Great Expectations Study guide – Flashcards
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answersquestion
How does Dickens begin his story?
answer
He begins the story with Pip in the graveyard, observing his dead family's grave. We also get the history behind Pip's name.
question
How does Dickens create some sympathy for the convict?
answer
He creates sympathy for the convict by using the man's gaunt appearance, specifically his leg made mostly of iron. He focuses on his suffering.
question
How does Dickens achieve ambiguity by describing Pip as having been "brought up by hand?"
answer
Hints that he was brought up lovingly, but Pip thinks it means to be abused. So the phrase is suggesting a gentle action in contrast to a hateful one.
question
Contrast Pip's description of Mrs. Joe with his description of Joe.
answer
Mrs. Joe is an un compassionate, short-tempered person who has dark eyes and hair. Joe has fair with blue eyes and a smooth face. He is also sweet tempered, compassionate, strong, and gentle.
question
In chapter 2, what do we learn from adult Pip's interlude in the narrative? (page 18)
answer
Establishes how terrified Pip was and will be throughout the book.
question
What weather condition seems to mirror Pip's state of mind? What is the significance and symbolism of this weather condition.
answer
The weather condition that mirror's his state of mind is the heavy mist. The heavy mist is symbolic because it represents confusion, guilt, fear, and doubt. Is significant because it adds to the mood and shows how the weather is in tune with the book.
question
In what way does Pip show himself to be a compassionate young boy?
answer
He sympathizes with the convict and pities him as well. Pip makes it clear that he doesn't want the man to be harmed and risks his safety for him.
question
How does Chapter 4 begin and end?
answer
Begins with Pip expecting to run into the police and ends with him actually running into them.
question
What observation does Pip make about Joe's dress and appearance?
answer
Pip observes that Joe is the picture of misery in a full suit, and also a scarecrow because the clothes don't fit who he is.
question
Why does Pip say to Joe that he hopes the soldiers do not catch the escaped convects?
answer
He says it because he pities them, fears they could reveal his part in robbing Mrs. Joe, and doesn't want his convict to think he betrayed him.
question
How is the capture of the two convicts ironic?
answer
It's ironic because the convicts are glad to be found by the police. One convict thinks he is saved from murder while the other is saved from being used.
question
What facts do we learn about the convicts in chapter 5?
answer
We learn that the two convicts had a rough relationship with each other, been together since they were tried, and were involved in a crime together.
question
What does the treatment of the stolen pie suggest about the character of the convict and Joe?
answer
It suggests that the convict is a decent and honorable man. We learn that Joe is selfless and did not want the convict to starve anyway so he was fine with the pie being taken.
question
Why does the convict go out of his way to clear Pip of any blame for missing food?
answer
He goes out of his way because he wants to repay Pip because he provided food for the him and also didn't want to get Pip in trouble.
question
What indications are there that the plot line of the convict is not over.
answer
His plot line is not over because the words, "as if it were all over" are used. "As if" is a big indicator.
question
Why does Pip love Joe? What reason does he give for keeping the truth of his crimes from Joe?
answer
Pip loves Joe because Joe let Pip love him, and he doesn't tell Joe the truth because he is worried that Joe would think he was worse than he was and lose confidence in him.
question
How are Biddy and Pip alike?
answer
Both Biddy and Pip were brought up by hand and orphans.
question
Why did Joe not learn to read as a child? What made him marry Pip's sister?
answer
Joe never went to school because his father was an alcoholic so he worked at an early age. He wanted to marry Mrs. Joe because he loved Pip and she was a fine figure of a woman.
question
How does Dickens ridicule the city businessmen in chapter 8? What does the reader learn about Mr. Pumblechook from a glimpse into his home life.
answer
Dickens makes fun of their appearance and are more interested in other peoples' work that their own. We learn that Pumblechook is luxurious, fancy, and content.
question
How is the name of the Satis house ironic?
answer
Satis refers to enough but the house is not enough.
question
What can the reader infer about Miss Havisham from this first introduction?
answer
The reader can refer that she is strange, creepy, bitter, demanding, and lonely.
question
Why does Miss Havisham make Estella play cards with Pip? Why is she interested in Pip's opinion of Estella?
answer
She wants them to play cards because the game Pip wants to play is related to making someone poor by taking their cards so Miss H. wants Pip to beg for Estella's love and be the object of his desire. She's interested in his opinion because she is hoping Pip will fall for Estella so she can break his heart like how Miss. H was.
