Wemmick’s greenhouse”?
4. What does one of the prisoners mean when he says he should be out on Monday?
5. Explain Pip’s thoughts regarding the prison as he waits for Estella’s arrival.
6. Where was Pip to take Estella when she came to London?
7. Why does Estella tell Pip she is grateful to him?
17.5 Critical Thinking
 Explain the significance of the use of plant metaphors when Wemmick and Pip visit the
prisoners at Newgate.
 What do Estella’s comments about Miss Havisham’s relatives reveal about her childhood?
 How does Dickens use Mrs. Pocket to satire parenting?
36 / Great Expectations
17.6 Bonus Thought
 Newgate Prison and prison conditions: Newgate Prison was located at the corners of
London’s Newgate and Old Bailey streets. Newgate was used from 1188 to 1902 and was
demolished and rebuilt many times during that 700 year period. The “period of exaggerated
reaction” which was “still far off” refers to the 1860’s, when the prisoners rioted because of
the poor conditions of the prison. “Improving the flavour of their soup” refers to the fact
that the prisoners did not like their food. Dickens is explaining that in Pip’s time, all of this
rioting and push for reform was still years away and that everyone’s food was bad, whether
they were prisoners, soldiers, or paupers.
 Moses in the bulrushes: This is an example of an allusion from the Bible. Pip compares the
bit of butter in the parsley that is served to him and Estella to the story of Moses from
Exodus chapter two, the butter being Moses and the parsley being the bulrushes. The baby
Moses was hidden in the bulrushes to hide him from Pharaoh’s murderous soldiers.
 Here is the green farthingale…and the blue solitaire: The farthingale and solitaire were
both in fashion in the eighteenth century. A farthingale, also known as a hoop skirt, is a
lady’s petticoat, and a solitaire is a gentleman’s wide cravat. Pip is saying that the house in
which Estella will be living is old and has seen many visitors from past generations.
Newgate Prison Elizabeth Fry, active in prison reform, wrote the following to her children in 1813: “I have lately been twice to Newgate to see after the poor prisoners who had poor little infants without clothing or with very little and I think if you saw how small a piece of bread they are each allowed a day you would be very sorry. I could not help thinking, when there, what sorrow and trouble [is experienced by] those who do wrong, and they have not the satisfaction and comfort of feeling among all their trials, that they have endeavoured to do their duty.” Great Expectations / 37
Great Expectations
Lesson Eighteen
18.1 Vocabulary
descry v.
meritorious adj.
assiduity n.
solvency n.
cogent adj.
18.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The Captain's brave rescue of his captured men received _____________________
applause from the people back home.
2. Ten men of the tribes of Israel including Joshua and Caleb were sent by Moses
to_______________ the land of the Philistines and send back word to him.
3. With the unexpected surplus from user fees, the mayor of the city announced the good news
that the city was well on its way towards _________________.
4. ________________ in your studies will prove beneficial in the future.
5. The order and complexity of the universe provides ______________ proof of the existence
of God.
18.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 34–35
18.4 Recall Questions
1. Why did Pip feel guilty about the influence his expectations had on Herbert?
2. What was the name of the club Pip and Herbert joined?
3. According to the club’s rules, when could Pip join?
4. How did Pip attempt to solve his financial situation?
5. What news was in the letter that arrived for Pip?
6. What job does Biddy hope to get since she is forced to leave the forge after Mrs. Joe’s
death?
7. What does Biddy tell Pip about Orlick?
8. What does Biddy call Pip and how does he feel about it?
9. What did Biddy say that hurt Pip’s feelings?
38 / Great Expectations
18.5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss the theme of abuse in these chapters. In what ways does Pip abuse the people
around him and his situation in life? How does Pip deal with his guilt? Has he become
similar to his sister?
 What is the significance of Orlick’s presence in chapter 35?
18.6 Bonus Thoughts
 Gentlemen’s clubs: Clubs like “Finches of the Grove” were private, member-only clubs for
upper-class men. Gentlemen’s clubs became popular in the eighteenth century in England
and had increased in popularity by the nineteenth century. Coffee houses, also popular in
the eighteenth century, were good venues for men to discuss politics and various issues over
mugs of coffee. The gentleman’s club gradually took the place of the coffee house.
 Funerals in the 1800s: In the time of Dickens, funerals were conducted with a great deal of
pomp. Black hatbands, large black bows, and dresses and cloaks of black crepe were worn
by the mourners at a funeral. Mourning cards were another funeral tradition. Cards were
given to the mourners and sent to acquaintances and business associates. The card was
printed in black and silver and included the name and age of the deceased. The funeral
processions were quite a spectacle with footmen and pages decked in black proceeding the
hearse and the hearse itself decorated with gold, silver, and black ostrich feathers. A feast
was held at the home of the deceased, either before or after the funeral. The type of food
that is present for Mrs. Joe’s funeral was typical funeral food. Even poor families would try
to save money in order to have the nicest and most grandiose funeral possible.
Great Expectations / 39
Great Expectations
Lesson Nineteen
19.1 Vocabulary
apoplectic adj.
jorum n.
elongation n.
rubicund adj.
19.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Iago made Othello ___________ with his wife by deceiving him into thinking she was
unfaithful to him.
2. The ______________ of time in prison does not make a wicked man a better man; one
becomes better only through the saving blood of Christ.
3. Carolyn not only has fiery red hair but a ____________ complexion as well.
4. A _____________ of punch was set before the wedding party.
19.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 36–37
19.4 Recall Questions
1. What does Mr. Jaggers give to Pip when he comes to his office on his 21st birthday?
2. What advice does Pip ask of Wemmick when he finishes his business with Mr. Jaggers?
3. What answer does Wemmick give Pip?
4. Why does Pip decide to go to Walworth to again ask Wemmick’s advice?
5. How do Pip and Herbert feel about having Mr. Jaggers to dinner?
6. How does Wemmick announce his return home to the Aged?
7. Who is Miss Skiffins?
8. What is Wemmick’s answer to Pip’s question when it is repeated at Walworth?
9. When Pip asks Wemmick’s advice for the second time, what is the one condition he
requests of Wemmick?
40 / Great Expectations
10. What dose the Aged do for pleasure after he finishes supper?
11. What job do Pip and Wemmick find for Herbert?
19.5 Critical Thinking
 Explain how Dickens uses inanimate objects to convey the emotions of a character.
 Why do Pip and Herbert feel guilty just from being in the presence of Mr. Jaggers? Is the
discomfort caused completely by Mr. Jaggers or by Pip and Herbert themselves?
 Discuss how Jaggers tries to guide Pip and help him live a more mature and disciplined life.
 Discuss in what ways the role of secrecy continues in these chapters.
 How is the character of Wemmick further developed? How does Wemmick’s relationship
with Miss Skiffins and Herbert’s relationship with Clara highlight Pip’s sad romantic
situation?
19.6 Bonus Thought
 The cut of her dress…made her figure very like
a boy’s kite: Pip’s description of the cut of Miss
Skiffins’ dress could possibly be referring to a style
of bodice and sleeve that was popular in the early
1800s. The bodice was in the shape of an inverted
triangle and the huge, puffed sleeves were called
gigot sleeves. Another name for gigot sleeves was
leg of lamb sleeves. Gigot sleeves were widely
puffed at the upper arm and fitted at the lower arm.
The shape of the bodice combined with the huge
puffed sleeves would possibly make a person think
of a kite.
Great Expectations / 41
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty
20.1 Vocabulary
furrowed adj.
repugnance n.
20.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The ______________ ditch was filled with water after the heavy downpour last night.
2. Her ________________ for his rude behavior became evident when she slapped him.
20.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 38–39
20.4 Recall Questions
1. Describe the household where Estella lived in Richmond.
2. What warning does Estella give to Pip?
3. Where is it that Estella asks Pip to take her?
4. About what do Miss Havisham and Estella argue?
5. What does Pip see when he gets up in the night to take a walk?
6. How does Pip react to Drummle’s toast to Estella?
7. What proof does Drummle present of his acquaintance with Estella?
8. Who arrives at Pip’s door one stormy night?
9. What does this person reveal to Pip?
10. Where has the convict been during the previous years?
11. Why must the convict keep his presence in London a secret?
12. What does Pip fear after the convict has gone to bed?
42 / Great Expectations
20.5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss the idea of money as a source of power in these chapters. Why does Estella insist
on paying all of her own expenses? How is Pip under the control of Estella and the convict?
 In today’s reading, does Estella show a certain loyalty to Pip? Why or why not?
 Discuss the elements of foreshadowing in these chapters.
 Discuss whether the revelation of the convict as Pip’s benefactor confounds Pip’s
perception of social classes?
 The convict refers to himself as Pip’s “second father.” What other characters have been
father figures to Pip throughout the novel?
20.6 Bonus Thought
 Fete Day: A fete day, which Pip refers to in chapter 38, is a festival or feast day.
 In the Eastern story: Pip’s example of the “Eastern story” is from a book called Tales of
the Genii. In one of the tales, a sultan’s enemies are killed when a stone slab falls and
crushes them while they are sleeping and at the point when they thought they were
triumphant. Similarly, the crushing blow of the revelation of Pip’s true benefactor falls on
Pip when he thinks his expectations will soon be realized.
