Great Expectations · Chapter
The Stranger at the Jolly Bargemen explained
Pip encounters a mysterious stranger at the Three Jolly Bargemen who reveals his connection to the convict by showing him Joe's file.
What happens
Pip encounters a mysterious stranger at the Three Jolly Bargemen who reveals his connection to the convict by showing him Joe's file. Later, Pip resolves to improve himself and asks Biddy to teach him everything she knows, beginning his education in earnest.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Pip's desire to become 'uncommon' and his request for Biddy's teaching reflect his growing ambition to rise above his humble origins.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The stranger's secretive behavior and the hidden file symbolize the hidden truths and deceptions that permeate Pip's world.
Characters to notice
- Pip
Pip is the narrator and protagonist; he is frightened by the stranger's display of the file and later seeks education from Biddy.
- Joe Gargery
Joe is at the Jolly Bargemen with Mr. Wopsle and the stranger; he is unaware of the significance of the file and later escorts Pip home.
- Mr. Wopsle
Mr. Wopsle is present at the Jolly Bargemen, recites from Richard the Third, and accompanies Joe and Pip home.
- Biddy
Biddy agrees to teach Pip after he asks her to impart all her learning; she begins by giving him information from her catalogue of Prices.
- Mrs. Joe Gargery
Mrs. Joe is at home when Pip and Joe return; she examines the shilling given to Pip and is suspicious of its value.
Key passages
“He stirred his rum and water pointedly at me, and he tasted his rum and water pointedly at me. And he stirred it and he tasted it; not with a spoon that was brought to him, but with a file.”
The stranger deliberately used a file to stir his drink, showing it to Pip as a silent threat or reminder of their shared secret.
This action reveals the stranger's connection to the convict and intimidates Pip.
“I had a particular reason for wishing to get on in life, and that I should feel very much obliged to her if she would impart all her learning to me.”
Pip asked Biddy to teach him everything she knew because he was determined to improve his station in life.
This marks Pip's conscious decision to pursue self-improvement and education.