Stage I Summary
As the novel opens, Pip is wandering amongst his parents? tombstones in the churchyard. Here, Pip meets an escaped convict. Pip brings the man nourishment and a file to free himself of the iron chain of bondage. Pip returns home to his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery, and his brother-in-law and best friend, Joe Gargery. Pip does not tell either of them about the convict. The next day, policemen arrive at the Gargery house, and Pip and Joe assist them in their search for the two convicts; the convict Pip helped, and another man (Note: that while Pip and Joe do assist in the search, Pip does not reveal any knowledge of either convict). A few weeks later, Pip goes to Miss Havisham?s house. He discovers that she is an old, rich, and eccentric lady that seeks revenge on mankind. She has an adopted daughter, Estella, with whom Pip becomes infatuated. While there, Pip has a fight with a ?pale young gentleman?. Also at Miss Havisham?s, Pip begins to feel ashamed of himself and seeks a richer and more ?uncommon? status. After visiting with Miss Havisham for several months, Pip is apprenticed to Joe, who runs the forge. One night Pip recieves a surprise visit from a Mr. Jaggers, a lawyer in London. He tells Pip of ?great expectations? from a secret benefactor. Pip is very excited and looks forward to the journey of becoming a ?gentleman?. He leaves Joe and Biddy, a friend of Pip’s who is in love with him, and starts off for London. he leaves thinking that Miss Havisham is his benefactor, and that he is being groomed into a gentleman, so that someday he may marry Estella.
Stage II Summary
Stage two begins directly afier Pip leaves the forge upon learning of his great expectations (chapter 20). It documents his life in London, his progress towards becoming a “gentleman” and his discovery of the true identity of his benefactor (chapter 39). Many of the main characters in the novel are introduced in this stage. It is while in London that Pip meets Herbert, Wemmick, Compeyson, Mr. Pocket, Bently Drummle, Clara, and Molly. In addition, this stage reveals to us much more about Mr. Jaggers. In Chapter twenty-one, Pip is taken to Mr. Jaggers office and makes the acquaintance of Wemmick and is greatly disturbed by the condition of the office of Mr. Jaggers. As the chapter closes, he meets Herbert Pocket and discovers that his new roommate is the “pale young gentleman” that he beat up in the boxing match at Ms. Havisham’s house. in chapter twenty-two, Herbert nicknames Pip “Handel” and they exchange pleasantries. Here, Pip learns from Herbert the history behind Ms. Havisham’s actions and is introduced to the rest of Herbert Pocket’s family. The entire of Chapter twenty-three was spent in the Pocket household having dinner. During the course of this chapter it became apparent that Mrs. Pocket is very concerned with appearances while Mr. Pocket is more involved with the truth of situations. Also, it becomes apparent that Flopson and Sophia, the two maids, are much more involved as parents to the young Pockets than are their parents. Chapter twenty-four outlines the first withdrawal that Pip makes from Mr. Jaggers office and displays the resolution that Mr. Jaggers has in avoiding making any suggestions at all, in order to avoid lawsuits against him. Also, Pip sees the fear that Mr. Jaggers instills in every participant of a hearing, due to his fierce oratorical powers. Chapter twenty-five fightly covers Pip’s life at tutoring with Mr. Pocket, but the majority of the chapter is about Wemmick’s home. It is in this chapter that Pip meets “the Aged P.” and discovers that Wemmick’s home and his home disposition are vastly different from his work and his attitude at home. Wemmick’s house is actually a castle-type building, complete with a tower, moat and drawbridge. As chapter twenty-six opens, Pip discovers Mr. Jaggers washing his hands with scented soap and is invited to dinner by his guardian. At this dinner, Pip’s acquaintances, Bently Drummle and Startop, got into a discussion with him over strength, and they began to show off for one another (and probably Mr. Jaggers). Mr. Jaggers put an end to it by showing them ail Molly1s wrists (Molly was Mr. Jaggers servant), but he apparently takes a liking to Drummle as he makes a point of asking Pip about him. A letter to Pip from Joe (through Biddy) opens chapter twenty-seven, and the rest of the chapter discusses Joe’s subsequent visit. Pip flnds out that Mr. Wopsle has become an actor in a local theater and also that Estella has returned from Paris and would be glad to see him. As Joe leaves, something in him startles Pip and makes him see the value in his simplicity, if only for a moment. In chapter twenty-eight, Pip, with much reluctance, decides that he must go back to his home town. However, he is able to convince himself that it would be impracticale and rude to stay at Joe’s house, so he must stay at the Blue Boar. The stage-coach that he takes back home is simultaneously carting prisoners to the hulks, and one of them is the one that gave him two one-pound notes. the convict and one of his friends discuss this within earshot of Pip and greatly rattle him. When he finally arrives at the Blue Boar, however, he discovers that Mr. Pumblechook has established himself as “Pip’s earliest benefactor and the founder of his fortunes”. In chapter thirty, we learn of Pip’s aspirations to becoming Estella’s knight in shining armour, who would restore Satis house to its former glory. He discovers, upon his arrival at Ms. Havisharn’s home, that Orlick is empoyed as a porter there, and he discovers that Estella no longer treats him contemptuously, but simply lures him on. In this chapter also, Pip learns of Ms. Havisham’s great need for him to love Estella and he once again thinks with regret about Joe, but only for a moment. In chapter thirty, Pip has Orlick fired from his new post as porter at Ms. Havisharn’s house and was harassed by Trabb’s boy for his pompous behavior. In addition, Herbert