“Sadak in Search of the Waters of Oblivion,” painted by John Martin The Tales of the Genii was supposedly written by a Persian imam. In reality, the work is the product of James Ridley (1736–1765) under the pseudonym of Sir Charles Morell, who supposedly translated the ancient Persian manuscripts. The tales are patterned after those found in the One Thousand and One Nights (also known as Arabian Nights). In the painting by Martin above, you see Sadak (lower center) scaling the mountains, which is a scene from Ridley’s work. Sadak is commissioned to find the the waters of oblivion by a sultan, who wants to use the water on Sadak’s wife. Of course, Sadak is unaware of this plan and endures many trials during his search. Many critics have compared The Tales of the Genii with Samuel Johnson’s Rasselas, also an Eastern story. Great Expectations / 43
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-one
21.1 Vocabulary
dram n.
prolix adj.
physiognomy n.
expatriated adj.
21.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The profit of ten thousand dollars was only a ________________ compared to the one
million dollars that he owed to the bank.
2. The _____________ Benedict Arnold moved to England where he spent the rest of his life.
3. Everyone in the meeting slept soundly in their seats when the president gave a
__________________ appreciation of the company and its benefits.
4. The ________________ of the father gave an indication that he was not happy with his
boy's behavior.
21.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 40–41
21.4 Recall Questions
1. What lie does Pip tell to keep down suspicion about the convict?
2. What does Pip see on the staircase?
3. What disturbing revelation does the man who had admitted the convict at the gate tell to
Pip?
4.
What is the convict’s assumed name? What is his real name?
5. What is the convict’s answer when Pip asks him how long he is staying in London?
6. For what purpose does Pip visit Mr. Jaggers?
7. How did Magwitch use the name Provis to make Mr. Jaggers think he was only
communicating with Pip long distance instead of coming to England?
8. When Herbert finally returns, what does Magwitch insist that he do?
9. What does Pip briefly consider doing, and why does he decide against it?
44 / Great Expectations
10. What do Pip and Herbert decide to do about the situation?
11. What does Pip ask Magwitch when he comes for breakfast the next morning?
21.5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss the similarities and differences between Miss Havisham’s fondness for Estella and
Magwitch’s fondness for Pip. Does Magwitch’s pride in Pip remind the reader of Miss
Havisham’s pride in Estella? How are the motives of Miss Havisham and Magwitch for
making Estella and Pip a lady and a gentlemen similar? How are they different?
 Explain how Pip’s refusal of Magwitch’s money is both admirable and snobbish.
21.6 Bonus Thought
 Crimes in the Calendar: When Pip says that he was “loading [Magwitch] with all the
crimes in the Calendar,” he is referring to a book called The Newgate Calendar. Publishers
who published stories about various well-known criminals adopted the title from the
prison’s monthly bulletin of executions. These biographical accounts became editions of
collected stories and, by 1774, had turned into a five-volume bound edition. Along with the
Bible and The Pilgrim’s Progress, The Newgate Calendar was among the top three works
found in most homes of the period.
“John Cottington robbing the Oxford wagon” An illustration from The Newgate Calendar Great Expectations / 45
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-two
22.1 Vocabulary
extenuate v.
22.2 Vocabulary Exercise
The lawyer tried to ______________ the prisoner's guilt by making the argument that the man
was not responsible for his actions while chewing gum.
22.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 42–43
22.4 Recall Questions
1. What description does Magwitch say that sums up the story of his life?
2. How did Magwitch meet the other convict Pip had seen with him on the marshes?
3. In what business did Magwitch become Compeyson’s partner?
4. What did Compeyson’s former partner, Arthur, imagine he saw in his room?
5. Why did Compeyson receive a lighter sentence than Magwitch?
6. Whom does Herbert suspect Compeyson and Arthur to be?
7. When Pip goes to Richmond to see Estella, where is he told she has gone?
8. Whom does Pip run into upon his arrival at the Blue Boar?
9. What does Drummle say he is doing in the evening that upsets Pip?
10. What forced Drummle and Pip to give up their places at the fireplace?
46 / Great Expectations
22.5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss whether the story of Compeyson unites the two plots regarding Magwitch and
regarding Miss Havisham.
 Compare the effect of Compeyson on Magwitch with the effect of Estella on Pip. What are
the similarities and differences between Pip’s and Magwitch’s motivations in life?
 Explain what is the significance of Pip’s brief encounter with Drummle at the Blue Boar.
What does the encounter reveal?
22.6 Bonus Thought
 Exile: In the early part of the nineteenth century, England transported prisoners to Australia
rather than America. Prisoners would work for an employer until their sentence was
finished. In Great Expectations, Abel Magwitch finishes his sentence in Australia and then
earns his fortune by working for himself. However, his banishment from England still
stands, and his presence in England must be kept a secret. Some critics say that although
Magwitch is in danger in the novel, he probably would not have been executed in real life,
because the last time a banished person was hanged for returning was reportedly in 1810.
“Drummle and Pip at The Blue Boar” by Harry Furniss Great Expectations / 47
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-three
23.1 Vocabulary
rhapsody n.
intricacy n.
arbitrary adj.
23.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The __________________ of the messages in cyberspace makes one wonder how the
messages get to the right place.
2. After seeing her poem published in the local newspaper, Janet was in such a
__________________ that it appeared that she was walking on air.
3. “ ________________ power is the most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to
licentiousness.”— George Washington
23.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 44–45
23.4 Recall Questions
1. What does Pip ask Miss Havisham to do for Herbert?
2. What does Estella tell Pip about Drummle? How does Pip react?
3. What does the note that Pip receive in London say, and who wrote it?
4. How does Wemmick know about Magwitch and that Pip is being watched?
5. What plan does Herbert think of when Wemmick comes to see him?
6. Why had Wemmick not wanted Pip to go home the previous night?
7. What does Wemmick advise Pip regarding Magwitch’s property?
8. What does Wemmick advise Pip to do until dark?
23.5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss whether chapter 44 reveals the beginning of Miss Havisham’s repentance and a
softening toward Pip.
 Explain how Wemmick uses his knowledge about criminals and about the law to help Pip?
 Discuss the help Pip receives from Wemmick and Herbert and its significance to the theme
of the value of friendship and loyalty as opposed to social standing.
48 / Great Expectations
23.6 Bonus Thought
 Hummums in Covent Garden: The place where Pip spends the night in chapter 45 was
originally a Turkish bath and opened in the seventeenth century. In the eighteenth century,
the Hummums also became an eatery and brothel. By the nineteenth century, the Hummums
had become a hotel.
 The eyes of foolish Argus: Pip cannot fall asleep at the Hummums and compares his eyes
to the open eyes of Argus, or Argos. This is an allusion to Greek mythology. Argus
Panoptes was a giant with one hundred eyes. Fifty of his eyes remained open while the giant
sleep. Argus was killed by Hermes (Mercury) after the god failed to have Argus fall asleep.
Commanded by Hera (Juno), Argus was watching Io, who was turned into a heifer by Zeus
(Jupiter) in order to cover his dalliance with a mortal. To commemorate Argus, Hera takes
the hundred eyes and puts them on the tail of her sacred bird, the peacock.
Great Expectations / 49
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-four
24.1 Vocabulary
truculent adj.
propensity n.
plenipotentiary n.
phosphoric adj.
sententious adj.
antipode n.
necromantic adj.
24.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Every time my dog, Champ, and my friend's dog, Bear, see each other, they have a
_____________ to fight.
2. All the good that the Lord has done, the devil has made an __________________ of it.
3. Her ___________ response to his proposal to cut back costs showed she was not at all
pleased with the idea.
4. When we came upon the mysterious group dressed in black and
_________________ exercise, we decided rather quickly to leave.
giving a
5. America is so special because her people may elect the officials who have the
____________________ over them.
6. The _____________ reply of the Ambassador showed he wanted the rulers to understand
the message of his country.
7. Often sailors returned home to tell about the _____________ natives of the islands with
whom they had to fight.
24.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 46–47
24.4 Recall Questions
1. Where does Pip go when he leaves Wemmick’s?
2. How does Herbert describe Clara’s father?
3. Why does Pip decide not to tell Magwitch that Compeyson is alive?
4. Why does Herbert suggest that Pip get in the habit of taking a boat on the river?
5. What is the new name Magwitch assumes when he moved into Mrs. Whimple’s?
6. Why does Pip want Magwitch to keep the money that his benefactor had given him?
50 / Great Expectations
7. Where does Pip decide to go one night after boating on the river?
8. Whom does Wopsle see sitting behind Pip at the play?
9. Why does Pip write to Wemmick to tell him what Wopsle has seen instead of going to see
him in person?
24. 5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss the elements of suspense in these chapters. How does tension start to gradually
increase?
 Compare and contrast the childhoods and families of Pip, Biddy, Herbert, and Clara. In
what ways do they all have deficient upbringings and backgrounds? How have their
backgrounds affected their lives and characters as young adults? Point out similarities and
differences.
24.6 Bonus Thoughts
 Orphans: The children in the novels of Charles Dickens are often orphans or are the
children of neglectful parents. This is due in part to the concern Dickens felt for the neglect
of the children of his time along with the issues of child labor and the conditions of the
orphanages. The use of children as prominent characters could also be partly
autobiographical, since Dickens experiences neglect as a child and expresses his feelings in
his novels.
"I had had to feel my way back among the shipping" by F. A. Fraser Great Expectations / 51
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-five
25.1 Vocabulary
discursive adj.
commiseration n.
25.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The bank manager presented her _______________ proposal well; however other pressing
demands caused the board to reject the idea.
