Page 178 - DENG404_FICTION

Fiction

Notes Analysis

The chapter begins with Magwitch and Pip sitting together in the boat, Magwitch seemingly
unworried about the future: “...we can no more see to the bottom of the next few hours, than
we can see to the bottom of this river what I catches hold of.” But Magwitch is content to be
free for the moment and sitting next to the boy he considers a son.
By the end of the chapter, with Magwitch in chains, Pip too feels that he is where he should
be, sitting next to his adopted father. Pip, too, does not know what is in store for him in the
future, with all his expectations dashed, but he is content to stand by the man who risked his
life to be near him.

Task Why Magwitch seemingly unworried about the future?

The single fact that the loss of Magwitch’s fortune does not bother Pip demonstrates the power
of his transformation. Even the generous Wemmick laments its loss to the crown, but Pip
seems to take it as a mixed blessing. He will not live off the money of others again.

Part III: Chapter 16

Magwitch is in jail and quite ill. Herbert is leaving for Egypt with the firm in the position that
Pip, and now Miss. Havisham, had secretly set up for him. Herbert plans to marry Clara as
soon as her drunk old father dies. He offers Pip a job as his clerk in the company as well as
a place to stay — with he and Clara, once they get settled. Pip cannot give his answer for the
job until he sees the Magwitch situation through, but asks Herbert to keep the position open
for a few months for him.
Wemmick invites Pip to his castle on a Monday; the first holiday Wemmick has taken in over
twelve years. He and Pip go for a walk.

They walk to a church where Miss. Skiffins and Wemmick’s “Aged” relative are waiting. With
Pip as witness, Miss. Skiffins and Wemmick proceed to get married.

Analysis

Two of Pip’s best friends have found happiness: Herbert in his job and in his pending matrimony
to the fairy-like Clara and Wemmick in the completion of his castle fantasy with a queen in
Miss Skiffins. In contrast, Pip is in the worst of straits. He has no employment, he no longer
has a pending fortune, Estella has married someone else, and his adoptive father is dying in
prison.
A Victorian moral lesson is being taught here. Herbert is a cheerful, hard working, honest man
with limited resources but large dreams. His kindness to Pip and his sincere love of a woman
below his status demonstrates that he is a moral, upright man. Good things, then, have come
to the man who has lived an honest life. Likewise Wemmick has also showed kindness and
incredible generosity to Pip and his “Aged” relative with nearly superhuman cheerfulness.
He, too, has earned a good life with a good woman.
Pip, with his great expectations, has failed to achieve any of them, and now does not have
even the smallest expectation of a good honest living with a good loving wife.
Through his difficulties, however, Pip is being transformed from a proud boy to an actual
gentleman, with respect for good relationships and rejection of societal value judgments. Being

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