English I
Great Expectations
Study Questions
STAGE I (chapters 1-19)
Chapter 1
1. Describe the person Pip encounters in the churchyard.
a. What does the person demand?
Chapter 2
2. What is Pip’s relationship with his sister?
a. What is Pip’s relationship with Joe Gargery?
3. What is Pip’s Christmas Eve dilemma?
Chapter 3
4. What mistaken identity occurs in the marshes?
Chapter 4
5. How does the Gargery family celebrate Christmas?
6. What is Pip’s state of mind?
7. What is Pip’s position among the guests?
Chapter 5
8. What interruption saves Pip from Mrs. Joe’s wrath?
9. What brings about the capture of the escaped convict?
10. What are Pip’s thoughts about the hunt?
Chapter 6
11. What prevents Pip from telling Joe the truth about pilfering?
Chapter 7
12. What are the drawbacks on Pip’s early education?
a. What were the drawbacks on Joe’s early education?
13. What expectations arise through Miss Havisham’s summons?
Chapter 8
14. What “hospitality” does Uncle Pumblechook extend toward Pip?
15. How does Estella’s contempt affect Pip?
16. Describe Miss Havisham and her possessions.
17. Why does Pip lie about his experiences at Satis House?
18. How does Joe react to Pip’s confession?
Chapter 10 Summary
Pip joins Joe, Mr. Wopsle, and a stranger at the Three Jolly Bargemen. The stranger perks at Pip’s
name and commands Pip’s attention with his stare. Hinting at Pip’s Christmas convict conspiracy, the
stranger is intent on verifying the people and places involved. He clenches his probing remarks with a
secret stir of his rum. Only Pip sees the stranger using the stolen file as a stirring stick. Upon parting,
the stranger gives Pip a shiny shilling, casually wrapped in two one-pound notes.
Chapter 11
20. Who are the “toadies and humbugs”?
21. Describe the gentleman Pip meets on the stairs.
22. What incident occurs between Pip and the “pale young gentleman”?
a. What effect does it have on Estella?
Chapter 12 Summary
The relationship between Pip and Miss Havisham develops. Pip returns to Satis House every other
day to wheel Miss Havisham about for hours. He and Miss Havisham grow accustomed to each
other. She asks Pip about his future, but does nothing to further his hopes. His services are
unrewarded, and he is taunted by Miss Havisham’s heartless references to Estella’s unobtainable
beauty.
Chapter 13 Summary
Miss Havisham summons Joe Gargery to her home in order to discuss Pip’s apprenticeship. Asking if
Pip objects to the trade, she remarks that Pip’s indentures do not provide for a premium. She gives
Pip twenty-five guineas, which she says he has earned. He is to give the “premium” to Joe, now his
master. Joe is not to demand more, nor is Pip expected to return to Satis House.
Pip is publicly humiliated when he is bound apprentice to Joe. Spectators at the Town Hall think he is
an offender by the way Uncle Pumblechook pushes him about. Later, the adults celebrate at Pip’s
expense. Part of the premium money provides for festivities which Pip cannot enjoy. He is
uncomfortable and tired. The adults increase his distaste for the celebration by prodding him to enjoy
himself. Inevitably, Pip attributes all of the bad impressions to Joe’s trade and begins to dislike it.
Chapter 14 Summary
Pip’s exposure to Satis House and his experiences at the forge alter his view of home. Although Pip’s
home had never been pleasant because of his sister’s temper, Joe had redeemed it by being a friend
to Pip. Pip’s youthful admiration for Joe had elevated life at the forge to an ideal plane: the glowing
path to manhood. Now the grimy reality of Pip’s work makes the forge seems coarse and common to
him. Ashamed of his home and livelihood, he dreads that Estella will discover his low existence.
Chapter 15
27. Describe Dolge Orlick.
28. What disagreement does Pip’s half-holiday precipitate?
29. How does Pip spend his half-holiday?
Chapter 16
30. What evidence is left at the scene of the crime?
31. What are the effects of the attack on Mrs. Joe?
a. As a result, what changes occur in the Gargery household?
