Great Expectations · Chapter
Chapter XXXIV explained
Pip reflects on the negative effects of his expectations on himself and those around him, particularly Herbert, whom he has led into debt and extravagance.
What happens
Pip reflects on the negative effects of his expectations on himself and those around him, particularly Herbert, whom he has led into debt and extravagance. He describes their futile attempts to manage their finances through elaborate but ineffective bookkeeping, and their membership in the Finches of the Grove, a club for wasteful dining and quarreling. The chapter ends with a letter arriving during one of their financial sessions.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Moral Corruption
Pip's expectations lead to moral decay, as he and Herbert accumulate debt, join a wasteful club, and engage in self-deceptive financial management.
Guilt and Redemption
Pip feels chronic unease about his treatment of Joe and Biddy, and guilt over leading Herbert into ruin, hinting at a desire for redemption.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Pip and Herbert maintain a 'gay fiction' of enjoyment while living in misery, and their financial reviews create an illusion of control and virtue.
Characters to notice
- Pip
Pip reflects guiltily on his behavior toward Joe and Biddy, and acknowledges the corrupting influence of his expectations on himself and Herbert.
- Herbert Pocket
Herbert is led into debt and extravagance by Pip's lavish habits, and participates in their comical but ineffective financial reviews.
- Drummle
Drummle is a fellow member of the Finches of the Grove, noted for his reckless behavior in a cab.
- Startop
Startop suggests Pip and Herbert join the Finches of the Grove club.
- Mr. Matthew Pocket
Mr. Pocket is mentioned as growing grayer and struggling with his own perplexities.
- Mrs. Pocket
Mrs. Pocket is described as preoccupied with her book of dignities and her grandpapa, neglecting her family.
Key passages
“I lived in a state of chronic uneasiness respecting my behavior to Joe. My conscience was not by any means comfortable about Biddy.”
Pip constantly felt guilty about how he had treated Joe and Biddy.
Reflects Pip's growing awareness of his moral failings.
“My lavish habits led his easy nature into expenses that he could not afford, corrupted the simplicity of his life, and disturbed his peace with anxieties and regrets.”
Pip's extravagant spending encouraged Herbert to live beyond his means, ruining his simple life and causing him worry.
Highlights Pip's corrupting influence on Herbert.
“There was a gay fiction among us that we were constantly enjoying ourselves, and a skeleton truth that we never did.”
They pretended to be happy and carefree, but in reality they were always miserable.
Illustrates the theme of appearance versus reality.