The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

A number of interesting scenes. Very fast moving with a lot going on. To me, the best 5 chapters so far.

One, Pip talking with Mr. Jaggers about Magwitch - both have to pretend that Magwitch isn't in London, that he's still in South Wales.

Two, Pip and Herbert about what to do with Magwitch - Pip needs to get Magwitch out of England. If Pip goes with him, Magwitch will go along with it.

Three, Pip and Herbert again - Pip is determined to take no more money from Magwitch.

Four, Magwitch to Pip and Herbert - this is where we find out that the person who leads Magwitch into trouble and leaves him holding the bag is called Compeyson.

Five, Herbert to Pip - Compeyson is the same man who jilted Miss Havisham, and his partner-in-crime who we find out is dead, Arthur, is Miss Havisham's brother.

Six, Pip and Miss Havisham - she admits that she allowed him to think that she was his benefactor, leading him on for her own benefit (to upset her relatives). And seems to convince her to help Herbert financially now that he won't be able to.

Seven, Pip to Estella - he admits that he has always loved her: "You are part of my existence, part of myself. You have been in every line I have ever read, since I first came here, the rough common boy whose poor heart you wounded even then." It was all very romantic. All of Pip's sins - for me, at least - are washed away with that speech. Estella, of course, is not moved, but Miss Havisham is obviously is because she holds her hand to her heart. I think she realizes, she did to Pip what Compeyson did to her.

Eight, Estella to Pip - she tells him that she is going to marry Drummle. I just might pity Estella a bit there.

Nine, Wemmick to Pip - DON'T GO HOME. Later, we find out why - Pip is being watched, and it appears he is watched by Compeyson.

I also thought these chapters were very enjoyable! That is something I have found in this reading of Great Expectations that Dickens take great labours to make an interesting story that really took off from the first pages when we first met the convict to now when Pip confesses his love to Estella. I am actually quite obsessed with all things Gothic and Romantic now, before Halloween, and this book is exciting that passion in me. I thought the book would be all about Pip trying to be a gentleman and Mrs. Havisham the benefactor but things are getting interesting more interesting than that. I guess we are somewhere near the climax. I also felt that Pip's speech to Estella was quite moving.

Agreed, this is where the book is really starting to pick up steam.

Again, we are getting to the heart of a typical, convoluted Dickensian plot with a liberal sprinkling of coincidence and crazy characters. For example, Pip's convict being in league with the man who betrayed Miss Havisham.

I'm now unclear on why Estella seemed to imply to Pip earlier on that she was bound to marry him, and now she is agreeing to marry a disagreeable young man (to spite Pip? Why?) and it is unclear what role Miss Havisham is playing in all of this. This plot line has left me quite confused.

I also enjoyed Dickens' take on debt-Pip admits quite readily that he went into debt (and dragged poor Herbert along with him) without really enjoying any of the things he spent his money on, in particular his rather dull-sounding club. Yet we see that to this day-people feeling obliged to spend to keep up with their neighbours without seeming to get much joy out of doing this.

I'm looking forward to the denouement!

As far as how he spent his money - Pip also felt required to hire a servant boy who intimidates him - "the Avenger".

Frances - I wondered the same thing. The only thing I could come up with is that Estella thinks that she is meant to break as many hearts as possible - including PIp's - and that by marrying Drummle - who she knows is a deadbeat - she would break all the men's hearts. Drummle's heart isn't the type that would be broken - hence, that's the man to marry.

Don't know...I'm with you that it isn't very clear.

Robin wrote: "As far as how he spent his money - Pip also felt required to hire a servant boy who intimidates him - "the Avenger"."

It shows that he really doesn't feel comfortable yet with his wealth and position. He doesn't really belong there if he lets a poor boy push him around.

I thought the same thing about the Avenger. Pip has him more for appearing more gentleman like than for actually using him and the boy is abusing the naivety of his master.

Sorry that I fell behind so much again. I am trying to finish the book now as soon as possible, but the last weeks were still crazy at work.

I was also impressed by Pip's emotional love confession and wondered why Estella would want to marry such a brute as Drummle whose heart could never be broken due to its non-existence. Your point on her hurting every other man by taking this man for her husband seems plausible. She seems to be a very disturbed and unhappy person to enter into a marriage that will hardly bring any joy into her life. I almost pity her for what she has become.

Hedi wrote: "I was also impressed by Pip's emotional love confession and wondered why Estella would want to marry such a brute as Drummle whose heart could never be broken due to its non-existence. Your point o..."

I agree...I pitied her as well up to a point. She was very young when she arrived at Miss Havisham's, and was basically indoctrinated to be emotionless when it came to men.