# Chapter XVII explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Pip reflects on his apprenticeship and his dissatisfaction with his life as a blacksmith. He confides in Biddy his desire to become a gentleman, but she gently discourages him, suggesting he is happier as he is. Pip also notices Biddy's growth and competence, and becomes jealous of Orlick's attention toward her. Despite moments of clarity where he values his honest working life, Pip remains torn by his memories of Miss Havisham and Estella, and his hope that Miss Havisham might make his fortune.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ambition

Pip's desire to become a gentleman reflects his discontent with his social station and his ambition to rise above his blacksmith origins, a central conflict in the chapter.

### Identity and Self-Discovery

Pip grapples with his sense of self, torn between the honest working life represented by Joe and Biddy and the allure of a genteel life associated with Miss Havisham and Estella.

### Love and Unrequited Devotion

Pip's jealousy over Orlick's attention to Biddy hints at his own unacknowledged feelings, while his devotion to Estella remains a driving but unrequited force.

## Character check-ins

### Pip

Pip is discontented with his apprenticeship and confides in Biddy his ambition to become a gentleman, while struggling with conflicting feelings about his home life and his hopes tied to Miss Havisham.

### Biddy

Biddy has grown into a capable and perceptive young woman. She gently advises Pip against his gentlemanly ambitions and reveals her awareness of Orlick's unwanted attention.

### Joe Gargery

Joe is mentioned as caring for Mrs. Joe while Pip and Biddy go for a walk, and as a potential partner for Pip in the forge.

### Miss Havisham

Pip visits Miss Havisham annually on his birthday; she remains unchanged, giving him a guinea each time and speaking of Estella in the same manner.

### Estella

Estella is a constant presence in Pip's thoughts, associated with his aspirations and his dissatisfaction with his current life.

### Orlick

Orlick is employed at the forge and shows unwanted attention toward Biddy, which Pip resents and tries to obstruct.

## Key lines

> I want to be a gentleman.

Pip declares his ambition to rise in social class and become a gentleman.

_This moment reveals Pip's deep dissatisfaction with his current life and his aspiration for a different future._

> I don't think it would answer.

Biddy gently suggests that becoming a gentleman may not bring Pip the happiness he expects.

_Biddy's practical wisdom contrasts with Pip's romanticized view of gentility._

> I am not at all happy as I am. I am disgusted with my calling and with my life.

Pip expresses his unhappiness and disdain for his apprenticeship as a blacksmith.

_This highlights Pip's internal conflict and his rejection of his working-class identity._

> I was your first teacher though; wasn't I?

Biddy reminds Pip that she was his earliest instructor.

_This line underscores Biddy's role in Pip's early education and her quiet competence._

## Links

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