# XLI explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Pip reveals the full secret of his benefactor to Herbert, who shares his repugnance and dismay. They discuss the impossibility of continuing to accept Magwitch's money and the need to get him out of England to prevent his reckless self-destruction. Pip resolves to learn Magwitch's history by asking him directly.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ambition

Magwitch's pride in making Pip a gentleman contrasts with Pip's horror at the source of his fortune, highlighting the tension between social aspiration and moral repugnance.

### Guilt and Redemption

Pip feels guilty for benefiting from Magwitch's crime and fears being responsible for his capture, driving his desire to save him.

### Identity and Self-Discovery

Pip confronts the truth of his 'great expectations' and questions his own worth and future, realizing he is 'fit for nothing' without the tainted fortune.

## Character check-ins

### Pip

Reveals the secret to Herbert, feels repugnance toward Magwitch, and resolves to break off from him while saving him from capture.

### Herbert Pocket

Listens to Pip's story with astonishment and dismay, shares Pip's aversion to Magwitch, and helps plan to get Magwitch out of England.

### Magwitch

Boasts of making Pip a gentleman, remains oblivious to Pip's feelings, and insists on lavish plans for the future.

## Key lines

> I saw my own feelings reflected in Herbert’s face, and not least among them, my repugnance towards the man who had done so much for me.

Pip saw that Herbert felt the same disgust he did toward Magwitch, despite all Magwitch had given him.

_Pip and Herbert share a silent understanding of their aversion to Magwitch._

> What was to be done?

Pip and Herbert ask each other what course of action they should take.

_The central question of the chapter, driving the plot forward._

> The first and the main thing to be done is to get him out of England.

Herbert advises that the priority is to send Magwitch abroad.

_Herbert's plan to protect Magwitch from capture and Pip from further entanglement._

## Links

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