Chapter 17
32. What is the relationship between Pip and Biddy?
Chapter 18
33. What are the results of Mr. Wopsle’s dramatic reading?
34. What “unusual business” does Jaggers transact?
a. What are the terms?
35. What are the immediate emotional effects of Pip’s rise in fortune?
Chapter 19 Summary
Pip, acquiring an air of superiority, pities the obscure and monotonous lives of the villagers. He feels
that he is bound for greatness and daydreams about sharing his good fortune. Insensitive to Joe’s
pride, Pip plans to raise Joe’s station in life. When he mentions the plan to Biddy, she argues against
“improving” Joe. Pip accuses Biddy of envy.
Pip discovers the power of money when he outfits himself for London. The mere mention of his
newly-acquired wealth commands the attention of the local tradesmen. They give him special
treatment. Mr. Trabb, the tailor, accords Pip special treatment at the expense of his hired boy—
measuring regard for the gentleman with disregard for the servant.
Uncle Pumblechook is no longer Pip’s tormenting superior. He recasts himself as a fawning childhood
friend who claims credit for leading up to Pip’s reward. He serves Pip much wine and the best
portions of a specially-prepared feast, after which he hints at an investment for Pip’s money.
Miss Havisham is obviously pleased with Pip’s appearance and his good fortune. She mentions
having seen Mr. Jaggers and remarks that Pip will certainly always keep his own name. There is no
doubt in Pip’s mind that Miss Havisham, whom he refers to as his fairy godmother, is the instrument
of his “great expectations.” (He believes she is the anonymous benefactor.)
STAGE II (chapters 20-39)
Chapter 20 Summary
Pip intercepts Mr. Jaggers as the lawyer leaves court, surrounded by pleading clients of all sorts. With
an air of superiority and power, Jaggers dismisses them, assuring them that if he is on the case, all is
well. Pip is convinced that Jaggers is not only popular but also extremely capable.
Chapter 21 Summary
Mr. Wemmick, Mr. Jagger’s chief clerk, is a peculiar-looking man. He is decked with death jewels. He
wears a bereavement brooch and at least four mourning rings. He watch chain hangs heavy with
more tokens of those who have died.
When Pip goes to meet the young Mr. Herbert Pocket who will be his roommate in London, Pip
immediately recognizes Herbert as the “pale young gentleman” whom he fought and defeated, with
some guilt, at Miss Havisham’s. Herbert is too busy making apologies and explanations to recognize
Pip. When he finally stops talking, the recognition he finally makes stuns him.
Chapter 22
43. What are Pip’s impressions of Herbert?
a. What are Herbert’s business interests?
44. What does Pip learn about Miss Havisham and Estella from Herbert?
Chapter 22
45. What are the signs of Mrs. Pocket’s preoccupation?
Chapter 23 Summary
Mrs. Pocket’s father had a role in making her the way she is. He had been a Knight (an honorary
title—such as Baron, Earl, or Duke--passed down through generations of important families)
convinced that his own father had been unjustly denied a higher title. An exaggerated sense of selfimportance caused him to rear his only daughter as one intended for a titled husband. Sheltered from
practical experience on how to run a household, she became a helpless, ornamental person, illequipped to be a wife and mother in a common family.
Chapter 24
According to Mr. Jaggers, Pip is not to be trained for a profession. Rather, he is to be educated for
“holding his own” with other prosperous young gentlemen (in other words, to be a rich young man
who only knows how to spend money—not earn it).
Jaggers, a spellbinder, awes people in the courtroom with his power. His speeches are so forceful
and frightening that people from bench to bar are suspended in “dread rapture” of his words.
Chapter 25
49. Compare Drummle and Startop.
50. What details of Jaggers’ home life does Wemmick impart to Pip?
51. What insight does Pip gain into Wemmick’s private life?
Chapter 26
52. What is so striking about Molly’s appearance?
53. How does Drummle behave at Jaggers’ dinner party?
Chapter 27
54. What is Pip’s reaction to Biddy’s letter?
55. What is the tone of Pip and Joe’s reunion?
56. What does Pip learn from Joe’s conversation?
Chapter 28 Summary
While riding on a stagecoach, Pip is seated in front of a convict whom he recognizes as the man who
had given him two one-pound notes at the Three Jolly Bargemen. The recognized convict and
another are in transport to the dockyards; Pip is on his way to Satis House. Pip is frightened by the
realization of who is sitting behind him, and he is debating whether or not to return the two pounds
sterling when he overhears that the convict was acting in behalf of the graveyard convict for whom
Pip had stolen food. Pip learns that “his” Christmas convict received a life sentence for that escape.