question
Explain the new ambivalence developing in Pip's character.
answer
His new ambivalence (doubt) developing is because he is being criticized on his appearance and commoness because of how he was brought up.
question
What does Pip mean when he says he did not think his sister and Uncle Pumblechook would understand Miss H. even though he did not understand her himself?
answer
He meant that he did not want them to think that she was coarse and treacherous because of what he thought and decided they wouldn't understand him and never really seen that type of lifestyle. It represents Pip's maturing and thinking that he has become greater than others in his family.
question
How does Dickens reinforce Pip and Joe's closeness?
answer
He reinforces it by having Pip confess to lying because he feels guilty for not telling Joe. Also, he tells Joe about his oncommoness while letting Joe give him advice.
question
"Pause you who read this, and think of the long chain of iron or golf... never had bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day." What links in Pip's chain are begun on the day he visits Satis House?
answer
Pip is thinking of becoming a gentleman because of his day at the Satis House. He focuses on the upper-class style of living.
question
What effect does Dickens, allowing his adult narrator to pause in the narrative and address the reader, directly, create?
answer
Creates a significant effect because the reader feels a connection, makes someone apply the book to their own life, and creates a deeper meaning.
question
What steps does Pip take to improve himself?
answer
Pip decides to continue his education and takes classes with Biddy as his teacher.
question
How does Dickens suggest the character of the stranger in the pub?
answer
He suggests he is secretive and judgmental.
question
What two things does the stranger do to suggest a connection with the convict from the beginning of the book?
answer
The stranger rubs his leg in an odd way and stirs his rum with a file.
question
What is most likely the reason the stranger is at the pub?
answer
He might be there to find out more about Pip and pay him back.
question
Who are the Pockets and why are they visiting Miss H.? What is revealed about Matthew Pocket, a relative who is not present at the gathering?
answer
The pockets are Miss. H.'s relatives, are visiting her because it's Miss. H's birthday and they want to suck up to her, and Matthew Pocket doesn't want to be a part of Miss. H's fortune. Therefore, a strange man to the Pockets. Ironic: They want to align pockets with Mrs. H's pocket.
question
What suspicions are confirmed for the reader in chapter 11?
answer
The suspicions confirmed are that they had something to do with Miss. H's wedding/ devastation.
question
What potential role had Estella played in the fight between Pip and the pale young man?
answer
Estella had the potential role of being an influence for the fight.
question
What is significant about the light from Joe's forge?
answer
Pip is uncertain and the forge/joe is the only one who loves him. It is not a welcoming fire though and Joe is holding him back from a extravagant life. .
question
What is adult Pip insinuating when he narrates: "What could I become with these surroundings? How could my character fail to be influenced by them? Is it to wondered as if my thoughts were dazed, as my eyes were, when I came out into the natural light, from the misty yellow rooms?"
answer
The experience he gets from Miss. H will influence him greatly.
question
Why is Pip ashamed of Joe when he goes to meet Miss. H?
answer
Joe is common and responds to Pip in a lower class dialect when Miss. H asks him a question.
question
Define indentures. What restriction does the law place on a boy who is bound?
answer
They're legal agreements saying one must become of the same social class that their teacher is in.
question
On what note does the chapter end? (After he is bound)
answer
Ends on a bitter note because Pip disagrees with everything that is being placed upon him, which is unfair.
question
How does Dickens help the reader maintain sympathy for the altered Pip?
answer
Dickens reveals Pip's absolute distaste towards his new life and being common. He is also ashamed of being ashamed.
question
What is the apparent source of Pip's dissatisfaction?
answer
He is apprenticed to Joe, bound, and can't be at the Satis house, and worries how Estella would look at him.
question
What new character and conflict is introduced in this chapter? (15)
answer
Orlick. The new conflict is that Mrs. Joe was struck in the house.
question
What purpose does Dickens have for reintroducing the convict's leg in this chapter?
answer
The purpose is to show that the convict has something to do with Mrs. Joe being hurt and hints that he is around, watching Pip.
question
How does Biddy come to live with Pip and Joe?
answer
She takes Miss Joe's place in the household.
question
Describe Pip's internal conflict. (17)
answer
He didn't pursue Biddy and hasn't been thankful enough.
question
What does Pip mean when he says he wants to be a gentleman?
