Great Expectations · Chapter
LI explained
Pip, determined to uncover the truth about Estella's parentage, visits Mr.
What happens
Pip, determined to uncover the truth about Estella's parentage, visits Mr. Jaggers and Wemmick at the office. He reveals that he knows Estella's mother and father—Magwitch (Provis)—and confronts Jaggers with the information. Jaggers, though initially evasive, eventually presents a hypothetical case that implies he orchestrated Estella's adoption by Miss Havisham to save her from a life of crime and poverty. Pip also secures Miss Havisham's payment for Herbert's partnership.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Self-Discovery
Pip's quest to uncover Estella's parentage is also a journey of self-discovery, as he grapples with his own past and the origins of his 'great expectations.'
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Jaggers' hypothetical case and his careful avoidance of direct admissions highlight the theme of deception, as the truth about Estella's origins is hidden behind legal and social facades.
Crime and Injustice
The backstory of Estella's mother, a woman cleared of murder through Jaggers' manipulation, and Magwitch's transportation reflect the criminal justice system's impact on individuals and families.
Characters to notice
- Pip
Pip confronts Mr. Jaggers about Estella's parentage, revealing his knowledge of her mother and father (Magwitch). He passionately appeals for the truth, driven by his love for Estella and his desire to understand his own past.
- Jaggers
Mr. Jaggers is initially guarded but eventually presents a hypothetical case that indirectly confirms his role in Estella's adoption. He shows a rare moment of openness, acknowledging Pip's emotional appeal.
- Wemmick
Wemmick is present during the conversation and is appealed to by Pip for his gentle heart. He exchanges odd looks with Jaggers, and his mention of 'portable property' highlights his dual nature.
- Estella
Estella is the central subject of Pip's inquiry; her parentage is revealed to be Magwitch and a woman (Molly) who was cleared of murder. Her adoption by Miss Havisham is implied to have been arranged by Jaggers.
- Magwitch
Magwitch is identified as Estella's father, though he is unaware of her existence. Pip reveals his name (Provis) and his connection to New South Wales.
- Herbert Pocket
Herbert is mentioned as having held a 'momentous conversation' with Pip and is the beneficiary of the nine hundred pounds Pip secures from Miss Havisham for his partnership.
Key passages
“I know more of the history of Miss Havisham’s adopted child than Miss Havisham herself does, sir. I know her mother.”
Pip asserts that he has discovered information about Estella's origins that even Miss Havisham does not know, specifically that he has met Estella's mother.
Pip reveals his knowledge of Estella's mother to Mr. Jaggers, setting the stage for the revelation of her parentage.
“Put the case, Pip, that here was one pretty little child out of the heap who could be saved; whom the father believed dead, and dared make no stir about; as to whom, over the mother, the legal adviser had this power...”
Jaggers presents a hypothetical scenario where a lawyer saves a child from a life of crime by arranging her adoption, implying that he did this for Estella.
Jaggers uses a hypothetical case to indirectly confess his role in Estella's adoption, highlighting his moral complexity.