Chapter 39: The Truth

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Another leap in time...now he's 23.

The last paragraph on page 333 starts a lengthy description of the weather conditions and how they affect Pip's environment. Weather always tells us something in literature. Always keep on eye on the weather.

Figurative Language Alert!!! Great personification/simile here: "the smoke came rolling down the chimney as though it could not bear to go out into such a night." Love that line.

So Pip's convict -- still no name at this point -- was/is his benefactor. How does this change Pip's prospects in life?

Why is he so ungrateful to the convict?

Why is Pip just now regretting how he has treated Joe and Biddy?

Chapter 38: The Apple and the Tree

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Man, Pip's got it bad...and Estella has not only hinted -- but actually warned Pip -- that she does not feel the same towards him. So why does he torturing himself? Why doesn't he just stop seeing her?

Is Pip correct in his thinking -- that he is chosen by Miss Havisham, and that makes Estalla more able to break the hearts of other men because she is untouchable?

It seems that Miss Havisham really has made a heartless monster of Estella. Are Estella's logical analogies true? Is it possible for a human to feel no love for another?

Although Pip is irate about Drummle, Estella indicates she is leading him on, like so many others. The exception for her is Pip. Does this mean that he is the only one she cares for? Does she love him without actually realizing it?

Chapter 37: The Bank of Pip

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What character traits are revealed by Dickens concerning Wemmick in this chapter? How does he reveal these traits?

Wemmick sets up Herbert at Pip's request. Pip says that he is glad his expectations have done someone some good. What does he mean by that? Don't his expectations do him some good?

Here's a question: How is it that Pip sees fit to help out Herbert but does not help out Joe?

Chapter 36: You Got Your Manhood, Pip!

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Now that Pip is 21, he is a man in this culture. He is now in charge of his own money. How well do you think he will handle that responsibility?

Pip expected to find out who his benefactor was on his 21st birthday. What possible motivation would the benefactor have for not making this revelation to Pip?

Does Wemmick provide sound advice concerning Pip's desire to help Herbert out? What advice do you think he would have given if her were at Walworth?

Chapter 35: The Funeral

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Although Pip's family had died, Mrs. Joe's death is the only death he remembers. Do you remember the first time a "grave had opened" in your life? How did your experience match up with or differ from Pip's experience?

Mrs. Joe -- his sister, Joe's wife -- has died, yet Pip stays at the Blue Boar before the funeral. What does this tell us about Pip?

Is there significance to the three words Mrs. Joe says before she dies?

What's up with creeper Orlick?

In his talk with Biddy, why does Pip constantly "give up the point?"

Chapter 34: Mounting Debts

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Pip is aware of the negative effect his "great expectations" have had on him. This being the case, why doesn't he make an effort to change? What could/should he do?

Pip is a big spender now, by his own admission. Why does he have regret about doing this with Herbert?

As for Herbert...have you ever been with someone who has more money than you and felt that you should keep up with their spending habits?

Herbert has an interesting view on what makes one prosperous in America...

Allusion Alert!!! Lloyd's of London...look it up and note its history.

What is humorous about Herbert and Pip's efforts concerning their mounting debts?

What significance do you think Mrs. Joe's death will have for Pip? for Joe?

Chapter 33: Tea for Two

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Why do you think Estella's "manner was more winning" than it had ever been before?

Pip states in a parenthetical comment: "I was not at all happy there at the time, observe, and I knew it well." Why wasn't he happy to have Estella alone in a restaurant?

Why are the Pockets (other than Matthew) scheming against Pip?

Pip finally learned how to tip...with Estella's money...

Estella calls Pip by his name for the first time -- a gesture that makes an impression on Pip. What is the significance of this gesture?

Just for fun...

Certainly a rival performance for Wopsle...

Chapter 32: Jailhouse Visit

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Is there any hope for a relationship with Estella based on her letter to Pip? Why, or why not?

Based on what you read, what is Dickens' opinion of the penal system, as filtered through the descriptions of Pip?

What do you make of Wemmick's conversation with the Colonel? What does this interaction tell us about Wemmick's character?

What is the nameless shadow?