2. The young husband was in deep _____________ over his wife's suffering.
25.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 48–49
25.4 Recall Questions
1. What does the letter to Pip from Miss Havisham say?
2. What conclusion does Pip come to about Mr. Jaggers’s maid, Molly, at supper?
3. How did Mr. Jaggers first become acquainted with Molly?
4. What was Molly’s reason for murdering the woman?
5. What proof did Mr. Jaggers use to get Molly acquitted for the murder?
6. What does Miss Havisham give to Pip when he comes to see her?
7. How did Estella first come to Miss Havisham?
8. What happens when Pip goes back up to check on Miss Havisham before leaving?
25.5 Critical Thinking
 What is the significance of the comparison of Drummle to a spider? Discuss why a spider is
a good metaphor for Drummle.
 Discuss how Pip shows his own personal growth and generosity in these chapters.
 Explain how the relationship and dynamics between Pip and Miss Havisham are reversed.
 Discuss whether Miss Havisham has become her own victim.
52 / Great Expectations
25.6 Bonus Thought
 Over the broomstick: Wemmick tells Pip that Molly was married “over the broomstick.”
In England, this expression referred to non-church wedding ceremonies or marriages with
no legal status. The expression over the broomstick comes from the tradition of the bride
and groom jumping over a broom during the ceremony. There is debate among historians as
to the origins of this practice. The tradition has mostly been attributed to slaves in the
American South and probably originated in Africa. However, other historians believe that
both Africans and Europeans practiced jumping the broom for centuries. One theory is that
the practice originated with a gypsy tribe. In addition to the debate regarding its origins,
there are also various accounts of the reasons for jumping a broom. Some African tribes
apparently believed a broom had spiritual symbolism. In other cultures, the practice
determined who would run the household. Whoever jumped highest would be the decisionmaker. Among certain African cultures, jumping the broom represented the wife’s
willingness to clean the house.
Two Illustrated Interpretations from chapter 49 "I entreated her to rise" by F. A. Fraser “Pip Rescues Miss Havisham from the Fire” by Harry Furniss Great Expectations / 53
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-six
26.1 Vocabulary
obdurate adj.
abeyance n.
magisterial adj.
26.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The ___________ council delivered up Christ to be crucified.
2. The estate was in __________ for the child until he turned twenty-one.
3. “Pretenses go a great way with men that take fair words and ______________ looks for
current payment.” L’Estrange
26.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 50–51
26.4 Recall Questions
1. What does Herbert tell Pip about Magwitch?
2. Why did Magwitch hide during his wife’s trial?
3. What does Pip discover about Magwitch from Herbert’s story?
4. Why does Pip go to see Mr. Jaggers?
5. What revelation does Pip make to Mr. Jaggers about Wemmick?
6. How does Mr. Jaggers convince Molly to give him her child to give away?
7. Why does Mr. Jaggers want Pip to keep Estella’s parentage a secret?
8. Why does Mr. Jaggers order Mike out of the office?
26.5 Critical Thinking:
 Discuss the significance about the revelation of Magwitch as Estella’s father. What is
Dickens saying about social class divisions and snobbery?
 Explain how Pip’s love for Estella seems more mature.
 Discuss what Pip’s conversation with Jaggers reveals about Jaggers’s character.
54 / Great Expectations
26.6 Bonus Thought:
 Portable property: Wemmick and Jaggers are disappointed that Pip did not accept Miss
Havisham’s offer for financial help, and Wemmick reiterates Pip’s need for “portable
property.” As the name suggests, portable property is valuables and possessions that owners
can carry with them. Portable property is convenient in case one must leave in a hurry or
needs to hide the valuables. Real estate, property such as lands and houses, is obviously
difficult to transport and to hide. However, within the Victorian connotation of portable
property is the idea of “Britishness.” As you know, the British empire stretched far and wide
across the earth. English travelers wanted to ensure that their national identity was present,
so there arose a desire to take small objects with them whenever they went abroad. Some of
these items included teacups, rings, and books.
“Pip at Mr. Jagger’s Office” by Harry Furniss Great Expectations / 55
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-seven
27.1 Vocabulary
sanguine adj.
kiln n.
excavation n.
malignity n.
27.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. A few years ago, an archeologist made an _______________ of the ancient city of Troy to
discover that there were nine cities of Troy that existed in time.
2. Mr. Todd was furious; the ______________ expression on his face revealed that he was
ready to contest the false charges.
3. The hermit on top of the mountain used a ___________ to make his utensils.
4. Down through history, people have had strong ___________ toward Christians and often
have put them to death for their faith.
27.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 52–53
27.4 Recall Questions
1. What news comes in the note from Wemmick?
2. What does Pip find when he arrives back his house?
3. What do the waiter and Pip talk about at the Blue Boar?
4. Who is at the limekiln waiting for Pip, and what does he do when Pip arrived?
5. Why does the individual in question 4 want to kill Pip?
6. What does the individual in question 4 reveal to Pip after he finishes drinking?
7. How is Herbert able to find and to rescue Pip?
8. What is the great fear that Pip has on the day before Herbert and he are to leave with
Magwitch?
56 / Great Expectations
27.5 Critical Thinking
 Contrast Orlick with Pip. In other words, how is Orlick the exact opposite of Pip?
 Although Pip shows thoughtlessness in rashly taking off to the marshes when he receives
the mysterious note, discuss what is admirable about his action.
27.6 Bonus Thought
 Land of the Arabian Nights: Pip is referring to Egypt when he refers to the land of the
Arabian Nights.
 Weazen: By the word weazen, Orlick means throat. Weasand is a word for throat, and
weazen is an archaic form.
 Limekiln: A limekiln is a large furnace used for converting limestone into lime. Lime in the
nineteenth century was made near coastal ports. Many of the limekilns have been preserved
and still stand along England’s coast.
Orlick holds Pip at gunpoint Illustrated by Charles Green Great Expectations / 57
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-eight
28.1 Vocabulary
reconnoiter v.
querulous adj.
exordium n.
feint n.
28.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1
Joshua sent two men of Israel into Jericho to ___________ the condition of the land that the
Lord had given them.
2
God gave the ______________ children of Israel the quail that they wanted, but he sent
leanness into their souls.
3 The Mayor of the city spoke an ________________ of the night’s events before the
Governor came to speak.
4
Often, Shakespeare gives his characters a ____________ appearance as an indication of
what kind of characters they are before he unmasks them at the end of the play.
28.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 54–55
28.4 Recall Questions
1. What were the two ships Pip and Magwitch were going to try to catch?
2. What is Pip informed of when he and his companions stopped to rest?
3. What does Pip see as he looks out the window of the room where he is staying?
4. What happens just as Pip and Magwitch call out to the steamer?
5. Whom does Pip notice in the galley?
6. What happens to the police informer during the struggle with Magwitch?
7. Where does the Jack at the tavern get his clothes?
8. Why can Pip not benefit from Magwitch’s money after he is convicted?
9. What is found in Compeyson’s pocket?
58 / Great Expectations
10. What does Herbert invite Pip to do?
11. What does Wemmick take with him when he and Pip goes for a walk?
12. What surprise is in store for Wemmick and Pip when they come to the church?
28.5 Critical Thinking
 Can Compeyson be considered an upholder of the law? Expalin what is ironic about
Compeyson helping the police find Magwitch.
 Discuss how Dickens supplies comic relief in these tension-filled chapters.
28.6 Bonus Thoughts
 Crime in London: During the lifetime of Dickens, crime was rampant in London. Many
lower-class city-dwellers lived by crime such as theft, extortion, and even murder. Like
Compeyson, suspicious characters lurking in the streets were not uncommon. This is the
London that Dickens knew, and he was fascinated with crime and with the police. Dickens
considered going on patrol with the London police and actually did go with them on the
Thames River as they searched for bodies. The descriptions in Great Expectations of the
criminals and the police are from Dickens’s own observations.
Magwitch being rescued from the river Great Expectations / 59
Great Expectations
Lesson Twenty-nine
29.1 Vocabulary
contrite adj.
indelible adj.
underlet v.
orthographical adj.
bilious adj.
remonstrate v.
29.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. “A broken and a __________ heart, O God, thou wilt not despise”—Psalm 51
2. All men are endued with _____________ rights given to them by the Creator; no
government may lawfully deprive men of these God-given rights.
3. Fortunately, I found and corrected my ______________ mistake before I submitted my
resume for proofreader.
4. Knowing the consequences of sin, a wise and loving father will____________ the rebellious
actions of his son.
5. Mr. Brown _______________ his property to a man that he knew was poor but would put
the property to good use.
6. I surely can tell when my brother does poorly on a test; his otherwise cheerful and outgoing
disposition becomes very __________________; nothing seems to make him smile, and
everything irritates him.
29.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapter 56–57
29.4 Recall Questions
1. Why is Pip able to visit Magwitch in prison more often than usual?
2. Why is Mr. Jaggers request to postpone Magwitch’s trial refused?
3. How many other people receives the death sentence when Magwitch does?
4. What does Pip do after Magwitch is sentenced to death?
5. What does Pip tell Magwitch just before his death?
6. Who comes to see Pip as he lies ill in his house, and what did these men want?
7. Whom does Pip see beside his bed when he opens his eyes after his illness?
60 / Great Expectations
8. To whom does Miss Havisham leave some of her money and why?
9. What does Pip learn has happened to Mr. Pumblechook?
10. What reason does Joe give to Pip for his refusing to hear about the “partickler”
circumstances concerning Magwitch?
11. How does Joe’s attitude toward Pip change as he recovers? Why?
12. What does Pip find when he awakens on Monday morning?
13. What is the purpose for which Pip goes to the forge?
29. 5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss the theme of redemption in these chapters. How do Magwitch, Miss Havisham, and
Pip find redemption? In contrast, what happens to the various non-repentant characters,
such as Orlick and Compeyson?
