Great Expectations · Chapter
XXI explained
Pip arrives in London and is taken by Mr.
What happens
Pip arrives in London and is taken by Mr. Wemmick to Barnard's Inn, a dilapidated set of chambers where he meets Herbert Pocket, the 'pale young gentleman' from Miss Havisham's. They recognize each other and begin their new life together as roommates.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Pip's disappointment with Barnard's Inn contrasts with his grand expectations of London, highlighting the gap between his aspirations and reality.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Pip's idealized view of London is shattered by the dilapidated state of Barnard's Inn, and Wemmick's mechanical smile hides a more cynical nature.
Characters to notice
- Pip
Arrives in London, disappointed by Barnard's Inn, and reunites with Herbert Pocket.
- Herbert Pocket
Greets Pip at Barnard's Inn; they recognize each other as the 'pale young gentleman' and 'prowling boy' from their earlier encounter.
- Wemmick
Escorts Pip to Barnard's Inn, describes his familiarity with London, and departs after introducing Pip to his new lodgings.
Key passages
“Lord bless me, you're the prowling boy!”
Herbert exclaims in surprise, recognizing Pip as the boy he fought at Miss Havisham's.
Herbert and Pip recall their earlier encounter at Satis House.
“I thought it had the most dismal trees in it, and the most dismal sparrows, and the most dismal cats, and the most dismal houses...”
Pip finds Barnard's Inn to be a gloomy and run-down place, far from his expectations.
Pip's disappointment with his new London lodgings.