# XII explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Pip continues his regular visits to Miss Havisham, pushing her in a garden-chair and singing 'Old Clem.' Estella's treatment of him remains cold and contradictory. Miss Havisham arranges for Pip to be apprenticed to Joe Gargery. Pip worries about consequences from his fight with the pale young gentleman, but finds no repercussions. At home, Mrs. Joe and Mr. Pumblechook discuss Pip's prospects, causing him frustration.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ambition

Pip's growing awareness of class differences is evident in his interactions with Estella and Miss Havisham, and in the discussions about his prospects as a blacksmith's apprentice.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Pip hides the truth about the pale young gentleman from Joe, and Miss Havisham's lavish fondness for Estella masks her manipulative intent to break hearts.

## Character check-ins

### Pip

Pip reflects on his confusing relationship with Estella and Miss Havisham, worries about the fight with the pale young gentleman, and feels frustrated by Pumblechook and Mrs. Joe's discussions.

### Estella

Estella is always present at Satis House, treating Pip with coldness, condescension, familiarity, or hatred, and never allowing him to kiss her again.

### Miss Havisham

Miss Havisham enjoys Estella's beauty and moods, whispers to her to break hearts, has Pip push her in a garden-chair, and arranges for Pip's apprenticeship to Joe.

### Joe Gargery

Joe is silent during family discussions about Pip's prospects, is attacked by Mrs. Joe with a candlestick, and feels dejected.

### Biddy

Pip confides everything in Biddy, who shows deep concern for his stories.

### Mr. Pumblechook

Pumblechook visits often to discuss Pip's prospects with Mrs. Joe, treating Pip condescendingly and irritating him greatly.

## Key lines

> Break their hearts my pride and hope, break their hearts and have no mercy!

Miss Havisham whispers to Estella to destroy the hearts of men without pity.

_This reveals Miss Havisham's vengeful manipulation of Estella._

> You are growing tall, Pip!

Miss Havisham notices that Pip is getting taller.

_This observation leads to her decision to hasten Pip's apprenticeship._

> You had better be apprenticed at once.

Miss Havisham advises that Pip should begin his apprenticeship immediately.

_This marks a turning point in Pip's life, moving him toward the forge._

## Links

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