English 122

Great Expectations Reading Questions Chapters 50 - 59

Stage 2 (Part 2)

1. In chapter 50, what relationship do we learn exists between Estella and Magwitch?

2. Did Jaggers know the identity of Estella's father before Pip's visit in chapter 51?

3. About what does Pip talk to Jaggers that causes Wemmick to become defensive and Jaggers to actually smile?

4. "Put the case that he lived in an atmosphere of evil, and that all he saw of children was their being generated in great numbers for certain destruction. Put the case that he often saw children solemnly tried at a criminal bar, where they were held up to be seen; put the case that he habitually knew of their being imprisoned, whipped, transported, neglected, cast out, qualified in all ways for the hangman, and growing up to be hanged." Who is speaking?

5. Who is the "he" being refereed to?

6. Who did Wemmick and Jaggers abuse at the end of chapter 51 in order to restore their relationship to its usual business-like demeanor?

7. In chapter 52, Pip receives two letters. From whom is the first letter?

8. To where does the second of the two letters tell Pip to meet the anonymous author of it?

9. Where is Pip as chapter 53 opens?

10. Pip is attacked violently from behind by an assailant. Who is the attacker?

11. What confession does Pip's attacker make with regards to Mrs. Joe?

12. Pip asks Orlick what he intended to do with him. What is his answer? With what tool does he intend to carry out his plan?

13. What stops Orlick?

14. Name two characters Pip meets in this chapter besides Orlick.

15. The plan to get Magwitch out of London is carried out in chapter 54. The men plan to stay at an inn that night, and then do what in the morning?

16. As they spend the night at the inn, what does Pip see outside his window in the dark of night that causes him much concern?

17. Who was on the galley boat that apprehends Pip and company on the river next day?

18. What happens to Pip's boat and the galley?

19. What vow does Pip make at the end of chapter 54 to Magwitch? How does this vow represent a change of heart for Pip toward the convict?

20. What job does Herbert offer Pip in chapter 55? Why is this ironic?

21. In chapter 55, Wemmick invites Pip to "take a walk" with him. Within what building do the two "take a walk"? Who do they meet at the end of their walk?

22. What is the last thing Pip reveals to Magwitch before he dies?

23. The first two pages of chapter 57 are a description of Pip's condition. Summarize what that is.

24. Who is the first person Pip recognizes in this chapter?

25. Who supported the decision this person made to help Pip?

26. What has happened to Miss Havisham?

27. Who do we learn has broken into Pumblechook's home and "drinked his wine, and they partook of his wittle, and they slapped his face and they pulled his nose"?

28. What has become of the housebreaker as a result?

29. Who paid Pip's debts for him?

30. At the end of this chapter, what do we learn is Pip's plan for Biddy and himself?

31. Who describes himself at the Blue Boar as Pip's "earliest benefactor, and founder of fortun's"?

32. What unexpected news does Biddy give Pip about herself and Joe?

33. What is the name of the company Pip worked for, as described at the end of chapter 58?

34. Does Herbert ever learn of Pip's generosity toward him in setting him up in business?

35. What name does Joe give his new-born son?

36. Where does Pip meet Estella in chapter 59?

37. What is implied in the final paragraph of chapter 59?

38. Comment on the changes Dickens made in the published version as compared to the original, unpublished ending.

Part Two: Define or explain the following. Find two points for each.

1. Dressings on Pip's hands

2. Mike

3. Miss Skiffin's brother

4. "come to the little sluice-house by the limekiln"

5. "You did that, and that would be enough, without more. How dared you come betwixt me and a young woman I liked?"

6. dangerous information Pip's attacker has

7. "Dear boy"

8. Startop

9. the "Hamburg"

10. Compeyson's eventual fate

11. Wemmick's "holiday"

12. "O Lord, be merciful to him a sinner"

13. Matthew Pocket's inheritance from Miss Havisham

14. Bentley Drummle's fate (be specific)