attempts to convince Pip of the wisdom of estranging himself from Estella, but Pip declares this to be impossible and Herbert reveals that he is secretly engaged to Clara. Chapter thirty-one finds Pip and Herbert going to the theater to see Mr. Wopsle perform. Wopsle didn’t perform well, and was harassed by the crowd. Mr. Wopsle has also changed his name (like Pip did) to Mr. Waldengarver. Pip finishes the chapter in misery over Estella and the lack of any accomplishment that is truly his own. As chapter thirty-two unfolds, we find that Pip receives a letter from Estella telling him that he is to meet her at the station the next day. While waiting for Estella, he meets Wemmick and accepts his invitation to visit the jail. He finds that Wemmick is very popular at the jail and is the go-between for almost all of Jaggers’ clients. Chapter thirty-three begins with Estella arriving at the station, where te informs him that she is continuing on to Richmond, but is to have some tea here with Pip, in the meantime. Estella reveals to Pip that the entire Pocket family, save Matthew, is jealous beyond belief ofhim, and he also discovers that Ms. Havisham has finally sent Estella out into the world to d her damage to it. Chapter thirty-four is dedicated entirely to the recounting of Pip and Herbert’s financial affairs. They both spent quite large amounts of money for very little, and were very unhappy. They both ran up huge debts and would occasionally count them up, but they never paid them, however. At the end of the chapter, Pip learns that Mrs. Joe Gargery has died. Upon returning to the forge for Mrs. Joe’s funeral in chapter thirty-five, Pip seems touched by some of his old life and decides to sleep in his old room. He also is “hurt” by Biddy’s not telling him of his sister’s impending death. He promises to visit frequently, but Biddy doesn’t believe him. Tn chapter thirty-six, Pip turns twenty-one and visits Mr. Jaggers. When lie visits Jaggers, he learns that he is to live on a sum of 500 pounds per annum and no more and he discovers that he will not know the identity of his benefactor in the foreseeable future. He also, at this point, decides to sponsor Herbert in his search for ajob and asks the opinion of Wemmiek on the subject. Wemmick tells him that doing such would be as good as throwing his money off a bridge. In chapter thirty-seven, Pip visits Walworth in an attempt to get Wemmick’s personal sentiments on aiding Herbert. Wemmick agrees to help him if he is able, and they spend the rest of the evening listening to the Aged P. and visiting with Mrs. Skiffins, who appears to be Wemmick’s romantic interest. As the chapter closes, we see that Pip has indeed gotten Herbert a job at Clarricker’s House as an assistant. Chapter thirty-eight is reserved for Pip’s reflections on Estella. Pip reflects on how he shadowed Estella at her housed in Richmond very often during his stay in London, and how he witnessed the falling out between Estella and Ms. Havisham in which Ms. Liavisham cannot understand why Bstella doesn’t love her, although she never taught Estella anything but contempt. He also comments on his arguments with Drummle over Estella at The Finches of the Grove. The chapter closes with Estella revealing that Pip is the only man that she does not lead on and play with. However, he doesn’t take her words to heart and still insists that she is injuring him through her actions. Chapter thirty-nine consists wholly of the revelation to Pip of his benefactor. In this chapter he meets with a dirty old man, who is the convict that he met in the marshes as a child. This old man reveals to Pip that all the money he has been living off of was earned by this convict in Australia in the penal colony. The chapter closes with Pip fully despairing his future now that he is indebted to a convict and has no promise of Estella that he thought he had.
Stage III Summary
Magwitch(Provis) is happy with Pip as a gentleman. He sees Pip as his revenge against all, self-centered, materialistic, gentlemen in the world. Magwitch then tells Pip and Herbert of his life. He then tells the reader of Compeyson(the other convict), a man who made Miss Havisham who she is. He also got Magwitch a life sentence and for this Magwitch hates Compeyson. Pip then goes to visit Miss Havisham where he sees that Estella will be married to Drummle. Pip then comes home to London and finds out that Compeyson is watching Magwitch. Magwitch then goes to live with Herbert’s future wife, Clara. Pip also learns that Molly is Estella’s mother and learns of Molly’s past, which he links to Magwitch’s past. Pip then concluds that Magwitch is Estella’s father. The time has now come where Magwitch is to be snuck out of England by boat. Pip then recieves a note concerning himself and Magwitch. He must go to the marshes alone. Upon arriving to the shack he was told to go to, Pip is grabbed by Orlick who says he will kill Pip. Orlick admits to attacking Mrs. Joe and to being affiliated with Compeyson. Herbert and Startop find the note which Pip dropped to the ground and they come to his rescue. The next day Pip, Herbert, and Startop row Magwitch down the river. Compeyson and some policemen in another boat follow the four, however. Magwitch then grabs Compeyson and drowns him. Magwitch is hurt badly and is arrested by the police. Herbert then goes to work at Clarriker’s and leaves Pip to be with Magwitch. Pip takes very good care of Magwitch, who dies before he can be hung. After Magwitch’s death, Pip becomes extremly ill. Joe then comes and nurses Pip back to health. Pip now remembers his days at the forge. Pip learns that Miss Havisham is also dead. Pip gets well and goes home and is forgiven by Joe. Pip also proposes to Biddy, but finds out that Joe and Biddy are being married on that very day. Pip then rejoins Herbert and after many years goes back to Miss Havisham’s house. He sees Estella, who is now a widow. The story concludes as the two take a long walk together and find out how much each has changed.