Chapter 31: I Do Not Like White Legs and Ham

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Clearly, Herbert and Pip are not in Denmark...five phantom points to the first person who identifies the play they are watching...

Sounds like a fun play to watch -- what's ironic about that?

Mr. Wopsle mistakenly says "service" instead of "representation." What do you make of that?

So...does Pip know the works of Shakespeare? Tell me what you think and why you think that.

Wopsle goes home with the boys to dine at Pip's request. This is probably the most decent thing Pip has done since he became aware of his great expectations. Can you think of anything else he's done that can be considered thoughtful on his part? What does this action tell us about Pip at this point?

Chapter 30: Thank You Trabby Much

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Pip convinces Jaggers to get Orlick away from Miss Havisham. How do you think Orlick will react if he finds out Pip is the one who convinced Jaggers to do this?

Trabb's boy...again...what do you make of his odd behavior? What about Pip's reaction to his behavior?

Dear Pip,
An angry letter? Seriously?

Sincerely,
A Concerned Reader

I never knew that seafood was an acceptable way to say, "I'm sorry."

Herbert seems to have a very good idea of what makes Pip tick. What seems to be Dickens' purpose for including a character like Herbert in this story?

Chapter 29: Amore (sorry, guys)

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Pip has very lofty romantic ideas about Estella, but he tempers them with doses of reality. Does he really think he'll be able to gain the affections of Estella? Do you?

Orlick as porter...seems logical...he's as close to being a criminal as you can get, so he should be able to handle himself if there is an intruder...

It's odd that Estella can't remember her cruel treatment of Pip. She has no heart, according to her own words...no sentimentality. What proves this idea wrong?

Why won't Jaggers look at Estella during dinner -- even when he talks to her -- yet he sneaks looks at her while they are playing cards? What do you make of that?

Chapter 28: Flashback Character

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Even Pip knows that his justifications for staying at the Blue Boar are no more than justifications...so why does he choose to stay there anyway?

It's odd that Pip's convict gave another convict (a stranger) the two pound notes to give to Pip. Very naive, indeed. So why did the convict from the Blue Boar give Pip the money instead of spending it himself?

Pumblechook is shameless. Why does he spend so much time and energy trying to convince others that Pip's great expectations are due in large part to Pumblechook's doings?

Chapter 27: Joe's Mission

Why is Pip so averse to Joe's visit?

Pip, who has only just come into wealth, now focuses on interior decorating, and he acquires and dresses a servant before having a use for him.

Wopsle is now an actor in London. Can you guess what play he's in?

How bad must Barnard's Inn be if Joe wouldn't keep a pig there? What does this say about Pip's improvements to the place?

What symbolism can you discern in the comedic tumbling of Joe's hat?

Very touching final scene in this chapter. Joe reminds me of Forest Gump...he may not be the smartest man, but he knows what love is and he knows right from wrong. Life is just a box of chocolates...

Chapter 26: Out for Dinner

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Why is Jaggers somewhat OCD about washing his hands?

What stands out to you concerning the description of Jaggers' house?

Why does Jaggers like Drummle?

What is so significant about Molly's wrists? In what way to they show power?

Chapter 25: Nodding

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Pip starts with commentary about the variety of people he is surrounded by. What traits does he seem to dislike? What does he tend to like in other people?

Why do you think Jaggers invites thieves to try and rob his home?

Wemmick's home sounds like a mini-castle, fortified with food and a cannon. Why do you think he's so insistent on keeping work at work and home at home?

What do you find interesting about Wemmick's collection of oddities?

Chapter 24: Getting Settled

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Pip is like many college freshmen...they know that they want to go to college and get an education, but they aren't sure what profession they want to pursue.

Why is Jaggers giving Pip such a hard time when Pip asks for money? He acts as if it is his own money he's giving to Pip.

Why do you think Jaggers keeps facial casts of men who have been executed for crimes?

Why is "portable property" so important to Wemmick?

Based on the courtroom scene described by Pip, what type of lawyer is Jaggers?

Chapter 23: The Scholar's Home

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Drummle and Startop...odd names, but characters to remember -- especially Drummle.

