Great Expectations · Chapter
Chapter XLIII explained
Pip, burdened by the secret of Magwitch's identity and his connection to Estella, resolves to see Estella and Miss Havisham before going abroad.
What happens
Pip, burdened by the secret of Magwitch's identity and his connection to Estella, resolves to see Estella and Miss Havisham before going abroad. He travels to Richmond only to find Estella has gone to Satis House. At the Blue Boar inn, he has a tense, confrontational encounter with Bentley Drummle, who hints at his relationship with Estella. After the standoff, Pip sees a man resembling Orlick and then proceeds to Satis House.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Pip's internal conflict about hiding Magwitch's identity and his pretense of ignorance with Drummle highlight the theme of deception.
Love and Unrequited Devotion
Pip's anguish over Estella's connection to Drummle and his determination to see her despite the pain underscore his unrequited love.
Social Class and Ambition
Pip's shame about Magwitch and his desire to become a gentleman reflect the novel's exploration of class and ambition.
Characters to notice
- Pip
Pip is tormented by his connection to Magwitch and his love for Estella, and he resolves to visit Miss Havisham before leaving England.
- Estella
Estella has gone to Satis House, and Pip learns she may only return briefly, deepening his unease.
- Herbert Pocket
Herbert consults with Pip about the plan to get Magwitch abroad and supports Pip's decision to visit Miss Havisham.
- Drummle
Drummle encounters Pip at the Blue Boar and engages in a hostile standoff, hinting at his relationship with Estella.
- Orlick
Pip sees a man resembling Orlick outside the inn, though he is too troubled to confirm the identity.
- Magwitch
Magwitch is the returned convict whose secret Pip harbors; Pip plans to get him abroad for safety.
Key passages
“Why should I pause to ask how much of my shrinking from Provis might be traced to Estella?”
Pip questions whether his discomfort with Magwitch is really due to his love for Estella.
Pip reflects on the connection between his feelings for Estella and his shame about Magwitch.
“Never had I breathed, and never would I breathe—or so I resolved—a word of Estella to Provis.”
Pip decides never to tell Magwitch about Estella.
Pip resolves to keep Estella's existence a secret from Magwitch.
“It was poisonous to me to see him in the town, for I very well knew why he had come there.”
Seeing Drummle in the town was painful because Pip knew he was there to see Estella.
Pip's jealousy and anger are triggered by Drummle's presence.