Great Expectations: Key Characters and Plot Points

Great Expectations: Key Questions and Answers

Who Did Pip Live With?

Pip lived with his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery, and his brother-in-law, Joe Gargery.

Describe the Convict's Clothes.

The convict wore old, grey clothes and broken shoes. He also had a rag around his head.

What Did the Convict Want from Pip's Home?

The convict wanted a file, food, and drink from Pip's home.

Why Did Pip Love Joe?

Pip loved Joe because Joe was kind and friendly.

Why Was Mrs. Gargery Angry with Pip?

Mrs. Gargery was angry with Pip because he went out without permission.

Why Did the Soldiers Go to Joe's House?

The soldiers went to Joe's house to repair their handcuffs.

How Did the Convict Save Pip?

The convict saved Pip by claiming that he stole the food and the file himself.

How Did Miss Havisham Describe Herself?

Miss Havisham described herself as a lady with a broken heart.

Why Didn't Estella Want to Play with Pip?

Estella didn't want to play with Pip because she thought he was simple and uneducated.

What Was Pip's Attempt to Change Himself?

Pip tried to educate himself and learned to read and write.

Describe Orlick and His Behavior Towards Pip.

Orlick was described as a little crazy and behaved horribly towards Pip.

How Did Pip Feel About His Work?

Pip found his work boring and difficult.

Why Was Mrs. Gargery Angry with Orlick?

Mrs. Gargery was angry with Orlick because she didn't want to give him a free day.

How Did Mrs. Gargery Change After the Attack?

After the attack, Mrs. Gargery never fully recovered and was never angry anymore.

How Did Biddy Help Pip?

Biddy helped Pip with his studies and always listened to him.

What Happened 25 Years Ago at Twenty Minutes to Nine?

Twenty-five years ago, at twenty minutes to nine, Miss Havisham received a letter from her fiancé stating he wasn't going to marry her.

How Did Pip Change After Becoming a Gentleman?

After Pip became a gentleman, he developed expensive tastes and spent a lot of money.

What Were Estella's Feelings for Pip?

Estella had no romantic feelings for Pip.

What Happened on Pip's 21st Birthday?

On Pip's 21st birthday, Mr. Jaggers gave him 500 pounds and told him he was now responsible for his own expenses.

How Was Miss Havisham Using Estella?

Miss Havisham was using Estella to take revenge on all men because of her fiancé's behavior.

How Did Magwitch Become Rich?

Magwitch became rich by having a sheep farm and saving all his money.

How Does Pip Plan to Help Magwitch Now?

Pip plans to help Magwitch escape to another country.

Why Did Pip Buy a Boat?

Pip bought a boat to help Magwitch escape, as Magwitch had become a rich gentleman and was now kinder and more compassionate.

How Was Miss Havisham Cruel to Pip?

Miss Havisham was cruel to Pip by letting him believe she was his benefactor and by encouraging him to love Estella, knowing it would lead to heartbreak.

What Did Miss Havisham Try to Teach Estella?

Miss Havisham tried to teach Estella to avoid her own painful experience and to break men's hearts.

In Pip's Opinion, Who Was Estella's Mother?

In Pip's opinion, Mr. Jaggers' servant, Molly, was Estella's mother.

What Happened to Miss Havisham After Pip Left?

After Pip left the house, Miss Havisham moved too near the fire, and her wedding dress caught fire.

Why Was Pip Excited by Herbert's Story?

Pip was excited because Herbert's story revealed the truth about Estella: that Magwitch was her father.