Great Expectations

Chapter 26 - 39

Chapter 26

1. What might be the reason for Jagger’s immediate and almost exclusive interest in Drummle?

2. Why does Dickens have Jaggers point out Molly’s wrists to his guests?

Chapter 27

1. How had Dickens foreshadowed Mr. Wopsle’s entering the theater?

2. Pip says he recognizes a type of dignity in Joe’s behavior. How has this shown to be true, so far? (You may refer to other chapters, as well.)

Chapter 28

1. What information is now revealed about “Pip’s convict”?

2. What Pip’s fear that creates suspense?3. What might be the reason(s) for

Pumblechook’s public announcement of taking credit for being Pip’s earliest patron and the founder of his fortune?

Chapter 29

1. How does the adult Pip describe his love for Estella?

2. What has become part of Estella’s beauty, and inevitably changed her?

3. What does Pip believe (or hope) Miss Havisham plans to do with Estella?

Chapter 30

1. How has pip’s character advanced/changed in this chapter?

Chapter 31

1. Think about the way the audience heckles Wopsle. Also, think about the way the Trabb boy mimic Pip. How are they similar?

Chapter 32

1. Most of this chapter centers on Pip’s anxious wait for Estella’s coach. How does Dickens use foreshadowing in this chapter to maintain the reader’s interest?

Chapter 33

1. What does Pip hope Estella means when she tells him, “We are not free to follow our own devices, you and I”?

2. Why might Miss Havisham’s relatives write unflattering reports about Pip?

3. What does Estella tell Pip that shows she does not agree with Miss Havisham’s plan to avenge herself against the male gender?

Chapter 34

1. How does Dickens maintain reader sympathy for Pip while also showing his moral descent?

Chapter 35

1. Pip realizes that his attitudes and actions have affected those around him. Explain.

2. How does Pip feel about his sister’s death?

Chapter 36

1. What are two reasons why is Pip looking forward to his 21st birthday?

2. Why might Jaggers want to stay out of Pip’s business once his benefactor makes himself/herself known?

3. What does Pip’s desire to assist a friend say about his character?

Chapter 37

1. Why does Pip want to help Herbert?2. Why does Dickens divide Wemmick’s

character into Walworth Wemmick and the Little Britain Wemmick?

Chapter 38

1. How is Pip’s relationship with Estella ironic?2. How is the scene between Miss Havisham

and Estella ironic?3. Why does Estella permit Drummle’s

attentions?4. What does the allusion to the “Eastern story”

at the end of the chapter symbolize?

Chapter 39

1. Pip learns the identity of his benefactor. Who is it?2. How does this new knowledge affect Pip’s future with

Estella?3. How does the convict respond to Pip’s reaction and

initial treatment of him?4. Why might the convict want to “make a gentleman”?

How does this relate to Miss Havisham’s dealings with Estella?

5. What is Pip’s “sharpest and deepest pain of all” after he realizes his good fortune has not been the result of Miss Havisham’s money?