answer
He wants a luxurious life, move up the social ladder.
question
Explain Pip and Biddy's relationship.
answer
They like each other more than friends but Pip likes Estella more than Biddy. He gets jealous/ protective when he finds out that Orlick likes her.
question
This chapter included the first mention of the novel's title. To was expectations is Jagger's referring?
answer
He's referring to the money that Pip should expect to get once he becomes a gentleman and to be a gentleman.
question
List the conditions imposed on Pip is he accepts the promised inheritance.
answer
He will always have the name of Pip and he can't show his suspicion of who the benefactor is.
question
What is Joe's reaction to Pip's impending great expectations?
answer
He is excited for and proud of pip but he is also a little confused about how and why all of this is happening. However, he's upset about losing Pip as a worker and best friend.
question
How is Pip feeling in the last paragraph of this chapter? (when he mentions sleeping/ after receives G.E)
answer
He's uneasy because he realizes he will have to leave Joe and Biddy and has trouble sleeping.
question
What is significant about Biddy's response to Pip's request for her to prepare Joe to be an elevated "higher sphere"?
answer
Biddy acknowledges that it is not right to change Joe because Joe is proud of who he is and is content with his life. It shows she is bold and is basically telling Pip he is arrogant.
question
Compare M. Pumblechook with the Pockets.
answer
They both want more money and suck up to the rich.
question
How does Miss H contribute to Pip's suspicions that she is his benefactor?
answer
She tells Pip to love Estella and doesn't discourage Pip's judgement of why he was at the Satis house.
question
Structurally, Dickens ends the first and second parts of Pip's expectations with peripeteia. What peripeteia occurs at the end of the first stage?
answer
He misses Joe and Biddy and regrets how he treated them but the whole world is ahead of him now and he is looking forward to his new life.
question
Briefly describe Mr. Jaggers.
answer
He is straightforward, driven by money, temperamental, powerful, and cold.
question
What coincidence is revealed in this chapter?
answer
Pip's new teacher/ companion is the pale young gentleman aka boy he fought at Miss H. aka Herbert
question
How does Herbert feel about Pip's great expectations?
answer
He is not jealous by Pip's fortune.
question
What is ironic about Herbert's decision to change Pip's name to Handel?
answer
Based on a piece of music called the Harmonious Blacksmith and Pip would've become a blacksmith.
question
What is the source of satire in Mrs. Pocket's pretentious nature?
answer
Mrs. Pocket is obsessed with the idea that she could be related to royalty and cannot take care of her kids. Everyone knows she can't.
question
What do people and the events of this chapter contribute to Pip's endeavor to become a gentleman?
answer
He realizes what a real gentleman's home and family look like.
question
What is significant about the fact that Pip is "not designed for any profession?"
answer
His education is to make him a gentleman and helps him become rich. He is not designed for a specific job so he can be a gentleman.
question
Contrast Mr. Pocket with Mr. Pumblechook.
answer
Punblechook brags, is greedy, and sucks up to the rich while Mr. Pocket is intellectual and looks out for Pip.
question
Why does Wemmick want Pip to pay attention to Mr. Jaggers' housekeeper when he is asked to dine at Mr. Jaggers' home?
answer
She is a tame wild beast who follows commands of Mr. Jaggers and he wants Pip to get an idea of who she really is.
question
Briefly describe Wemmick's home. How does Wemmick feel about his home?
answer
Little wooden cottage with gardens, smallest home Pip had ever seen, gothic windows, like a castle with a moat, drawbridge, and a flagpole. He loves and adored his home and is very proud of it.
question
What thematic structural purpose does Wemmick's dual life serve?
answer
Wemmick is Jagger's clerk but also looks after Pip while he is in london. His duel life represent that there is more than meets the eye for people.
question
Explain the metaphor of Mr. Jagger's scented soap.
answer
He washes off the lower levels of society.
question
What does Dickens accomplish by having Jaggers point out Molly's wrists to the guests?
answer
Her wrist represent her strength and power but also how Jaggers has complete power over her.
question
What does Pip mean when he twice says he recognizes a type of dignity in Joe's behavior?
answer
Pip's embarrassed by Joe, doesn't want his new friend to see him with someone of a lower class, Joe is still proud to be a blacksmith and pip doesn't want to see that pride and dignity because he himself does not possess it.
question
Why is Pip terrified of the convicts on the coach?
answer
One of the convicts is the man who gave pip money/ from swamp many years before.
