Great Expectations Flashcards 54-59

Questions and Answers

What is Pip and Provis's plan?

Leave early Wednesday and row downriver to pick up Magwitch. They will continue past the Custom's House to Kent and stay at an inn there overnight. Thursday morning they will meet an ocean-going steamer on the river and get Pip and Magwitch aboard.

What surprises Pip about Provis as they are leaving?

Pip is concerned because of Magwitch's injuries and because he knows his friend will not be treated leniently in court. Nevertheless, Pip wishes to stay with Magwitch as long as possible and promises to visit him.

Why does Provis say that Pip doesn't really understand freedom?

Magwitch has been imprisoned several times in his life and knows the difference between being free and being locked up. He uses the river as a metaphor for life, which has rough and smooth bits and ultimately ends.

What does the Jack tell Pip he saw, and how does Pip react?

He saw two ships, which they think is the police or Compeyson. Signup and view all the answers

What happens on the river?

Magwitch recognizes Compeyson on the other boat and dives into the river to attack him. They grapple and each slips under the surface, but only Magwitch resurfaces. He claims not to have drowned Compeyson, though he says he would have liked to, but he cannot avoid being chained and led away to prison. Signup and view all the answers

How does Pip feel about Magwitch at the end of Chapter 54?

Pip is concerned because of Magwitch's injuries and because he knows his friend will not be treated leniently in court. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Magwitch's trial delayed?

There are no prison officers in town that can confirm that Magwitch is the same man that was exiled to New South Wales many years ago. The only man who could really confirm this is Compeyson, and he's conveniently drowned. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Wemmick want Pip to go with him?

Wemmick is marrying Miss Skiffins and wants Pip to serve as his best man. Signup and view all the answers

How does Jaggers respond when Pip comes to him to ask for help?

Jaggers is angry with Pip for letting the money slip through his fingers and says they will try for some of it, though there is little hope of success. Signup and view all the answers

What does Herbert want Pip to do, and how does he respond?

Herbert offers Pip a job with his firm but Pip delays his answer. For now, he must take care of Magwitch and one other unfinished piece of business. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Magwitch's trial?

His trial is quick and he is condemned to die. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Pip's attitude toward Magwitch changed before, during, and after the escape?

Pip has a more positive attitude towards Magwitch now. He is no longer rude towards him. Pip's first impression of Magwitch was a cruel man. As soon as Pip learns Magwitch is his benefactor, and he really cares for him, he feels he should return those feelings towards him also. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pip leave out when he tells Magwitch about Estella, and why do you think he did it?

He leaves out the part where he loves Estella. Signup and view all the answers

How does Pip end up after losing all of his wealth?

He is arrested for debt and nearly carted away to prison; he is spared only because of his extreme ill health. He experiences wild hallucinations, reliving scenes with Orlick and Miss Havisham and continually seeing Joe's face. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Pip never married?

Not getting married shows the price Pip had to pay after sacrificing almost his whole life striving to be good enough for a woman (Estella) and even becoming selfish in the middle of it. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pip and Provis's Plan

Pip and Provis plan to depart early Wednesday, rowing downriver to retrieve Magwitch.
Their itinerary includes bypassing the Custom's House, heading to an inn in Kent for an overnight stay.
A meeting with an ocean-going steamer is scheduled for Thursday morning to facilitate Pip and Magwitch's escape.

Pip's Concerns for Magwitch

Pip is troubled by Magwitch's physical injuries and the harsh treatment he will face in court.
Despite his concerns, Pip is committed to staying with Magwitch for as long as possible.

Understanding Freedom

Provis explains that true freedom is understood through experience; he contrasts imprisonment with life outside.
The river serves as a metaphor for life's unpredictable journey, containing both challenges and moments of solace.

Suspicion of Police Presence

A Jack informs Pip about two ships, sparking fear that they may be linked to the police or Compeyson.

Confrontation on the River

Magwitch identifies Compeyson on another vessel and attempts to attack him by diving into the river.
Both men engage in a struggle underwater, but only Magwitch emerges, revealing Compeyson's apparent drowning.

Pip's Feelings Toward Magwitch

By the end of Chapter 54, Pip harbors deep concern for Magwitch, recognizing the grim reality of his impending trial.

Delay of Magwitch's Trial

The trial is postponed due to the absence of prison officials who can verify Magwitch's identity from past exile.
Compeyson, the key witness, is conveniently deceased, complicating matters further.

Wemmick's Invitation

Wemmick wishes for Pip to attend his wedding to Miss Skiffins, seeking Pip to be his best man.

Jaggers's Frustration with Pip

Jaggers expresses anger towards Pip for losing his financial support, yet assures Pip they will attempt to recover some funds.
Herbert's sudden need to leave for Cairo brings mixed emotions; Pip celebrates Herbert's opportunity but worries about his own future.

Herbert's Offer to Pip

Herbert offers Pip employment in Cairo, but Pip hesitates in his response, prioritizing care for Magwitch and other matters.

Outcome of Magwitch's Trial

Magwitch's trial concludes swiftly, resulting in a death sentence.

Transformation in Pip's Attitude

Pip's perception of Magwitch evolves positively; he transitions from initial disdain to genuine care, recognizing Magwitch's significance as his benefactor.
This illustrates Pip's growth and emotional maturity throughout the narrative.

Pip's Omission to Magwitch

When discussing Estella with Magwitch, Pip withholds his deep love for her, possibly to protect Magwitch from further distress.

Pip's Downfall

As he loses all his wealth, Pip faces arrest for debt, nearly being imprisoned.
He endures severe health issues marked by hallucinations, revisiting past encounters with Orlick and Miss Havisham, and frequently envisioning Joe's face.

Implications of Pip's Singleness

Pip's choice to remain unmarried reflects the sacrifices made in pursuit of Estella's affection, highlighting his selfishness and the personal cost of his ambitions.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering chapters 54 to 59 of 'Great Expectations'. Explore Pip and Provis's plan to escape and the surprises that unfold during their journey. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of this classic novel.