 Discuss the development of Joe in these chapters and his learning to read and write. Was
Pip’s earlier desire for Joe to learn wrong or was his motivation for wanting it wrong?
 Why is it ironic that Joe has paid Pip’s debts? Throughout Pip’s expectations, who are the
people Pip has really been dependent upon?
29.6 Bonus Thought
 Imprisonment for debt: If not for his illness and Joe’s help, Pip would have been arrested
for debt. In nineteenth-century England, anyone who defaulted on any amount of debt went
to debtor’s prison until the debt was paid. Dickens’s own father was imprisoned in the
Marshalsea, one of several debtor’s prisons in London. Dickens addresses the issue of
debtor’s prisons in several of his novels. In Little Dorrit, Amy Dorrit’s father is imprisoned
in the Marshalsea. The Debtor’s Act of 1869 put an end to debtor’s prisons in England.
"He had spoken his last words" by F. A. Fraser Great Expectations / 61
Great Expectations
Lesson Thirty
30.1 Vocabulary
assiduity n.
nocturnal adj.
30.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Perhaps the best-known _________________ bird is the owl, which finds its prey at night.
2. Most successful people have a common characteristic: unfailing _____________________,
even when failure is certain.
30.3 Reading Assignment: Great Expectations, chapters 58–59
30.4 Recall Questions
1. What does Pip learn is happening to Miss Havisham’s house?
2. What does Mr. Pumblechook believe is the reason for Pip’s misfortunes?
3. What is happening as Pip arrives to propose to Biddy?
4. What does Pip decide to do after he leaves Joe and Biddy?
5. How long is it before Pip returns to his old village?
6. How did Estella’s husband die?
7. Where does Pip go after dinner at the forge?
8. Whom does Pip think of as he and Estella talk?
9. What are the changes that Pip sees in Estella?
10. What is predicted at the end of the novel?
30.5 Critical Thinking
 Discuss the lessons Pip has learned in these final chapters. What does the life of Pip say
about happiness, social classes, love and friendship, and good and evil?
 Has Estella learned the same lessons?
62 / Great Expectations
 In spite of the many wrongs Pip committed in pursuing his expectations, what are some
good things that came from his desire to be in the upper class of society?
 Discuss what is the traits of a gentleman or a lady. In other words, what does it mean to be
genteel?
30.6 Bonus Thought
 The ending of Great Expectations: Charles Dickens wrote two endings to the novel. The
first ending has Pip going back to visit Joe and Biddy, but he does not see Estella for two
more years. Pip and Estella see each other and speak briefly, but Estella is remarried and
Pip is clearly over his feelings for her. A novelist and friend of Dickens, Edward Bulwer
Lytton, urged Dickens to write a happier and more romantically satisfying ending. Dickens
took this advice and composed the second ending to the novel, which is still the official
ending. Many additions of Great Expectations include both endings to allow readers to
decide their own opinion of how the novel should end. Many critics think the original
ending works best because of the growth and maturity Pip has gained and the lessons he has
learned from his mistakes. Pip’s obsession with Estella is one of these mistakes. On the
other hand, other critics insist that the second ending is superior. Whether he wins Estella or
not, Pip has still learned many lessons about frugality, loyalty to loved ones, and true
happiness. Also, it is arguable that the second ending is more logical than the first. Pip loves
Estella throughout the entire novel, even at the end when Magwitch dies. If he returns years
later with no feelings for her, as in the original ending, at what point does his feelings die?
The novel never explains this. It must be assumed that Pip would have gotten over his
feelings during the eleven years he was abroad, but this is not consistent with the
descriptions of the steadfastness of his love when he is parting company with Estella.
“With Estella after all” by Marcus Stone Great Expectations / 63
Glossary to Great Expectations
aberration (²b”…-r³“sh…n) n. A deviation from the proper or expected course; a departure from
the normal or typical
abeyance (…-b³“…ns) n. The condition of being temporarily set aside; suspension
ablution (…-bl›“sh…n) n. A washing or cleansing of the body, especially as part of a religious
rite
acquiesce (²k”w¶-μs“) v. To consent or comply passively or without protest
adamantine (²d”…-m²n“t¶n”) adj. Having the hardness or luster of a diamond; unyielding;
inflexible
adjuration (²j”…-r³“sh…n) n. An earnest, solemn appeal
affable (²f“…-b…l) adj. Easy and pleasant to speak to; approachable; gentle and gracious
altercation (ôl”t…r-k³“sh…n) n. A vehement quarrel
amalgamation (…-m²l”g…-m³“sh…n) n. The act of amalgamating or the condition resulting from
this act; a consolidation or merger, as of several corporations
antipode (²n“t¹-p½d”) n. A direct or diametrical opposite
apoplectic (²p”…-plμk“t¹k) adj. Of, resembling, or produced by apoplexy; extremely angry;
furious
apostrophe (…-p¼s“tr…-f¶) n. The direct address of an absent or imaginary person or of a
personified abstraction, especially as a digression in the course of a speech or composition
arbitrary (är“b¹-trμr”¶) adj. Determined by chance, whim, or impulse, and not by necessity,
reason, or principle; based on or subject to individual judgment or preference
arid (²r“¹d) adj. Lacking moisture, especially having insufficient rainfall to support trees or
woody plants; lacking interest or feeling; lifeless and dull
asseverate (…-sμv“…-r³t”) v. To declare seriously or positively; affirm
assiduity (²s”¹-d›“¹-t¶) n. Persistent application or diligence; unflagging effort
audacious (ô-d³“sh…s) adj. Fearlessly, often recklessly daring; bold; unrestrained by
convention or propriety; insolent
augur (ô“g…r) v. To predict, especially from signs or omens; foretell; to serve as an omen of
avaricious (²v”…-r¹sh“…s) adj. Immoderately desirous of wealth or gain; greedy
bilious (b¹l“y…s) adj. Having a peevish disposition; ill-humored
cogent (k½“j…nt) adj. Appealing to the intellect or powers of reasoning; convincing
collation (k…-l³“sh…n) n. The act or process of collating; a light meal
commiseration (k…-m¹z”…-r³“sh…n) n. The feeling or expression of pity or sorrow
complacent (k…m-pl³“s…nt) adj. Contented to a fault; self-satisfied and unconcerned; eager to
please; complaisant
conciliatory (k…n-s¹l“-…-tôr”¶) adj. To overcome the distrust or animosity of; appease; to regain
or try to regain (friendship or goodwill) by pleasant behavior; to make or attempt to make
compatible; reconcile
condescension (k¼n”d¹-sμn“sh…n) n. The act of condescending or an instance of it;
patronizingly superior behavior or attitude
confectioner (k…n-fμk“sh…-n…r) n. One that makes or sells confections
connubial (k…-n›“b¶-…l) adj. Relating to marriage or the married state; conjugal
contrite (k…n-trºt“) adj. Feeling regret and sorrow for one's sins or offenses
contumacious (k¼n”t…-m³“sh…s) adj. Obstinately disobedient or rebellious; insubordinate
64 / Great Expectations
descry (d¹-skrº“) v. To catch sight of (something difficult to discern); to discover by careful
observation or scrutiny; detect
derisive (d¹-rº“s¹v) adj. Mocking; jeering
dexterous (dμk“st…r-…s) adj. Skillful in the use of the hands; having mental skill or adroitness;
done with dexterity
dilapidated (d¹-l²p“¹-d³”t¹d) adj. Having fallen into a state of disrepair or deterioration, as
through neglect; broken-down and shabby.
discursive (d¹-skûr“s¹v) adj. Covering a wide field of subjects; rambling; proceeding to a
conclusion through reason rather than intuition
disgorge (d¹s-gôrj“) v. To bring up and expel from the throat or stomach; vomit; to discharge
violently; spew; to surrender (stolen goods or money, for example) unwillingly
divest (d¹-vμst“) v. To strip, as of clothes; to deprive, as of rights or property; dispossess; to
free of; rid
dram (dr²m) n. A small draft; a small amount; a bit
egress (¶“grμs”) n. The act of coming or going out; emergence; a path or opening for going out;
an exit
elocution (μl”…-ky›“sh…n) n. The art of public speaking in which gesture, vocal production,
and delivery are emphasized; a style or manner of speaking, especially in public
elongation (¹-lông”-g³“sh…n) n. The act of stretching out; an extension
erudition (μr”y…-d¹sh“…n) n. Deep, extensive learning.
excavation (μk”sk…-v³“sh…n) n. The act or process of excavating; a hole formed by excavating.
excrescence (¹k-skrμs“…ns) n. An abnormal outgrowth or enlargement, such as a wart; a normal
outgrowth, such as a fingernail or a beard
execrate (μk“s¹-kr³t”) v. To declare to be hateful or abhorrent; denounce; to feel loathing for;
abhor
exonerate (¹g-z¼n“…-r³t”) v. To free from blame; to free from a responsibility, obligation, or
task
exordium (¹g-zôr“d¶-…m) n. A beginning or introductory part, especially of a speech or treatise
expatriate (μk-sp³“tr¶-³t”) v. To send into exile; to banish; to remove (oneself) from residence
in one's native land; to renounce allegiance to one's homeland
explicit (¹k-spl¹s“¹t) adj. Fully and clearly expressed; leaving nothing implied; fully and clearly
defined or formulated
expostulatory (¹k-sp¼s“ch…-l…-tôr”¶) adj. The quality of reasoning earnestly with someone in an
effort to dissuade or correct; remonstrate.
