# XLV explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Pip visits Wemmick at his home in Walworth, where he learns that Magwitch (referred to as Tom, Jack, or Richard) has been successfully moved to a safe house near the river, arranged by Herbert. Wemmick advises Pip to stay hidden, not to return home immediately, and to secure Magwitch's portable property. Pip spends a quiet day with the Aged Parent, and later receives instructions to visit the new hiding place.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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