Great Expectations

1
Great Expectations

• Chapters 50 - 59

2
Chapter 50

1. What does the reader learn about Estellas
   history? Who is Estellas father?

3
Chapter 51

1. How is Estellas parentage a way for Dickens to
   criticize the idea of social classes?

4
Chapter 52

1. What situation foreshadows that Herbert will be
   sent to the East to run the firms eastern
   office, and that Pip believes that he too will
   soon be leaving the country?
2. What reminds Pip of how true and faithful Joe and
   Biddy are?

5
Chapter 53

1. The novel has a theme of light vs. dark, which
   can represent hope vs. evil. Describe Dickens
   use of light and dark in this chapter.
2. List three mysteries Orlick solves for Pip while
   he is working up the courage to kill him.

6
Chapter 54

1. Describe Pips plan to get Magwitch out of
   England.
2. What incident in the past suggests that Magwitch
   is telling the truth when he says he did not kill
   Compeyson?
3. What is ironic about the confiscation of
   Magwitchs purse?

7
Chapter 55

• 1. What does Dickens pause to talk about in
  order to create a brief relief of tension?

8
Chapter 56

• Read the following passage I sometimes derived
  an impression, from his manner or from a
  whispered word or two which escaped him, that he
  pondered over the question whether he might have
  been a better man under better circumstances.
  Does Pip believe that a persons character is
  determined by nature or by nurture? Explain.
• Describe Magwitch during the time of his death.
• Why does Pip tell Magwitch about Estella?

9
Chapter 57

1. How is Pips illness like a second childhood for
   him?
2. Think about the following characters Matthew
   Pocket, Herbert Pocket, Bentley Drummle, Mr.
   Jaggers, and Joe. Which character possesses all
   the traits of a true gentleman? Explain.
3. Why does Joe begin to call Pip sir when Pip
   begins to regain his strength?

10
Chapter 58

1. How does this chapter wrap up Pips childhood
   relationships with Pumplechook, and Joe and Biddy?

11
Chapter 59

1. Why might Dickens have Pip return to where the
   novel began?
2. Explain the ambiguity of the ending of the novel.
   Do Pip and Estella part and never see each other
   again, or do they remain together?