Great Expectations · Chapter
Chapter XXXVI explained
On his twenty-first birthday, Pip receives five hundred pounds from Mr.
What happens
On his twenty-first birthday, Pip receives five hundred pounds from Mr. Jaggers and is told he will manage his own finances until his benefactor reveals himself. Pip seeks Wemmick's advice about helping a friend financially, but Wemmick gives him a cynical official opinion, though hints that his private sentiments at Walworth may differ.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Moral Corruption
Pip's new financial independence is tempered by Wemmick's warning that lending money to a friend can ruin the relationship, highlighting the corrupting influence of wealth.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Wemmick's dual persona—official cynic at the office versus private sentiment at Walworth—underscores the theme of divided identity and hidden truths.
Characters to notice
- Pip
Pip comes of age, receives his allowance, and seeks advice on helping a friend.
- Jaggers
Jaggers formally hands over Pip's allowance and refuses to answer questions about the benefactor's identity.
- Wemmick
Wemmick gives Pip cynical official advice about lending money, but hints at a different private view.
- Herbert Pocket
Herbert is mentioned as Pip's dining companion and later feels dejected after Jaggers' visit.
Key passages
“Choose your bridge, Mr. Pip, and take a walk upon your bridge, and pitch your money into the Thames over the centre arch of your bridge, and you know the end of it. Serve a friend with it, and you may know the end of it too—but it’s a less pleasant and profitable end.”
Wemmick cynically advises Pip that giving money to a friend is as wasteful as throwing it into the river, and will likely destroy the friendship.
Wemmick's official stance on lending money to friends.
“Walworth is one place, and this office is another. Much as the Aged is one person, and Mr. Jaggers is another. They must not be confounded together. My Walworth sentiments must be taken at Walworth; none but my official sentiments can be taken in this office.”
Wemmick explains that his personal and professional opinions are entirely separate, and he will only share his true feelings at home.
Wemmick's distinction between his public and private selves.