extenuate (¹k-stμn“y›-³t”) v. To lessen or attempt to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of,
especially by providing partial excuses
facetious (f…-s¶“sh…s) adj. Playfully jocular; humorous
farinaceous (f²r”…-n³“sh…s) adj. Made from, rich in, or consisting of starch; having a mealy or
powdery texture
feint (f³nt) n. A feigned attack designed to draw defensive action away from an intended
target; a deceptive action calculated to divert attention from one's real purpose
furrow (fûr“½) n. A long, narrow, shallow trench made in the ground by a plow; a rut, groove,
or narrow depression; a deep wrinkle in the skin, as on the forehead
homily (h¼m“…-l¶) n. A sermon, especially one intended to edify a congregation on a practical
matter and not intended to be a theological discourse; a tedious moralizing lecture or
admonition
Great Expectations / 65
ignominious (¹g”n…-m¹n“¶-…s) adj. Marked by shame or disgrace; deserving disgrace or shame;
despicable; degrading; debasing
imp (¹mp) n. A mischievous child; a small demon
imprecation (¹m”pr¹-k³“sh…n) n. A curse.
impregnable (¹m-prμg“n…-b…l) adj. Impossible to capture or enter by force; difficult or
impossible to attack, challenge, or refute with success
incipient (¹n-s¹p“¶-…nt) adj. Beginning to exist or appear
incommode (¹n”k…-m½d“) v. To cause to be inconvenienced; disturb
indelible (¹n-dμl“…-b…l) adj. Impossible to remove, erase, or wash away; permanent; making a
mark not easily erased or washed away:
intricacy (¹n“tr¹-k…-s¶) n. The condition or quality of being intricate; complexity
jorum (jôr“…m) n. A large drinking bowl; the amount that such a bowl contains
kiln (k¹ln) n. Any of various ovens for hardening, burning, or drying substances such as grain,
meal, or clay, especially a brick-lined oven used to bake or fire ceramics
latent (l³t“nt) adj. Present or potential but not evident or active
lave (l³v) v. To wash; bathe; to lap or wash against; to refresh or soothe as if by washing
lethargic (l…-thär“j¹k) adj. Of, causing, or characterized by sluggishness or apathy
ludicrous (l›“d¹-kr…s) adj. Laughable or hilarious because of obvious absurdity
magisterial (m²j”¹-stîr“¶-…l) adj. Dogmatic; overbearing
malevolent (m…-lμv“…-l…nt) adj. Having or exhibiting ill will; wishing harm to others;
malicious; having an evil or harmful influence
malignity (m…-l¹g“n¹-t¶) n. Intense ill will or hatred; great malice; an act or a feeling of great
malice; the condition or quality of being highly dangerous or injurious; deadliness
maudlin (môd“l¹n) adj. Effusively or tearfully sentimental
meritorious (mμr”¹-tôr“¶-…s) adj. Deserving reward or praise; having merit
necromantic (nμk“r…-m²n“t¹k) adj. Relating to the supposed communication with the spirits of
the dead in order to predict the future; related to black magic; sorcery
nocturnal (n¼k-tûr“n…l) adj. Of, relating to, or occurring in the night
obdurate (¼b“d‹-r¹t) adj. Hardened in wrongdoing or wickedness; stubbornly impenitent
obtrusiveness (¼b-tr›s“¹v-n¹s) n. Tending to push self-assertively forward; brash; undesirably
noticeable
obtuseness (¼b-t›s“-nis) n. A lacking of quickness of perception or intellect; stupid; not
sharp, pointed, or acute in form; blunt
orthographical (ôr”th…-gr²f“-¹-k…l) adj. Of or relating to orthography; spelled correctly
ostentatious (¼s”tμn-t³“sh…s) adj. Characterized by or given to ostentation; pretentious.
penitential (pμn”¹-tμn“sh…l) n. A book or set of church rules concerning the sacrament of
penance; a penitent
perspicuity (pûr”sp¹-ky›“¹-t¶) n. The quality of being clear and lucid
phosphoric (f¼s-fôr“¹k) adj. Relating to shining or glowing
physiognomy (f¹z”¶-¼g“n…-m¶) n. The art of judging human character from facial features;
divination based on facial features; facial features, especially when regarded as revealing
character
pilfer (p¹l“f…r) v. To steal a small amount or item
plenipotentiary (plμn”…-p…-tμn“sh¶-μr”¶) n. A diplomatic agent, such as an ambassador, fully
authorized to represent his or her government
66 / Great Expectations
portmanteau (pôrt-m²n“t½) n. A large leather suitcase that opens into two hinged
compartments
preposterous (pr¹-p¼s“t…r-…s) adj. Contrary to nature, reason, or common sense; absurd
prolix (pr½-l¹ks“) adj. Tediously prolonged; wordy; tending to speak or write at excessive
length
propensity (pr…-pμn“s¹-t¶) n. An innate inclination; a tendency
propitiate (pr½-p¹sh“¶-³t”) v. To conciliate (an offended power); appease
pugilistic (py›“j…-l¹s“t¹k) adj. Relating to the skill, practice, and sport of fighting with the
fists; boxing.
quell (kwμl) v. To put down forcibly; suppress; to pacify; quiet
querulous (kwμr“…-l…s) adj. Given to complaining; peevish; expressing a complaint or
grievance; grumbling:
reconnoiter (r¶”k…-noi“t…r) v. To make a preliminary inspection of, especially in order to gather
military information
remiss (r¹-m¹s“) adj. Lax in attending to duty; negligent; exhibiting carelessness or slackness
remonstrate (r¹-m¼n“str³t”) v. To say or plead in protest, objection, or reproof; to reason or
plead in protest; present an objection
repugnance (r¹-p¾g“n…ns) n. Extreme dislike or aversion.
reticent (rμt“¹-s…nt) adj. Inclined to keep one's thoughts, feelings, and personal affairs to
oneself; restrained or reserved in style; reluctant; unwilling
rhapsody (r²p“s…-d¶) n. Exalted or excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling in speech or
writing; a literary work written in an impassioned or exalted style; a state of elated bliss;
ecstasy
rotatory (r½“t…-tôr”¶) adj. Of, relating to, causing, or characterized by rotation; occurring or
proceeding in alternation or succession.
rubicund (r›“b¹-k…nd) adj. Inclined to a healthy rosiness; ruddy
rudiment (r›“d…-m…nt) n. A fundamental element, principle, or skill, as of a field of learning;
something in an incipient or undeveloped form
sagacious (s…-g³“sh…s) adj. Having or showing keen discernment, sound judgment, and
farsightedness
sanguinary (s²ng“gw…-nμr”¶) adj. Accompanied by bloodshed; eager for bloodshed;
bloodthirsty
sanguine (s²ng“gw¹n) adj. Of the color of blood; red; cheerfully confident; optimistic.
sententious (sμn-tμn“sh…s) adj. Terse and energetic in expression; pithy; abounding in
aphorisms; abounding in pompous moralizing
solvency n. (s¼l“v…n-s¶) n. Condition of being able to meet financial obligations
spurious (spy‹r“¶-…s) adj. Lacking authenticity or validity in essence or origin; not genuine;
false
squally (skwô“l¶) adj. Characterized by gusts of wind; marked by commotion or disturbance.
