Great Expectations · Chapter
XIII explained
Joe accompanies Pip to Miss Havisham's house to finalize Pip's apprenticeship.
What happens
Joe accompanies Pip to Miss Havisham's house to finalize Pip's apprenticeship. Despite Pip's embarrassment, Joe insists on addressing Pip rather than Miss Havisham, who gives Pip a reward of twenty-five guineas for his service. After leaving, Joe and Pip visit Mr. Pumblechook's parlor, where Joe reveals the gift to Mrs. Joe, and Pumblechook orchestrates Pip's formal binding as Joe's apprentice before the magistrates.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Pip's shame at Joe's rustic manners in front of Estella and Miss Havisham highlights his growing awareness of social class and his own ambitions.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Pumblechook's hypocritical and self-aggrandizing behavior contrasts with his true nature as a 'basest of swindlers' and 'diabolical cornchandler.'
Characters to notice
- Pip
Feels ashamed of Joe in front of Estella and Miss Havisham; is formally bound as Joe's apprentice.
- Joe Gargery
Dresses in his Sunday best and behaves awkwardly at Satis House; insists on addressing Pip instead of Miss Havisham; delivers the reward money to Mrs. Joe.
- Miss Havisham
Receives Joe and Pip; gives Pip a reward of twenty-five guineas and instructs Joe to expect no more.
- Estella
Opens the gate and leads Joe and Pip to Miss Havisham; stands behind Miss Havisham's chair and laughs mischievously at Joe's awkwardness.
- Mrs. Joe Gargery
Accompanies Joe and Pip to town; waits at Pumblechook's and is gratified by the reward money.
- Mr. Pumblechook
Hosts Mrs. Joe in his parlor; orchestrates Pip's binding as apprentice and pushes Pip through the crowd to the magistrates.
Key passages
“I am afraid I was ashamed of the dear good fellow—I know I was ashamed of him—when I saw that Estella stood at the back of Miss Havisham’s chair, and that her eyes laughed mischievously.”
Pip admits he felt embarrassed by Joe's awkwardness, especially when he noticed Estella watching and laughing silently.
Reveals Pip's internal conflict between his affection for Joe and his desire for Estella's approval.
“‘Goodbye, Pip!’ said Miss Havisham. ‘Let them out, Estella.’”
Miss Havisham dismisses Pip and Joe, instructing Estella to show them out.
Marks the end of Pip's visits to Satis House and the beginning of his apprenticeship.
“‘It’s five-and-twenty pound, Mum,’ echoed that basest of swindlers, Pumblechook, rising to shake hands with her; ‘and it’s no more than your merits (as I said when my opinion was asked), and I wish you joy of the money!’”
Pumblechook falsely claims credit for the reward money and congratulates Mrs. Joe with exaggerated flattery.
Highlights Pumblechook's hypocrisy and self-serving nature.