# Chapter XXXVII explained — Great Expectations

> Chapter companion for Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Pip visits Wemmick at his Walworth home, the 'castle,' where he meets the Aged and Miss Skiffins. He seeks Wemmick's advice on secretly using his own money to help Herbert Pocket secure a partnership. Wemmick agrees, and through Miss Skiffins's brother, a deal is arranged with a young merchant named Clarriker. Herbert remains unaware of Pip's involvement. The chapter ends with Pip reflecting on his happiness at doing good for someone else and announcing a forthcoming chapter about Estella.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ambition

Pip uses his newfound wealth to secretly elevate Herbert's social and financial standing, reflecting the theme of ambition and class mobility.

### Guilt and Redemption

Pip seeks to atone for his past neglect of Herbert by selflessly arranging his partnership, a redemptive act.

### Love and Unrequited Devotion

Pip's devotion to Herbert is shown through his secret efforts, and the chapter ends with a promise to focus on Estella, the object of his unrequited love.

## Character check-ins

### Pip

Visits Wemmick at Walworth to seek advice on secretly helping Herbert Pocket.

### Wemmick

Hosts Pip at his Walworth castle, introduces Miss Skiffins, and agrees to arrange Herbert's partnership.

### The Aged Parent

The old gentleman living with Wemmick, hard of hearing, delighted to work the drawbridge and make toast.

### Miss Skiffins

Wemmick's companion, a frequent visitor at the castle, of wooden appearance, and wears green gloves.

### Herbert Pocket

Beneficiary of Pip's secret plan; Pip arranges a partnership for him with Clarriker.

## Key lines

> I wound up by laying my hand upon his shoulder, and saying, "I can't help confiding in you, though I know it must be troublesome to you; but that is your fault, in having ever brought me here."

Pip concludes his request by placing his hand on Wemmick's shoulder, saying he cannot help confiding in him even though it may be a burden, and that it is Wemmick's own fault for having invited him to Walworth.

_Pip expresses gratitude and trust in Wemmick, acknowledging the imposition but attributing it to their friendship._

> I never shall forget the radiant face with which he came home one afternoon, and told me, as a mighty piece of news, of his having fallen in with one Clarriker (the young merchant's name), and of Clarriker's having shown an extraordinary inclination towards him, and of his belief that the opening had come at last.

Pip will always remember the joyful expression on Herbert's face when he came home and excitedly announced that he had met a young merchant named Clarriker, who seemed very interested in him, and that he believed his big opportunity had finally arrived.

_Herbert's happiness at the prospect of a partnership, unaware that Pip secretly arranged it, highlights Pip's selfless act._

## Links

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