A very hectic chapter -- and this is where some of Dickens' genius shows up. Notice how his writing style seems to reflect a lack of focus. This is how our brains work when we are surrounded by chaos, and he captures it perfectly. This is much different from the writing in previous chapters.

Imagine being thrown into this scenario after having been an only child -- an orphan -- in the Gargery household. Pip seems to hold his own as he makes sense of it all.

This chapter is an example of Dickens' take on the bourgeois level of society. What do you think his opinion of that level of society is?

Chapter 22: Pip Dreams (yes, it's a pun)

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Herbert seems like a truly nice guy, but what's up with calling Pip Handel? What can you derive about Herbert's personality from his reasoning -- why he doesn't like Phillip but does like Handel?

Herbert is very kind -- almost funny -- in the ways in which he schools Pip on proper dinner manners...

So we get the story of Miss Havisham's jilting...or at least all that Herbert knows. So who is the brother and who is the runaway groom? I hope we get that answer in later chapters...

What is the connection between A) the childhood fight and Herbert's account of the childhood fight, and B) Herbert's current employment and Herbert's account of his current employment?

What are you first impressions of Mrs. Pocket and her parenting skills (tumbling up)?

Chapter 21: Diminished Expectations

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Wemmick seems to be an interesting chap. What stands out to you in his description and his dialogue?

Wemmick says Barnard's Inn reminds him of the country. Why does Pip see it as the most dismal of places?

Why do you think Wemmick is out of the habit of shaking hands?

The pale young boy!!! It should come as no surprise, really, as he is a relative of Miss Havisham. Maybe Pip will punch him again...

Chapter 20: London Town

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Apparently, Pip hasn't conquered the custom of tipping...

What are the first descriptive impressions Pip gives us of London? What about Jaggers' office?

What can you make of Jaggers' profession and character based on his interactions with the people who are waiting to see him? What kind of man is he? What kind of lawyer is he?

Chapter 19: The Fallout

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Joe knows about symbolic gestures -- he puts the indenture papers in the fire. Also symbolic is what the clergyman reads at the service (though it is only briefly mentioned). What is the idea of the sermon about the rich man and the kingdom of Heaven? Why does Pip not really care for this story?

Pip has already gained some of the snobbery associated with the upper class he is to be a part of. What things struck you as somewhat snobbish behavior on his part? What do you think of his behavior in this chapter?

What do you think of Trabb's boy? And what of the treatment he receives from Trabb? And what of the behavior Trabb's boy has towards Pip? Much has been made about this character by scholars, so I would like to see what your thoughts are...

Pip seems to have a different opinion of Pumblechook that was perceptible in this chapter. What accounts for this changed point of view?

Why is it significant that Pip should always and forever keep the name of Pip?

I like the throwing of the horse shoes by Joe and Biddy -- a wish of good luck and safe travels. That was a nice touch.

...and so, after a lackluster farewell and brief melancholy, we come to the end of the first part of Pip's great expectations...

Chapter 18: Surpise!

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So Pip is in the fourth year of his apprenticeship...not the time leap here.

Why does Jaggers continually bite his finger? (I don't have an answer...it just seems like something we should know.)

Why does Pip assume that Miss Havisham is behind his "great expectations"?

This is like a dream come true for Pip -- he is to have a fortune and become a gentleman. It's kind of like hitting the lottery. Can you think of any movies with a similar plot?

Chapter 17: Pip's Problem with Women

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What do you get out of Pip's description of Biddy and how she felt about it? Is he crushing? Does he love her? What DOES he feel towards her?

What are Biddy's feelings towards Pip, based on her behavior and their conversations?

Orlick is a creeper...thank goodness THAT tradition has passed: "I like you, so I'm going to dance at you."

Chapter 16: How about a game of Clue?

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Orlick, or the stranger from the pub? What say ye?

As bad as she was, Mrs. Joe certainly didnt' deserve this fate. Why is she being so nice to Orlick now?