subterfuge (s¾b“t…r-fy›j”) n. A deceptive stratagem or device
supercilious (s›”p…r-s¹l“¶-…s) adj. Feeling or showing haughty disdain
superfluous (s‹-pûr“fl›-…s) adj. Being beyond what is required or sufficient
supposititious (s…-p¼z”¹-t¹sh“…s) adj. Substituted with fraudulent intent; spurious; hypothetical;
supposed
trepidation (trμp”¹-d³“sh…n) n. A state of alarm or dread; apprehension; an involuntary
trembling or quivering
Great Expectations / 67
truculent (tr¾k“y…-l…nt) adj. Disposed to fight; pugnacious; expressing bitter opposition;
disposed to or exhibiting violence or destructiveness; fierce
truncheon (tr¾n“ch…n) n. A short stick carried by police; a billy club; a staff carried as a
symbol of office or authority; a baton
underlet (¾n”d…r-lμt“) v. To lease for less than the proper value; to sublet
venerate (vμn“…-r³t”) v. To regard with respect, reverence, or heartfelt deference
68 / Great Expectations
Great Expectations (Lessons 1–4)
Vocabulary Quiz #1
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. explicit
D. squally
G. penitential
J. arid
M. pilfering
P. erudition
S. ablution
B. impregnable
E. imprecations
H. homily
K. imp
N. exonerate
Q. perspicuity
T. farinaceous
C. connubial
F. conciliatory
I. contumacious
L. execrate
O. venerate
R. sagacious
1. _____ marked by commotion or disturbance
2. _____ deep, extensive learning
3. _____ a tedious, moralizing lecture or admonition
4. _____ having or showing keen discernment
5. _____ to feel loathing for; abhor; denounce
6. _____ relating to marriage or the married state
7. _____ to free from blame; to free from responsibility
8. _____ to make or attempt to make compatible; reconcile
9. _____ a mischievous child; a small demon
10. _____ made from, rich in, or consisting of starch
11. _____ a book or set of church rules explaining the sacrament of penance
12. _____ quality of being clear and lucid
13. _____ fully and clearly expressed
14. _____ to steal a small amount or item
15. _____ obstinately disobedient or rebellious
16. _____ a washing or cleansing of the body
17. _____ curses
18. _____ to regard with respect, reverence, or heartfelt deference
19. _____ lacking moisture; lacking interest or feeling; lifeless and dull
20. _____ difficult or impossible to attack, challenge, or refute with success
Great Expectations (Lessons 5–9)
Vocabulary Quiz #2
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. ignominious
D. audacious
G. sanguinary
J. ostentatious
M. preposterous
P. aberration
S. pugilistic
B. adamantine
E. supercilious
H. trepidation
K. malevolent
N. maudlin
Q. suppositious
T. expostulatory
C. obtrusiveness
F. dexterous
I. augur
L. excrescence
O. altercation
R. subterfuge
1. _____ the act of pushing self-assertively forward; brashness
2. _____ normal or abnormal outgrowth such as a wart, beard, or fingernail
3. _____ feeling or showing haughty disdain
4. _____ quality of reasoning with someone in an effort to dissuade
5. _____ pretentious
6. _____ departure from the normal or typical
7. _____ unyielding; inflexible
8. _____ absurd
9. _____ skillful in the use of the hands; having mental skill or adroitness
10. _____ a deceptive stratagem or device
11. _____ bloodthirsty
12. _____ a vehement quarrel
13. _____ having or exhibiting ill will; wishing harm to others
14. _____ fearlessly, often recklessly daring; bold; insolent
15. _____ substituted with fraudulent intent; hypothetical; supposed
16. _____ to predict; foretell; to serve as an omen of
17. _____ relating to the skill, practice, and sport of fighting with the fists
18. _____ effusively or tearfully sentimental
19. _____ marked by shame or disgrace
20. _____ a state of alarm or dread; apprehension
Great Expectations (Lessons 10–13)
Vocabulary Quiz #3
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. divest
D. adjuration
G. portmanteau
J. dilapidated
M. avaricious
P. rudiment
S. complacent
B. condescension
E. affable
H. confectioner
K. acquiesce
N. asseverate
Q. ludicrous
T. egress
C. collation
F. amalgamation
I. disgorge
L. propitiate
O. incipient
R. apostrophe
1. _____ a consolidation or merger, as of several corporations
2. _____ an exit
3. _____ broken-down and shabby
4. _____ a light meal
5. _____ laughable because of obvious absurdity
6. _____ to conciliate; to appease
7. _____ one that makes or sells sweet foods
8. _____ beginning to exist or appear
9. _____ to strip; to deprive, as of rights or property; dispossess
10. _____ contented to a fault; self-satisfied and unconcerned
11. _____ to expel from the throat or stomach; to surrender unwillingly
12. _____ greedy
13. _____ an earnest, solemn appeal
14. _____ direct address of an absent or imaginary person
15. _____ a large leather suitcase that opens into two hinged compartments
16. _____ to declare seriously or positively; affirm
17. _____ patronizingly superior behavior or attitude
18. _____ to consent or comply passively or without protest
19. _____ a fundamental element, principle, or skill; undeveloped form
20. _____ approachable; gentle and gracious
Great Expectations (Lessons 14–18)
Vocabulary Quiz #4
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. obtuseness
D. spurious
G. remiss
J. truncheon
M. latent
P. descry
S. solvency
B. lave
E. incommode
H. quell
K. derisive
N. facetious
Q. meritorious
T. cogent
C. reticent
F. lethargic
I. rotatory
L. elocution
O. superfluous
R. assiduity
1. _____ mocking; jeering
2. _____ lacking authenticity or validity in essence or origin; false
3. _____ to catch sight of; to detect
4. _____ appealing to the intellect or powers of reasoning
5. _____ to put down forcibly; suppress
6. _____ beyond what is required or sufficient
7. _____ lacking quickness of perception or intellect
8. _____ condition of being able to meet financial obligations
9. _____ of, causing, or characterized by sluggishness or apathy
10. _____ present or potential but not evident or active
11. _____ occurring or proceeding in alternation or succession
12. _____ deserving reward or praise; having merit
13. _____ to refresh or soothe as if by washing
14. _____ a staff carried as a symbol of office or authority
15. _____ persistent application or diligence
16. _____ exhibiting carelessness or slackness
17. _____ playfully jocular; humorous
18. _____ restrained or reserved in style
19. _____ a style or manner of speaking, especially in public
20. _____ to cause to be inconvenienced
Great Expectations (Lessons 19–22)
Vocabulary Quiz #5
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. apoplectic
D. rubicund
G. dram
J. expatriated
B. jorum
E. furrow
H. prolix
K. extenuate
C. elongation
F. repugnance
I. physiognomy
1. _____ extreme dislike or aversion
2. _____ a small draft; a small amount; a bit
3. _____ the amount that such a bowl contains
4. _____ facial features, especially when regarded as revealing character
5. _____ a long, narrow, shallow trench; a rut or groove; a deep wrinkle
6. _____ to lessen the seriousness of by providing partial excuses
7. _____ extremely angry; furious
8. _____ tediously prolonged; wordy
9. _____ inclined to a healthy rosiness
10. _____ to send into exile; to banish; to renounce allegiance
11. _____ act of stretching out; an extension
Great Expectations (Lessons 23–27)
Vocabulary Quiz #6
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. rhapsody
D. truculent
G. phosphoric
J. necromantic
M. obdurate
P. sanguine
S. malignity
B. intricacy
E. propensity
H. sententious
K. discursive
N. abeyance
Q. kiln
C. arbitrary
F. plenipotentiary
I. antipode
L. commiseration
O. magisterial
R. excavation
1. _____ disposed to fight; fierce
2. _____ cheerfully confidant; optimistic
3. _____ terse and energetic in expression; abounding in pompous moralizing
4. _____ a hole formed by cutting, digging, or scooping
5. _____ related to communication with spirits of the dead; sorcery
6. _____ a state of elated bliss; ecstasy
7. _____ hardened in wrongdoing or wickedness; stubbornly impenitent
8. _____ a diplomatic agent fully authorized to represent his government
9. _____ dogmatic; overbearing
10. _____ intense ill will or hatred; condition of being dangerous or injurious
11. _____ a direct or diametrical opposite
12. _____ any oven used for hardening, burning, or drying substances
13. _____ complexity
14. _____ condition of being temporarily set aside
15. _____ proceeding to a conclusion through reason rather than intuition
16. _____ relating to shining or glowing
17. _____ based on or subject to individual judgement or preference
18. _____ an innate inclination; a tendency
19. _____ feeling or expression of pity or sorrow
Great Expectations (Lessons 28–30)
Vocabulary Quiz #7
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. reconnoiter
D. feint
G. underlet
J. remonstrate
B. querulous
E. contrite
H. orthographical
K. assiduity
C. exordium
F. indelible
I. bilious
L. nocturnal
1. _____ to reason or plead in protest; present an objection
2. _____ a beginning or introductory part, especially of a speech or treatise
3. _____ of, relating to, or occurring in the night
4. _____ feeling regret or sorrow for one’s sins or offenses
5. _____ having a peevish disposition; ill-humored
6. _____ to make a preliminary inspection of
7. _____ to lease for less than the proper value
8. _____ persistent application or diligence
9. _____ deceptive action used to divert attention from one’s real purpose
10. _____ correct in spelling
11. _____ given to complaining; grumbling
12. _____ impossible to remove, erase, or wash away; permanent
Answer Keys to Great Expectations
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 1
1. explicit
2. impregnable
3. squally
4. connubial
Lesson 1
1. When he was little, Pip could not pronounce his full name.
2. The shape of the letters on the tombstones
3. Pip lived with his sister and her husband.
4. He demanded that Pip bring him food and a file; he would cut out his heart and liver.
5. The convict was in handcuffs.
6. She brought Pip up harshly by striking him often.
7. Joe was a blacksmith.
8. Tickler is the belt that Mrs. Joe used to spank Pip.
9. He saved the bread and butter for the convict.
10. He thought Pip had eaten it all in one bite; Mrs. Joe punished Pip for taking an “uncommon
bolt.”
11. They were old ships used as prisons; convicts were often hanged on the masts.
12. Pip was worrying about getting the things to the prisoner.
13. The holiday was Christmas.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 2
1. homily
2. penitential
3. conciliatory
4. contumacious
5. imprecation
Lesson 2
1. Pip sees another convict; he thought it was the other convict’s friend.
2. The convict ate like a dog.
3. He stopped eating and went to find the other man.
4. Pip said he went to hear Christmas carols.
5. They crossed their fingers.
6. Mr. Pumblechook, Mr. Wopsle, and Mr. and Mrs. Hubble
7. They were all very hard on him and talked down to him.
8. Joe gives Pip some more gravy.
9. The wine bottle contained tar water.
10. A soldier
1
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 3
1. arid
2. imp
3. pilfering
4. exonerated
5. execrates
Lesson 3
1. The soldiers want Joe to fix a lock and coupling.
2. Pip expresses the hope that the soldiers will not find the convicts.
3. Pip fears that the convict would think he lead the soldiers to arrest him.
4. The soldiers hear shouting.
5. Pip’s convict does not like the man because he supposedly is a gentleman but acts in a
ungentlemanly manner
6. The convict accuses Pip’s convict of trying to murder him.
7. The convict merely looks at Pip for a moment.
8. The convict says he took food from the forge.
9. Pip did not want Joe to be disappointed in him.
10. The convict climbed on the roof of the forge and lowered himself down through the
chimney.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 4
1. sagacious
2. venerate
3. erudition
4. perspicuity
5. farinaceous
6. ablution
Lesson 4
1. He thought “wife of the above” referred to his father in heaven; he thought “walk in the
same” meant he had to walk in one direction.
2. Pip was “educated” at Mr. Wopsle’s great-aunt’s evening school.
3. Biddy is the granddaughter of Mr. Wopsle’s great aunt.
4. His father died, and his mother died from grief.
5. Joe describes Pip as a “small and flabby and mean” when he was younger.
6. Joe disliked how his father treated his mother and determined that he would treat his wife
better.
