Great Expectations · Chapter
Chapter XXVII explained
Pip receives a letter from Biddy informing him that Joe and Mr.
What happens
Pip receives a letter from Biddy informing him that Joe and Mr. Wopsle are coming to London to visit him. Pip feels a mix of embarrassment and reluctance about Joe's visit, fearing how his new gentlemanly acquaintances might perceive Joe. Joe arrives, awkward and out of place in Pip's chambers, and delivers a message from Miss Havisham that Estella has returned home and wishes to see Pip. After a strained breakfast, Joe departs with a heartfelt speech about their different paths in life, leaving Pip ashamed of his own snobbery.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Pip's embarrassment at Joe's visit and his fear of being seen by Drummle underscore his internal conflict between his humble origins and his aspirations to gentility.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Joe's speech about being 'wrong out of the forge' forces Pip to confront his own changing identity and the cost of his social ascent.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Pip's lavish decorating and the 'Avenger' boy are superficial attempts to project a gentlemanly image that contrasts with his true self.
Characters to notice
- Pip
Pip receives Joe's visit with embarrassment and mortification, ashamed of his humble origins in front of his London acquaintances.
- Joe Gargery
Joe visits Pip in London, feeling out of place in his gentleman's chambers, and delivers a message from Miss Havisham about Estella.
- Biddy
Biddy writes the letter to Pip on Joe's behalf, mentioning that they talk of him every night and that Mrs. Joe is much the same.
- Herbert Pocket
Herbert is present during Joe's visit and suggests breakfast items for Joe, though Pip feels suspicious of his motives.
- Mr. Wopsle
Wopsle has left the church and taken up playacting in London; Joe brings a playbill announcing Wopsle's performance.
- Miss Havisham
Miss Havisham sends a message through Joe that Estella has come home and would be glad to see Pip.
Key passages
“So, throughout life, our worst weaknesses and meannesses are usually committed for the sake of the people whom we most despise.”
Pip reflects that people often act in their worst, most petty ways to impress those they actually hold in contempt.
Pip's self-awareness about his snobbery toward Joe, driven by fear of Drummle's opinion.
“You and me is not two figures to be together in London; nor yet anywheres else but what is private, and beknown, and understood among friends.”
Joe tells Pip that they belong in different worlds now, and that their friendship is best kept in private, familiar settings.
Joe's dignified acceptance of the social distance between them, delivered with simple eloquence.