Chapter 29 Summary
Pip, at first, thinks that Estella is an elegant stranger. Her cultivation, having far surpassed his own,
causes Pip to feel coarse and common again. He stammers at her perfect composure. The distance
between them is impossible to bridge, and yet, she is inseparable from the innermost part of his life.
Chapter 30 Summary
Pip feels that Orlick is a dangerous man for Miss Havisham to employ as a porter. Pip expresses his
concern to Jaggers, thus prompting Jaggers to dismiss Orlick.
Pip enjoys being looked after by the trades people. He pretends not to notice their contrived
encounters. Trabb’s boy, however, does not abide being snubbed by Pip. Trabb’s boy mocks Pip’s
pride by relentlessly pursuing him through town with mimicry.
Herbert is engaged to Clara, a girl whose station is beneath his mother’s ridiculous “family notions.”
Clara’s demanding, invalid father was once a ship’s purser, so there is nothing wealthy or famous
about Clara’s family. Because of their poverty, Herbert and Clara cannot marry until Herbert begins to
make some money in his career.
Chapter 31 Summary
Mr. Wopsle performs in a poorly acted production of Hamlet. Wopsle, as Hamlet, is a laughingstock.
Chapter 32 Summary
Jagger’s chief clerk, Wemmick, regards Newgate Prison as the next thing to the office. He reminds
Pip of a gardener tending plants as he makes his rounds through the prison. He is popular with the
prisoners, but he also carries a trace of Jaggers’s aloofness. Wemmick is strict in the matter fees, and
unemotional toward the condemned. His practicality and desire for “portable property” (i.e., money or
items that can be sold for money) prompt him to ask a doomed client for a pair of pigeons. (In other
words, he isn’t shy about asking prisoners condemned to be executed for some of the property they’ll
leave behind.)
Chapter 33 Summary
Estella visits London. She plans to reside with a woman of high station in Richmond who will provide
her with proper social introductions.
When Pip remarks that she will enjoy the change and admiration, Estella agrees as if speaking about
someone else. She accepts it as part of Miss Havisham’s plan.
Mr. Pocket (Herbert’s father) is a celebrated authority on family life. His writings on child and servant
management are highly regarded. Pip is about to ask his practical advice when he observes Mrs.
Pocket’s lack of concern over the missing knitting needles, with which she has allowed her baby to
play. Her impracticality reflects on her husband, who indulges her ceaseless concern with social
“dignities.” So Pip decides Mr. Pocket probably isn’t the best person to question about love and
marriage.
Chapter 34
66. What are the effects of Pip’s expectations?
Chapter 35 Summary
Mr. Trabb, the tailor, dresses everyone in proper mourning clothes for Mrs. Joe’s funeral. Pip regards
Mr. Trabb’s efforts as absurdly showy and wasteful. He is concerned about Joe’s physical discomfort
in the griever’s cloak. Joe himself would have preferred simplicity, but his concern for showing
respect, according to his neighbors’ opinions, results in following Trabb’s directions.
Biddy silently accuses Pip of neglecting Joe. She tells Pip that Mrs. Joe’s last words were “Joe,”
“Pardon,” and “Pip.” Biddy reminds Pip of Joe’s uncomplaining love. When Pip says he intends to visit
often, Biddy doubts him in silence. Pip is affronted by the accuracy of Biddy’s insight. Her silence
stings, and he returns her accusation of unkindness. The “bad side of human nature” is actually what
she forces Pip to recognize in himself.
Chapter 36 Summary
Pip anticipates something special when he “comes of age” (turns 21); he thinks he will earn the
identity of his benefactor on or about his birthday.
Summoned to Little Britain, he asks Jaggers if he is to receive something. Jaggers gives him a five
hundred pound bank note and a reprimand for his excessive spending. Pip is told that he is to live at
the annual rate of five hundred pounds until his benefactor appears. The allowance puts Pip in charge
of his own finances.
