Great Expectations

Chapters 50 - 59

Chapter 50

1. What does the reader learn about Estella’s history? Who is Estella’s father?

Chapter 51

1. How is Estella’s parentage a way for Dickens to criticize the idea of social classes?

Chapter 52

1. What situation foreshadows that Herbert will be sent to the East to run the firm’s eastern office, and that Pip believes that he too will soon be leaving the country?

2. What reminds Pip of how true and faithful Joe and Biddy are?

Chapter 53

1. The novel has a theme of light vs. dark, which can represent hope vs. evil. Describe Dickens use of light and dark in this chapter.

2. List three mysteries Orlick solves for Pip while he is working up the courage to kill him.

Chapter 54

1. Describe Pip’s plan to get Magwitch out of England.

2. What incident in the past suggests that Magwitch is telling the truth when he says he did not kill Compeyson?

3. What is ironic about the confiscation of Magwitch’s purse?

Chapter 55

1. What does Dickens pause to talk about in order to create a brief relief of tension?

Chapter 561. Read the following passage: “I sometimes

derived an impression, from his manner or from a whispered word or two which escaped him, that he pondered over the question whether he might have been a better man under better circumstances.” Does Pip believe that a person’s “character” is determined by nature or by nurture? Explain.

2. Describe Magwitch during the time of his death.3. Why does Pip tell Magwitch about Estella?

Chapter 571. How is Pip’s illness like a second childhood for

him?2. Think about the following characters: Matthew

Pocket, Herbert Pocket, Bentley Drummle, Mr. Jaggers, and Joe. Which character possesses all the traits of a true gentleman? Explain.

3. Why does Joe begin to call Pip “sir” when Pip begins to regain his strength?

Chapter 58

1. How does this chapter wrap up Pip’s childhood relationships with Pumplechook, and Joe and Biddy?

Chapter 59

1. Why might Dickens have Pip return to where the novel began?

2. Explain the ambiguity of the ending of the novel. Do Pip and Estella part and never see each other again, or do they remain together?