IV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Guilt and Redemption

  Pip's guilt over stealing from Mrs. Joe dominates his thoughts during the dinner, and his secret act of putting tar in Pumblechook's brandy is a small, rebellious attempt at revenge.

• Social Class and Ambition

  The dinner highlights Pip's low social status as he is constantly belittled and moralized by the adults, reinforcing his desire to rise above his humble beginnings.

• Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

  Pip hides his theft and guilt behind a facade of normalcy, while the adults' moralizing masks their own hypocrisy and cruelty.

Characters to notice

• Pip

  Pip is consumed by guilt and fear of discovery for stealing food and a file for the convict. He endures relentless moralizing from the adults at the Christmas dinner.

• Joe Gargery

  Joe is kind and supportive to Pip during the meal, offering him gravy as a quiet comfort. He is submissive to Mrs. Joe and the guests.

• Mrs. Joe Gargery

  Mrs. Joe is busy preparing the Christmas feast and is in a cross temper. She treats Pip with harshness and reproach.

• Mr. Pumblechook

  Pumblechook is a pompous guest who moralizes at Pip, comparing him unfavorably to a pig. He later drinks the tar-laced brandy Pip secretly prepared.

• Mr. Wopsle

  Wopsle delivers theatrical moral lessons at dinner, using the pork as a text to criticize Pip's character.

• Mr. Hubble

  Mr. Hubble is a guest who joins in the criticism of Pip, suggesting that young people are 'naterally wicious.'

Key passages

• “I fully expected to find a constable in the kitchen, waiting to take me up.”

  Pip was terrified that a policeman would be waiting to arrest him for stealing.

  Pip's guilt and fear of punishment are immediately established.

• “Cleanliness is next to Godliness, and some people do the same by their religion.”

  Mrs. Joe's extreme cleanliness was as oppressive as some people's religious fervor.

  The narrator reflects on the uncomfortable nature of Mrs. Joe's housekeeping.

• “I was always treated as if I had insisted on being born in opposition to the dictates of reason, religion, and morality.”

  Pip felt that his very existence was seen as a rebellious act against all that was proper.

  Pip's sense of being an unwanted burden is emphasized.

• “I had filled up the bottle from the tar water jug.”

  Pip secretly replaced the brandy with tar water.

  Pip's act of sabotage is revealed, showing his desperate attempt at revenge.