XLV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Crime and Injustice

  The chapter deals with hiding Magwitch from the law, reflecting themes of criminality, justice, and the consequences of past actions.

• Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

  Wemmick's dual life as a clerk and a private individual, and the use of aliases (Tom, Jack, Richard) for Magwitch, underscore the theme of deception.

• Wealth and Moral Corruption

  Wemmick's advice to secure Magwitch's 'portable property' highlights the moral complexities surrounding wealth and its protection.

Characters to notice

• Pip

  Pip is anxious and follows Wemmick's advice to stay hidden; he spends the day at Wemmick's home and learns of the arrangements for Magwitch's safety.

• Wemmick

  Wemmick acts in his private capacity, arranging Magwitch's relocation and advising Pip; he shows care for the Aged Parent and shares breakfast.

• The Aged Parent

  The Aged Parent is cheerful and cared for by Wemmick; he is referred to as 'Aged P.' and enjoys his breakfast and company.

• Herbert Pocket

  Herbert is mentioned as having executed the plan to move Magwitch to a safe house by the river, working with Wemmick.

• Clara Barley

  Clara is Herbert's affianced, who has a bedridden father; she has not yet met Pip but exchanges messages through Herbert.

• Miss Skiffins

  Miss Skiffins is expected at Wemmick's home later in the evening, inferred from the teacups and Wemmick's glances.

• Magwitch

  Magwitch is the hidden person referred to as Tom, Jack, or Richard; he has been moved to a safe house near the river to avoid detection.

• Compeyson

  Compeyson is mentioned as a man of bad character; Pip asks Wemmick about him and learns he is alive and in London.

Key passages

• “Avail yourself of this evening to lay hold of his portable property. You don’t know what may happen to him. Don’t let anything happen to the portable property.”

  Use tonight to secure his movable wealth, because you cannot predict his fate. Protect his assets at all costs.

  Wemmick advises Pip to take control of Magwitch's money and valuables, emphasizing the importance of material security.

• “Under existing circumstances, there is no place like a great city when you are once in it. Don’t break cover too soon. Lie close. Wait till things slacken, before you try the open, even for foreign air.”

  In the current situation, a large city is the safest place to hide. Stay hidden and patient until the danger passes before attempting to leave.

  Wemmick counsels Pip to remain concealed in London rather than risk escape abroad immediately.