Great Expectations 31-37
What play do Herbert and Pip go to see? How can you tell which play it is? Is the acting good?
Why does Wemmick visit Newgate?
How does Pip learn that Estella is on her way to London? Why is she going there?
Estella says to Pip, “For they beset Miss Havisham with reports and insinuations to your disadvantage. They watch you, misrepresent you, write letters about you (anonymous sometimes), and you are the torment and preoccupation of their lives. You can scarcely realize to yourself the hatred those people feel for you” (268). Who is Estella talking about, and why do they misrepresent Pip?
“It is not easy for you to see the satisfaction it gives me to see those people thwarted”(268). What might you gather about Estella’s personality – similar to Miss Havisham’s?
“You ridiculous boy…will you never take warning?”(269). What is Estella’s warning?
“I leaned down and her calm face was like a statue’s” (269). What did Pip do? Did Estella “feel” this moment?
Why does Biddy have to leave her position in Pip’s boyhood home? What kind of job will she get?
Turn to the last paragraph in chapter 35. What is Biddy right about - but Pip just can’t face his own conscience?
Why is Pip so upset/ jealous about Orlick’s fascination with Biddy? What does that say about how Pip feels deep down about Biddy? What is blocking Pip from surfacing those feelings?
“Ah! Except in my bad side of human nature”(284). What is Biddy referring to? Why is she offended?
What does Mr. Jaggers give Pip on his 21st birthday?
“When that person discloses, you and that person will settle your own affairs. When that person discloses, my part in the business will cease and determine. When that person discloses, it will not be necessary for me to know anything about it” (291). Who is talking? Why is he anxious to detach himself from this case?
Who is Miss Skiffins?
How does Pip help Herbert without Herbert’s knowledge?
“-Invest portable property in a friend?...Certainly he should not”(292). What advice is Wemmick giving Pip in his office?
Does Pip take Wemmick’s advice when helping Herbert? Pip has struggled with his identity – how does his action show hope that Pip might find it?
How does Miss Skiffins feel about Wemmick’s advances?
Turn to the first paragraph in chapter 34. Why is Pip’s conscience bothering him?
What does Herbert tell Pip after Pip implies that Miss Havisham has meant for Pip and Estella to be married