A reminder

As this appears to be the first time many of you are checking in, I just wanted to remind you that you may comment on any of the chapters...you do not have to comment on them all...just make sure you have five total comments for this section. They are due by midnight on Tuesday. Hope you are all enjoying your holiday weekend (and not frantically trying to catch up on reading because you were procrastinating).

New posts for the second section will go up after midnight on Tuesday.

Chapter 15: An Education

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Oh, to have a student like Pip! Hungry for education? Awesome...and he wants to share his knowledge! his motive for sharing needs adjustment, though.

What do you think of the Orlick character? What stands out about this man? I have to say that I did like the fact that he said many of the things to Mrs. Joe that Joe may have thought at one point or another. We also get to see another side of Joe due to the resulting fight.

Pip's visit to Miss Havisham only results in more frustration, but we are left again with a mystery that keeps us reading...Mrs. Joe down for the count.

Chapter 14: The Oral Cavity of an Equine

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We get a look inside Pip's brain to answer the earlier question: Why is Pip ashamed of his life, his family, and his impending future?

If Joe has shown him all of the good in life, why is he embarrassed of Joe? Why isn't he embarrassed of his own sister?

This chapter shows a recognition on Pip's part that he is at a crossroad in life. This is an important benchmark for Pip. What are your thoughts about his thoughts? What advice would you give him?

After reading this chapter, what do you think about Pip as a character? Does it matter that he readily admits his shortcomings and faults?

Chapter 13: All Dressed Up and Somewhere to Go

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OK, so Joe Gargery is no Jude Law, but still, a pretty close fit to the look I imagined on Joe.

Why does Joe speak to Pip instead of answering Miss Havisham directly?

How does Joe show that -- in spite of his lack of education -- he is a smart man?

How is it that Pip suddenly doesn't want to be Joe's apprentice now, when his whole life he has looked forward to this day and all the "larks" they will have?

Chapter 12: EXPOSITION!!!

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In Chapter 8, Pip says< "I thought I overheard, 'Well? You can break his heart.'" In this chapter, he says he thought he heard Miss Havisham "murmuring something that sounded like, 'Break their hearts.'" Since Pip is clearly telling this story from the perspective of his older, grown self, does this mean that he can't remember what she said? Does it mean he could be assuming this is what she said? Definitely a reason to look at the reliability of the narration...

A lot of exposition in this chapter...A LOT! There is also a time leap of almost a year. See if you can find information on what it meant to be apprenticed to a trade during the Victorian Era. What would that generally be like for a young boy like Pip?

What makes Mrs. Joe go on such a rampage when she hears that Joe has been summoned by Miss Havisham? What does this reveal about Mrs. Joe?

Chapter 11: Toadies and Humbugs

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Pip, as seen through the eyes of South Park. Leave it to them to abuse this literary icon...

Again, notice the descriptions of Satis House here, and think about the mood created.

Are you a toady or a humbug? A very humorous and apt desciption of Camilla, Miss Pocket, Raymond, and Sarah. What was funniest about these descriptions?

The room with the wedding cake is described in great detail with arful imagery. What images struck you as important in that description?

Why have all the relatives (except Matthew Pocket, apparently) come to visit Miss Havisham...the REAL reason? What is Miss Havisham's attitude toward her relatives?

Why is Estella's face flushed? And why did she suddenly want Pip to kiss her?

Chapter 10: Pip at the Pub

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At first, it seems the stranger at the pub is the convict, but wouldn't Pip have remembered what his convict looked like? And even if he forgot, wouldn't he have remembered once he saw the file? If this is a friend of the convict, why is he here? Certainly, he wouldn't be looking for Pip in a pub...

Chapter 9: The Cherry Tree Redux

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If only Pip had known of George Washington...

Pip is not a very gifted liar when it comes to the happenings at Miss Havisham's. What makes his story believable to Mrs. Joe and Pumblechook? More importantly, what does this belief in Pip's story tell us about these two characters?

What does Joe's reaction to Pip's lies tell us about Joe?

Pip is really an "oncommon" thinker for his age, as evidenced by his philosophy on omitting any one day from your life. Have you ever wished a day undone? If you could do that day over, what would it look like? How would that have possibly affected the days following that changed day?