Pip asks Wemmick how he might help a friend (Herbert) get started in “commercial life.” Wemmick
discouragingly advises Pip to throw his money into the Thames. That way, Pip will know what
becomes of it. However, Wemmick hints that he would offer different advice if they were at
Wemmick’s home.
Chapter 37
71. Describe the Aged Parent and Miss Skiffins.
72. What arrangements are made for Herbert’s future?
Chapter 38
73. What is the Richmond relationship between Pip and Estella?
74. How does Pip discover Miss Havisham’s use of Estella?
a. How does she use her?
75. What is the argument between Estella and Miss Havisham?
76. How does Drummle make Pip feel wretched?
a. What warning does Pip give Estella?
Chapter 39
77. What is the setting in which Pip is reading?
a. Why does he stop reading?
78. Who enters Pip’s apartment?
a. What is Pip’s attitude toward his guest?
79. What does Pip learn about the convict’s source of income?
a. What does he learn about his own?
b. How does Pip react?
STAGE III (chapters 40-59)
Chapter 40 Summary
Abel Magwitch, alias Provis, has returned to London to enjoy watching Pip spend money like a
gentleman. Furthermore, Pip is informed, Magwitch does not intend to leave.
Pip’s servants are not allowed to see “Uncle” Provis until his appearance is altered. He is disguised
as a prosperous farmer with shorn hair. Pip rents a second floor room for Provis in a boardinghouse
directly behind his own. For safety, they venture out together only after dark.
Magwitch’s return from life-term exile is a felony punishable by death. Although Magwitch doubts that
anyone would profit from his arrest, Pip cannot forget the unidentified person suspiciously lurking on
the stairs outside his apartment the night of Magwitch’s arrival.
Chapter 41 Summary
Although Pip will accept nothing more from Provis, he is already heavily in debt to him. Pip’s situation
is complicated by the nature of his education; instructed for no specific calling, he feels unsuited for
all. Discussing Pip’s occupational options, Herbert ironically mentions Clariker, unaware that his
position is also connected with Provis.
Pip and Herbert discuss the potential danger of Provis’s disappointment should Pip openly refuse
further support. If his life-sustaining purpose is dashed, the distraught benefactor might surrender
himself. In this way, Pip is a victim of blackmail with a twist. Pip and Herbert conclude that they must
get Provis out of England before Pip withdraws himself from his patron. The aversion of the young
men for Provis is unspoken, yet understood.
Chapter 42
83. Summarize Provis’ biography.
a. What significant connection does Herbert recognize in the story?
Chapter 43
84. What is suggested during the encounter between Pip and Drummle?
Chapter 44
85. What does Pip say to Estella and Miss Havisham?
a. How do the women respond?
Chapter 45 Summary
Wemmick has heard that Pip has been and will be watched at his quarters in the Temple. So, while
Pip is at Satis House, Wemmick convinces Herbert to move Provis to safer quarters (in the same
boarding house as Clara Barley and her father at Mill Pond Bank). Wemmick cautiously informs Pip
that Compeyson is in London.
Wemmick approves of the new hideout for three reasons. It is off the beaten path, and it is near the
river, thus providing access to foreign bound ships when the time to break cover is right. Also, Herbert
can keep Pip informed about Provis since Herbert’s fiancé lives in the same house.
Chapter 46 Summary
Mrs. Whimple, the pleasant, elderly landlady of the house at Mill Pond Bank, is a meticulous
housekeeper. Her motherly help sustains Clara Barley, Herbert’s fiancée. Clara is nurse and servan t
to an ogre father, whom Herbert calls “Gruffandgrim.” Old Bill Barley is the victim of gout and is a
drunk; his gentle daughter is the victim of his ceaseless demands and Purser’s allowance. The
boarder at the top, Provis, alias Mr. Campbell, prefers a secluded life.
Herbert proposes that Pip keep a boat at the Temple stairs. He and Pip will practice rowing on the
river. By the time Wemmick recommends flight, they will be experienced and familiar oarsmen.