7. Mrs. Joe states that Miss Havisham wants Pip to come for a visit.
8. The house is dark and deteriorating; Miss Havisham wears an old wedding dress.
9. Pip thinks Estella is pretty but proud and cold.
10. Pip is to return In six days.
11. Pip believes that he is common and lowly.
2
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 5
1. adamantine
2. ignominious
3. obtrusiveness
4. audacious
Lesson 5
1. Miss Havisham is tall and dark who sits in a black velvet coach.
2. Everyone played with flags and swords.
3. Mr. Pumblechook said that he talked to her through the door.
4. He lied about his description of Miss Havisham.
5. Joe advises Pip not to say anymore lies.
6. Pip decides to learn to read.
7. Biddy had the students read aloud.
8. The stranger was Pip’s convict; Pip saw the file
9. A shilling
10. The convict wrapped the money in two one-pound notes.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 6
1. trepidation
2. dexterous
3. sanguinary
4. supercilious
Lesson 6
1. Three ladies and one gentlemen are visiting Miss Havisham when Pip returns.
2. Pip thinks Camilla resembles his sister.
3. She slaps him; he pretends that he did not care.
4. Pip was to walk with Miss Havisham around the room.
5. She thinks her relatives are greedy and selfish.
6. This day was her birthday.
7. Pip encounters a young boy; he asks Pip to fight.
8. Estella allows Pip to kiss her.
9. Pip had fought and had beaten the “pale young gentleman.”
10. Pip began to confide in Biddy.
11. Joe was to come with Pip; Miss Havisham wanted to discuss Pip’s apprenticeship.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 7
1. augured
2. malevolent
3. excrescence
4. ostentatious
3
Lesson 7
1. Mrs. Joe insists on visiting Mr. Pumblechook.
2. Joe addresses his answers to Pip.
3. Twenty-five guineas.
4. He told her about the money.
5. Mr. Pumblechook claims that he had known about the money and took part in it.
6. It gives the impression that Pip has been arrested.
7. A tract for Pip to read in his cell.
8. Mrs. Joe insists on celebrating at the Blue Boar for supper.
9. Pip does not want to be a blacksmith; he wanted to stay at Miss Havisham’s and to become a
gentleman.
10. Pip feared that Estella might ride by and see him working at the forge..
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 8
1. altercation
2. preposterous
3. maudlin
4. aberration
Lesson 8
1. Pip wants to see Miss Havisham.
2. Orlick is jealous because Pip got a holiday; he asked Joe to give him a holiday also.
3. Mrs. Joe got angry and told Joe not to give Orlick a holiday.
4. Estella had gone to France.
5. To Mr. Pumblechook’s to hear Wopsle read.
6. They meet Orlick and learn that some convicts have escaped the hulks.
7. Mrs. Joe had been hit on the head.
8. The evidence is a leg iron.
9. Pip suspects either Orlick or the stranger.
10. Biddy attends the needs of Mrs. Joe.
11. Mrs. Joe is trying to draw a hammer to say that Orlick was guilty.
12. Instead of denouncing him, Mrs. Joe was very pleased to see Orlick.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 9
1. pugilistic
2. expostulatory
3. subterfuge
4. supposititious
Lesson 9
1. He sees Miss Havisham on his birthday every year.
2. Pip states that he wants to become a gentleman.
3. Biddy and Pip meet Orlick.
4. Orlick likes Biddy.
5. Mr. Jaggers is a lawyer; he tells Pip that he has a benefactor.
6. Pip must be known as Pip; his benefactor is to remain unknown to him.
4
7. Pip’s tutor is to be Mr. Matthew Pocket.
8. Pip must go to London.
9. Because Mr. Jaggers continues to offer Joe money for Pip’s release, even after Joe has
refused.
10. Pip believes that his benefactor is Miss Havisham.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 10
1. portmanteau
2. affable
3. amalgamation
4. divest
5. collation
6. adjuration
7. condescension
Lesson 10
1. Pip is afraid that something will happen to London before he gets there.
2. Pip promises himself he will give each of the villagers a fine dinner.
3. Pip imagines the cows are looking at him with more respect.
4. 4. Pip asks Biddy to help Joe with his reading; Biddy is hurt because Pip only wants Joe to
improve so he will not be ashamed of him.
5. 5. Pip wanted to avoid being seen in the village.
6. 6. Mr. Pumblechook repeatedly asks to shake Pip’s hand.
7. 7. Sarah Pocket is jealous that Pip has Miss Havisham’s money and she does not.
8. 8. Pip thinks that there would be a contrast with his “gentleman” clothes and with Joe’s
common clothes.
9. 9. Pip thinks about turning and going back home.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 11
1. dilapidated
2. confectioner
3. disgorged
Lesson 11
1. Pip thinks London was disappointing.
2. Mr. Jaggers has gone to court.
3. Pip takes a walk around London while he waits.
4. Jaggers is extremely unsympathetic and rough with the clients.
5. Pip is to stay at Barnard’s Inn.
6. Because Wemmick is wearing so many mourning rings.
7. Mr. Wemmick states that one could be robbed or murdered in London.
8. Pip feels a little disappointed in his room and London.
9. The young man is the same fellow who challenged Pip to a fight at Miss Havisham’s house.
5
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 12
1. acquiesce
2. asseverate
3. avaricious
4. propitiate
5. incipient
Lesson 12
1. Estella was to take revenge on men.
2. Herbert calls Pip, Handel; since Herbert and Pip get along harmoniously and since Pip was a
blacksmith, Herbert thought the name appropriate because Handel wrote a piece called “The
Harmonious Blacksmith.”
3. Miss Havisham had accused Mr. Pocket of wanting to get a favor from her,
4. Herbert thinks there was a plan by her brother for revenge on Miss Havisham.
5. Herbert works in a counting house; he wants to become an insurer of ships.
6. The Pockets met as teenagers and secretly married.
7. The servants
8. Mr. Drummle and Mr. Startop
9. Mr. Drummle is heir to a baronetcy
10. The baby was about to be hurt by the nutcracker; she scolded Jane.
11. Mr. Pocket pulls his hair when he is frustrated.
12. The cook is drunk.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 13
1. complacent
2. egress
3. apostrophe
4. rudiments
5. ludicrous
Lesson 13
1. Pip asks if he could keep his room at Barnard’s Inn.
2. So that he can own portable property.
3. Jaggers has Pip to look at his housekeeper.
4. Mr. Wemmick meant whether Pip wanted to see Mr. Jaggers in action at the court.
5. Jaggers is daring someone to rob him.
6. Pip is able to communicate to Wemmick’s father by nodding.
7. Wemmick does not want Jaggers to know about his home and his father.
8. The Aged’s treat was firing the cannon.
9. The house looks much like a miniature castle.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 14
1. obtuseness
2. reticent
3. lave
6
Lesson 14
1. Washing his face and hands and gargling.
2. Mr. Drummle.
3. The spider.
4. 4. The housekeeper is forced to show her scars on her wrists.
5. 5. The two men argued about borrowing money, but not lending any.
6. 6. Biddy states that Joe was coming to London to see Pip.
7. 7. Pip feels nervous and embarrassed.
8. 8. The Avenger.
9. 9. Mr. Wopsle had become an actor.
10. 10. Estella has come home and wants to see Pip.
Vocabulary Exercise,, Lesson 15
1. remiss
2. spurious
3. incommoded
4. lethargic
Lesson 15
1. Pip states that the hotel was closer to Miss Havisham.
2. A convict that Pip had seen at the Jolly Bargeman.
3. Pip overhears the convicts talking about two one-pound notes one of them had stolen.
4. The waiter wants to let Pip know that he thought Pumblechook was responsible for Pip’s
fortune.
5. Orlick opened the gate.
6. Estella states that she has neither heart nor feelings.
7. Pip becomes startled because there is something familiar about Estella that he cannot place.
8. Pip is to love Estella no matter how she treats him.
9. Mr. Jaggers arrives for dinner.
10. Miss Havisham never eats in public.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 16
1. truncheon
2. quell
3. rotatory
4. elocution
5. derisive
Lesson 16
1. Pip wants Orlick fired from Miss Havisham’s employ.
2. Trabb’s boy mocks Pip by getting on his knees in public and begging for forgiveness; then he
mocks Pip by acting the part of a snob.
3. Pip loves Estella.
4. Herbert suggests to Pip that he should not become too attached because Estella is hardhearted.
5. Herbert has a girlfriend.
7
6. The two young men decide to Wopsle’s play.
7. Waldengarver
8. The audience was loud and throwing things on the stage.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 17
1. latent
2. facetious
3. superfluous
Lesson 17
1. The note came from Estella; she was coming to London on the next day.
2. Wemmick was going to the prison.
3. Wemmick looked at the prisoners like a gardener looks at his plants.
4. He is being executed.
5. He thought about how he had been around prisons all his life and the contrast between Estella
and the prison.
