Great Expectations · Chapter
Chapter XXXV explained
Pip attends the funeral of Mrs.
What happens
Pip attends the funeral of Mrs. Joe Gargery, who has died after a brief period of lucidity. After the funeral, he speaks with Biddy about her plans and learns that Orlick was seen near the house on the night of Mrs. Joe's death. Pip and Biddy have a strained conversation about his intentions to visit Joe often, and Pip reflects on his own unkindness. He says goodbye to Joe and leaves.
Themes in this chapter
Guilt and Redemption
Pip feels guilt over his treatment of Joe and Biddy, and seeks redemption through promises to visit often and reconcile.
Social Class and Ambition
Pumblechook's fawning behavior toward Pip highlights the social climbing and class distinctions that pervade the novel.
Crime and Injustice
Orlick's presence near the house on the night of Mrs. Joe's death suggests unresolved criminality and injustice.
Characters to notice
- Pip
Attends his sister's funeral, speaks with Biddy about her future and Orlick's presence, and says goodbye to Joe.
- Biddy
Narrates the details of Mrs. Joe's death, reveals she saw Orlick near the house, and tells Pip her plans to become a schoolmistress.
- Joe Gargery
Present at the funeral, works at the forge, and shares a heartfelt goodbye with Pip.
- Mrs. Joe Gargery
Has died; her final moments are described by Biddy, where she speaks Joe's name and asks for pardon.
- Mr. Pumblechook
Attends the funeral in a black cloak, makes obsequious remarks to Pip, and drinks sherry afterward.
- Orlick
Mentioned by Biddy as having been seen near the house on the night of Mrs. Joe's death and working in the quarries.
Key passages
“She made signs to me that she wanted him to sit down close to her, and wanted me to put her arms round his neck. So I put them round his neck, and she laid her head down on his shoulder quite content and satisfied.”
Mrs. Joe gestured for Biddy to bring Joe close and place her arms around him, and she rested her head on his shoulder peacefully.
Describes Mrs. Joe's final moments of lucidity and affection before her death.
“I saw him there, on the night she died.”
Biddy reveals that she saw Orlick near the house on the night of Mrs. Joe's death.
Implies Orlick's possible involvement in Mrs. Joe's death.
“I am going to try to get the place of mistress in the new school nearly finished here.”
Biddy plans to become the head teacher at the new local school.
Shows Biddy's ambition and independence after Mrs. Joe's death.