Throughout his prosperous career as an author, Charles Dickens took a position atop the slew of significant 19th century writers, due primarily to his complex plot structures and intriguing characterizations. Great Expectations is no exception. Pip, the novel’s narrator, epitomizes the popular Victorian model of literature, Bildungsroman, where a story’s hero experiences so much suffering and humility through his deviance from normal standards of moral acceptance, that he becomes stripped of any superficialities and obstacles, causing him to perceive reality more clearly and take action on an altruistic basis. This journey that Pip undertakes drives him into the depths of confusion and misery, from which he emerges a model of a true gentleman as a result of his moral education. Pip’s first stage of moral development proves to be one of departure from the simplicity and happiness of the forge, caused by the cruelty that a cold and beautiful girl displays, into the realm of appearances, impostors, and selfishness. His second stage is a decent further into the depths of illusion, in which Pip partakes in an empty quest to find true satisfaction. With the disclosure of a shocking and disheartening revelation from a convict, Pip begins to reject the notion of one’s value as being based on property and status, and comes full circle back to the sweet simplicity and true love of his old friends. In a sense, Pip’s journey propels him through a rise and fall of appearances. Stage one of Pip’s moral development begins with the innocent naivet? of a child haunted by guilt, and closes with the snobbish rejection of a “gentleman” plagued with shame. Pip had always been content living with his sister and her husband, Joe, despite her random violent rampages. Joe and Pip were “ever best of friends”?even more than friends, “soulmates”. Although there was a difference of age, the two were on identical mental pages. In the early portion of the novel, Pip possesses an incredible amount of fear and guilt, which permits his conscience to grow and develop. Such guilt is displayed through such various trials as stealing bread from Mrs. Joe and fighting with a peer at Miss Havisham’s. Pip fears that if Joe were to discover these incidents, his confidence in Pip would be lost forever. The first glimpse of a hostile sentiment towards Joe and the forge occurs with the initial encounter between Pip and the dark, mysterious Miss Havisham, and her equally chilling adopted daughter, Estella. Trained to wreak revenge on the male race, Estella brutally ridicules Pip’s coarse hands and thick boots, as well as his habit of calling knaves, Jacks. In addition to guilt that he feels for having specifically committed wrongful actions, Pip becomes ashamed over factors of which he has no control. He even feels shame for his companion Joe and the forge. “I wished Joe had been rather more genteelly brought up, and then I should have been so too” (Chapter 8, page 92). An attitude of rejection and embarrassment is acquired as a result of his infatuation with this distant and unattainable “star,” as Pip experiences humiliation at her hands. Stemming from this bondage of shame, Pip lies about his visit to Satis House when questioned by his guardians. The forge and his apprenticeship to Joe have become issues of extreme dissatisfaction in Pip’s life, for fear of Estella’s possible sighting of him at work while at his grimiest and commonest. Pip’s first glimpse of the inauthenticity and phoniness which will underlie his actions in London, occur during his weekly venture to see Miss Havisham. While not terribly significant in itself, the eavesdropping on her “toady and humbug” relatives provides an insight into the nature of sophisticated appearances that will dominate Pip’s actions in the near future. While dining at the Three Jolly Bargemen, a renowned London lawyer, Jaggers, tumbles onto the scene with news that Pip has “great expectations,” and is to receive a magnificent sum. Jaggers, himself a manipulator of truth and appearances, allows Pip his long-awaited opportunity to transform into a gentleman in order to win the love of Estella, albeit in a superficial and shallow manner. With each passing day Pip becomes more pompous and egotistical. To properly fulfill (as he believes) the role of a gentleman, Pip purchases a complete wardrobe, basing his judgment of a gentleman solely on appearance. By this point, Joe and Biddy have become “inferiors” and practically forgotten. However, the night before departing for London, Pip feels for a brief moment a sense of remorse and sadness for leaving. I had been so innocent and little there, and all beyond was so unknown and great, that in a moment with a strong heave and sob, I broke into tears…and said, `Good-bye O my dear, dear friend!’ (Chapter 19, page 186) Although not thoroughly understanding the details, Pip is now bound to his expectations, allowing a vulnerability which sets himself up for collapse with an eventual revelation that indeed, Miss Havisham was not his benefactor, and that indeed, Estella was never meant for him.