# XXI explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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