Chapter 47 Summary
Proudly refusing Provis’s monetary help, Pip grows short of ready cash. He begins selling his
“portable property.” He is “condemned to inaction”; waiting, he constantly anticipates the worst.
Mr. Wopsle recognizes one of the escaped convicts whom he helped hunt many Christmases ago.
The man was seated directly behind Pip in the theater. By his description, Pip realizes it was
Compeyson.
Chapter 48
91. What does Pip realize about Molly?
a. What does Wemmick tell him about her?
Chapter 49
92. How does Miss Havisham express her remorse toward Pip?
a. What is her remorse toward Estella?
93. What illusion does Pip experience in the brewery?
a. What does he do because of it?
Chapter 50
94. What does Herbert tell Pip about Provis?
a. What does Pip conclude?
Chapter 51
95. How does Pip enlighten Jaggers?
a. What does Pip demand from him in exchange?
96. What “imaginary” case does Jaggers “put before” Pip?
Chapter 52 Summary
Wemmick suggests the early part of the week or Wednesday for smuggling Provis out of the country.
Because Pip is not fully recovered from the burns received at Satis House, Herbert proposes Startop
as a trustworthy oarsman.
Since foreign steamers leave London at high-water time, the plan calls for getting down river by a
previous ebb-tide. There Pip, Herbert, Startop, and Provis will lie in wait until they can hail a foreign
steamer. Pip is not particular about destination, so long as it is out of England. Any foreign steamer
that will pick up the pair will do.
Pip receives an anonymous letter which summons him to the sluice-house near the lime-kiln on the
old marshes. He is to come alone this night or the next at nine, and he is to bring the letter with him.
The letter hints at information concerning “Uncle” Provis.
Without realizing who Pip is, the innkeeper at Pip’s home town tells Pip his own story, with the local
twist of Pumblechook as Pip’s unappreciated benefactor. Pumblechook’s lying complaint about Pip’s
ingratitude elevates Joe, who has long suffered uncomplainingly (Joe never once complained about
Pip’s snobbish, ungrateful attitude).
Chapter 53
101. Why does Orlick lure Pip to the sluice-house?
102. What does Orlick know about Provis?
103. Who comes to Pip’s rescue?
a. How do they find him?
Chapter 54
104. What is Provis’ attitude toward danger?
a. What is his attitude toward the escape?
105. What causes uneasiness among the crew?
106. Summarize Provis’ arrest.
Chapter 55
107. What is Jaggers’ opinion of the case?
108. What is Herbert’s news?
a. What does he propose?
109. What is unusual about Wemmick’s wedding?
Chapter 56 Summary
Magwitch suffers a lung wound caused by broken ribs. His breathing become painful and his speech
becomes barely audible. Pip observes that he weakens daily.
Magwitch seems resigned and worn out. His few words reveal that he is reviewing the quality fo his
life. In spite of his notorious reputation, he is certain that Pip has seen some redeeming merit in him.
He is humble, contrite, and uncomplaining throughout his suffering.
Pip is incredulous when he sees thirty-two men and women, including Magwitch, receive a death
sentence en masse. During the sentencing, Magwitch is singled out by the Judge for special
reprimand in front of the spectators.
Pip’s conspicuous association with the most notorious of the condemned criminals is proof of his new
humility. Fearing that Magwitch may not die of his injuries before his appointed execution, Pip
sleeplessly petitions various authorities for mercy.
Pip finally tells Magwitch that his long lost daughter lives. She is a beautiful lady with powerful friends,
and Pip loves her.
Chapter 57
113. What is Pip’s physical condition?
a. What is his state of mind?
114. What news does Joe give Pip?
115. What is the relationship between Pip and Joe?
116. What is Pip’s intention in going home?
Chapter 58
117. What does Pumblechook publicly instruct Pip to tell Joe?
a. What does the Impostor tell others?
118. What unusual conditions does Pip observe on his way to Joe’s place?
a. What event has taken place?
119. How does Pip react to the news?
a. How does it alter his plans?
120. Summarize the next eleven years of Pip’s life.
Chapter 59
121. What has happened to Joe, Biddy, and Estella in the same eleven years?
a. How is Estella changed?