6. Pip is to take Estella to Richmond where she will live with a rich family.
7. Estella is grateful to Pip for making Miss Havisham’s relatives jealous and miserable.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 18
1. meritorious
2. descry
3. solvency
4. Assiduity
5. cogent
Lesson 18
1. Pip’s lavish living was also putting Herbert into debt.
2. Pip and Herbert attend the Finch Club.
3. Pip may join the club when he comes of age.
4. At certain times, they would sit and account for their debts.
5. His sister was dead.
6. Biddy hopes to get a teaching position.
7. Biddy had seen Orlick in a tree the night Mrs. Joe died.
8. Biddy calls Pip, Mr. Pip; Pip does not like the formality.
9. Biddy questioned Pip when he promised that he would come back home often, which Pip has
not fulfilled.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 19
1. apoplectic
2. elongation
3. rubicund
4. jorum
8
Lesson 19
1. Pip receives five hundred pounds.
2. Pip asked about his helping Herbert Pocket.
3. Wemmick advised Pip not to help Herbert.
4. Pip wanted to see if Wemmick’s answer would be the same at his home.
5. The young men felt uncomfortable and guilty.
6. A wooden flap fell that said “John.”
7. Miss Skiffins is Wemmick’s girlfriend.
8. Wemmick agrees to help Pip.
9. Pip requests that his help must be done without Herbert’s knowledge.
10. The Aged read the news aloud.
11. Herbert got a job with an insurance broker.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 20
1. furrowed
2. repugnance
Lesson 20
1. Estella, a widow, and the widow’s daughter lived in a large, old house.
2. Estella tells Pip not to fall in love with her.
3. Estella wants Pip to take her to see Miss Havisham.
4. The ladies argue about Estella’s lack of gratitude and affection for Miss Havisham.
5. Miss Havisham was walking up and down the halls.
6. Pip is outraged with Drummle.
7. Drummle produces a letter from Estella.
8. Pip sees the convict who he helped years earlier.
9. The convict was Pip’s benefactor.
10. The convict was raising sheep in the “new world.”
11. The convict will be hanged if he is caught.
12. Pip was afraid that the convict might try to kill him.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 21
1. dram
2. expatriated
3. prolix
4. physiognomy
Lesson 21
1. Pip said the convict was his uncle.
2. Pip sees a man in the corner.
3. Pip learns that someone was behind him.
4. The convict’s assumed name was Provis, Abel Magwitch is his real name.
5. Magwitch stated that he was staying forever.
6. Pip goes to Mr. Jaggers to verify that Magwitch was indeed his benefactor.
7. He made Jaggers think that Provis was asking for Pip’s address for Magwitch.
9
8. Magwitch insisted that Herbert be sworn to secrecy.
9. Pip thought about becoming a soldier; Pip remembered Herbert’s friendship and his
obligation to him for Herbert’s job.
10. The two young men decide to get Magwitch out of England.
11. Pip asked Magwitch of his life’s story.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 22
extenuate
Lesson 22
1. Magwitch summed up his life as one of being in jail and out of jail.
2. Magwitch met the other convict at a race.
3. Magwitch’s business became one of swindling people.
4. He imagined a woman in white.
5. Because Compeyson had the appearance of a gentleman, he received a lighter sentence than
Magwitch.
6. Arthur is Miss Havisham’s half-brother and Compeyson was her old fiancé.
7. Estella went to see Miss Havisham.
8. Pip sees Bentley Drummle.
9. Drummle would be dining with Estella.
10. Several farmers needed to warm themselves by the fire.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 23
1. intricacy
2. rhapsody
3. Arbitrary
Lesson 23
1. Pip wanted Miss Havisham to help Herbert.
2. Estella is going to marry Drummle; Pip begs her not to marry Drummle.
3. “Don’t go Home;” Wemmick
4. Wemmick had overheard that Magwitch was in London.
5. Herbert thought it best to put Magwitch in the same apartment house with Clara and her
father.
6. Wemmick wanted Pip to be away during their arrangements in case someone was watching
him.
7. Wemmick thought Pip should take the property before something happened to it.
8. Wemmick advised Pip to stay with him for the evening.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 24
1. propensity
2. antipode
3. sententious
4. necromantic
10
5. plenipotentiary
6. phosphoric
7. truculent
Lesson 24
1. Pip leaves to go to Clara’s house.
2. Herbert describes the father as a “sad, old rascal” and an old shark.
3. Pip was afraid Magwitch might try to find Compeyson.
4. No one will notice anything unusual when Herbert and Pip leave with Magwitch.
5. Magwitch new assumed name is Mr. Campbell.
6. Pip was repulsed by Magwitch and did not want his money.
7. Pip decides to see one of Wopsle’s plays.
8. Compeyson was sitting behind Pip at the play.
9. Wemmick had advised Pip not to go back to the castle too often.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 25
1. discursive
2. commiseration
Lesson 25
1. Miss Havisham asks that Pip come see her.
2. Molly is Estella’s mother.
3. Jaggers was her lawyer.
4. Molly was jealous of the woman.
5. Jaggers pointed out the improbability that a woman would have been strong enough to
strangle the victim with her bare hands.
6. Miss Havisham gives Pip an order for Mr. Jaggers to give Pip the money to help Herbert.
7. Mr. Jaggers brought Estella to Miss Havisham.
8. Miss Havisham was burning because her dress came in contact with the fire.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 26
1. obdurate
2. abeyance
3. magisterial
Lesson 26
1. Magwitch had been married.
2. Magwitch hide so that he would not be accused of being a part to the supposed death of his
child.
3. Magwitch was Molly’s husband and Estella’s father.
4. Pip wants to tell Jaggers what he knew about Molly and Magwitch.
5. Pip tells Jaggers about Wemmick’s father and house.
6. Jaggers said he would get Molly off for the murder if she would give him her child.
7. Jaggers did not want to disgrace Estella.
8. Mike began to cry.
11
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 27
1. excavation
2. sanguine
3. kiln
4. malignity
Lesson 27
1. The me could leave early in the week.
2. Pip finds a letter telling him to come to the marshes.
3. The waiter and Pip discus how Pip got his fortune.
4. Orlick was waiting for Pip; Orlick knocked Pip out and tied him up.
5. Orlick believed that Pip ruined his chances with Biddy and his job with Miss Havisham.
6. Orlick had killed Pip’s sister.
7. Herbert found the letter Pip had dropped; Trabb’s boy had seen Pip and helped Herbert.
8. Pip was afraid that he would become ill and would be unfit to help in the escape.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 28
1. reconnoiter
2. querulous
3. exordium
4. feint
Lesson 28
1. Magwitch would get a ship going to the continent.
2. Pip learned that a four-oared galley had stopped there.
3. Pip sees two men looking into their boat.
4. The men were caught trying to escape.
5. Pip notices Compeyson.
6. Compeyson was killed.
7. The man got his clothes off the dead man.
8. Now that Magwitch was a prisoner, his money and property was confiscated by the
government.
9. Compeyson had the name of a banking house in New Southwales where Magwitch’s money
was.
10. Herbert proposes that Pip take a job as a clerk at Herbert’s business.
11. Wemmick takes a fishing rod.
12. Wemmick was getting married.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 29
1. contrite
2. indelible
3. orthographical
4. remonstrate
5. underlet
6. bilious
12
Lesson 29
1. Magwitch was very sick and dying.
2. Magwitch was going to die soon and trial could not be postponed.
3. A total of thirty-two people received the death penalty.
4. Pip wrote a petition to the Secretary of State.
5. Pip tells Magwitch that his daughter was alive and that Pip loved her.
6. His creditors visited Pip because they wanted to be paid.
7. Pip sees Joe.
8. Miss Havisham leaves some money to Matthew Pocket because of Pip’s account about him.
9. Orlick robbed Mr. Pumblechook’s house.
10. Joe stated that there were plenty of subjects for Pip and him to discuss without discussing
unnecessary ones.
11. Joe become more respectful, because while Pip was sick, he was like a little boy again, but
after he recovered, Pip became a gentleman once again from Joe’s point of view.
12. Pip finds a note saying Joe had left to go home.
13. Pip decides to propose marriage to Biddy.
Vocabulary Exercise, Lesson 30
1. nocturnal
2. assiduity
Lesson 30
1. The house is being torn down
2. Mr. Pumblechook states that Pip’s bad fortune is due to Pip’s lack of gratitude toward him.
3. Pip learns that Joe and Biddy were married.
4. Pip goes with Herbert to the “East.”
5. Pip was absent for eleven years.
6. Drummle is killed in a riding accident.
7. Pip decides to go to the site of Miss Havisham’s house.
8. Pip thinks about Magwitch.
9. Estella is softened and not so proud.
10. Pip and Estella will stay together.
13
Quiz #1
1. D
2. P
3. H
4. R
5. L
6. C
7. N
8. F
9. K
10. T
11. G
12. Q
13. A
14. M
15. I
16. S
17. E
18. O
19. J
20. B
Quiz #2
1. C
2. L
3. E
4. T
5. J
6. P
7. B
8. M
9. F
10. R
11. G
12. O
13. K
14. D
15. Q
16. I
17. S
18. N
19. A
20. H
Quiz #3
1. F
2. T
3. J
4. C
5. Q
6. L
7. H
8. O
9. A
10. S
11. I
12. M
13. D
14. R
15. G
16. N
17. B
18. K
19. P
20. E
Quiz #5
1. F
2. G
3. B
4. I
5. E
6. K
7. A
8. H
9. D
10. J
11. C
Quiz #6
1. D
2. P
3. H
4. R
5. J
6. A
7. M
8. F
9. O
10. S
11. I
12. Q
13. B
14. N
15. K
16. G
17. C
18. E
19. L
Quiz #7
1. J
2. C
3. L
4. E
5. I
6. A
7. G
8. K
9. D
10. H
11. B
12. F
14
Quiz #4
1. K
2. D
3. P
4. T
5. H
6. O
7. A
8. S
9. F
10. M
11. I
12. Q
13. B
14. J
15. R
16. G
17. N
18. C
19. L
20. E