# LV explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Pip visits Wemmick, who reveals his plan to marry Miss Skiffins. They go to a church where the Aged Parent and Miss Skiffins join them for a wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, Magwitch is taken to court, and Compeyson's death complicates the case. Pip resolves not to claim Magwitch's forfeited wealth. Herbert tells Pip he must leave for Cairo, and Pip considers becoming a clerk in Herbert's firm.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Unrequited Devotion

Wemmick's marriage to Miss Skiffins shows a genuine, affectionate relationship, contrasting with Pip's unrequited love for Estella.

### Wealth and Moral Corruption

Pip's decision to forgo Magwitch's forfeited wealth highlights the moral corruption associated with ill-gotten gains and the pursuit of fortune.

### Identity and Self-Discovery

Pip contemplates his future as a clerk, moving away from his gentlemanly expectations toward a more humble, self-defined path.

## Character check-ins

### Pip

Pip accompanies Wemmick to his wedding, supports Magwitch through his legal troubles, and discusses his future with Herbert.

### Wemmick

Wemmick marries Miss Skiffins in a private ceremony, emphasizing his Walworth sentiment and asking Pip to keep it secret from Jaggers.

### Miss Skiffins

Miss Skiffins marries Wemmick, exchanging her green kid gloves for white ones during the ceremony.

### The Aged Parent

The Aged Parent gives away the bride at Wemmick's wedding, though he is confused about the ceremony's proceedings.

### Herbert Pocket

Herbert tells Pip he must leave for Cairo soon, and they discuss Pip's future as a clerk in Herbert's firm.

### Jaggers

Jaggers is consulted by Pip about Magwitch's case but is querulous about the loss of the fortune.

## Key lines

> What I look at is the sacrifice of so much portable property. Dear me!

Wemmick laments the loss of Magwitch's movable wealth.

_Wemmick's pragmatic concern for property over the owner reflects his dual nature._

> Halloa! Here's a couple of pair of gloves! Let's put 'em on!

Wemmick produces white kid gloves for the wedding.

_Wemmick's theatrical surprise reveals his planned marriage to Miss Skiffins._

> This is altogether a Walworth sentiment, please.

Wemmick asks Pip to keep the wedding a secret from Jaggers.

_Wemmick distinguishes his private, sentimental life from his professional persona._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters/lv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/great_expectations_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/great_expectations_se/chapters