# Chapter XXXII explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Pip receives a note from Estella saying she will arrive in London by coach. While waiting, he meets Wemmick and visits Newgate Prison, where he observes Wemmick's interactions with prisoners. Pip feels contaminated by the prison's atmosphere and worries about meeting Estella.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Injustice

Pip's visit to Newgate highlights the grim reality of crime and punishment, and the moral taint associated with it.

### Social Class and Ambition

Pip's anxiety about meeting Estella reflects his social aspirations and the contrast between his past and present.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Wemmick's dual nature as a kind gardener-like figure in prison contrasts with his professional role, and Pip feels contaminated by the prison's reality.

## Character check-ins

### Pip

Pip is anxiously waiting for Estella's arrival and accompanies Wemmick to Newgate Prison.

### Wemmick

Wemmick invites Pip to Newgate, interacts with prisoners, and discusses Mr. Jaggers' methods.

### Estella

Estella sends Pip a note announcing her arrival in London.

### Miss Havisham

Mentioned as having the impression that Pip should meet Estella.

### Jaggers

Referenced by Wemmick and the turnkey as a powerful and high-standing figure.

## Key lines

> I am to come to London the day after tomorrow by the midday coach. I believe it was settled you should meet me? At all events Miss Havisham has that impression, and I write in obedience to it. She sends you her regard.

Estella informs Pip that she will arrive in London soon and expects him to meet her, as Miss Havisham wishes.

_Estella's note sets the chapter's central event._

> It struck me that Wemmick walked among the prisoners much as a gardener might walk among his plants.

Pip observes that Wemmick treats the prisoners with a detached, almost horticultural familiarity.

_Highlights Wemmick's professional demeanor and the dehumanizing aspect of the prison._

> I thought of the beautiful young Estella, proud and refined, coming towards me, and I thought with absolute abhorrence of the contrast between the jail and her.

Pip contrasts Estella's purity with the squalor of Newgate, feeling ashamed of his association with the prison.

_Emphasizes Pip's internal conflict and his idealization of Estella._

## Links

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