question
What important exposition is revealed in this chapter?
answer
Pip overhears the convict from the swamp explain that he gave Pip the two pounds and discusses it with the other convict.
question
How does the adult Pip describe his love for Estella?
answer
He described that he loves Estella because she is irresistible and loves her against reason, promise, peace, hope, happiness, and all discouragement that could be.
question
How is Miss Havisham's command for Pip to love Estella ambiguous? How does Pip interpret it?
answer
Miss H either wants Pip to love Estella so that she may know what love feels like in a good way or she wants Estella to break Pip's heart like how her's broke. Pip interprets it as the good kind of love
question
*How is Pip's character advanced during this chapter? (30)
answer
He has enough courage to tell Herbert he loves Estella.
question
Compare the way the audience heckles Wopsle with the way the Trabb boy mimics Pip. In what ways are the two incidences similar?
answer
Similar because both Wopsle and Pip were made fun of since they were different from others such as speaking differently and other habits. Both are amusing to the people around them.
question
What does Pip hope Estella means when she tells him, "We are not free to follow our own devices you and I"?
answer
Pip hopes that she is hinting at their marriage.
question
Why would Miss H's relatives write to Miss H with unflattering reports of Pip?
answer
They want to impair his ground with her.
question
How does Dickens maintain reader sympathy for Pip while also showing his moral descent?
answer
He is guilty about how he treated Joe ad Biddy and also the death of Mrs. Joe.
question
How is Pip ambivalent about his sister's death?
answer
He is ambivalent because he remembers how horribly she treated him but he also regrets how their relationship went and feels and unknown sympathy for her.
question
What does Pip mean when he says that the mists were "quite right too?"
answer
The mist represents all the guilt Pip is feeling at the time, he is not actually going to come back and visit like he says he will.
question
Why is Pip looking forward to his twenty-first birthday?
answer
Because he thinks his guardian will contact him in some way.
question
Why does Dickens have Pip recall, on his coming of age, the day he met the convict in the churchyard?
answer
To show he still has the same emotions he had while he was a child and also to show how disadvantages he felt towards Jaggers.
question
What does Pip's desire to assist a friend say about his character?
answer
He is considerate of other people and feels sympathy towards those who are in trouble. He is a loyal friend.
question
What is Dickens purpose in having Wemmick's character divided into two personae: the Walworth Wemmick and the Little Britain Wemmick?
answer
To show how there is usually more to people than initially appears on the surface.
question
On what note does this chapter end? (37)
answer
Positively because Pip and Herbert are both happy but there is also an element of mystery as Pip foreshadows the turning point in his life.
question
What is ironic about Pip's relationship with Estella as described in this chapter?
answer
Pip loves Estella but he feels miserable in her company.
question
What is ironic about the scene between Miss H and Estella?
answer
Estella hurts and detaches herself from Miss H while Miss H taught her to do that to others, not to her. It backfires.
question
What peripeteia occurs at the end of the second stage of Pip's expectations?
answer
He finds out the convict is his benefactor, not Miss H so Pip was not designed for Estella.
question
How does Dickens establish from the very beginning of the chapter that something unexpected is about to happen?
answer
The weather was stormy and wet.
question
How does the convict respond to Pip's reaction and initial treatment of him?
answer
He takes it that Pip is too shocked but the convict is not hurt by it.
question
Why do you think the convict wants to "make a gentleman"? In what ways are the convict and Miss H alike?
answer
He wants to make a gentleman because he wants to know that he was able to make someone's life better and be a gentleman since he couldn't be one. Both use Pip for their own personal desires.
question
What is Pip's sharpest/ deepest pain of all after he realizes his good fortune has not been the result of Miss H's money?
answer
He was not designed/ meant to be with Estella.
question
How does the tone of the story change in this chapter? (40)
answer
Pip worries about the convict's safety. Darker, suspenseful, and mystery.
question
What is significant about Pip's convict's name, Abel Magwitch?
answer
He was betrayed by Compeyson while Abel in the Bible was betrayed.
question
Compare Pip's difficulty disguising Magwitch with his observation about Joe in his Sunday clothes. How does this tie to what it means to be a gentleman?
answer
The convict did not look like he belonged in his fancier clothes, which compares to joe. It means that it takes more than clothes and money to make a gentleman.
question
Explain Pip's ambivalence toward Magwitch. What does this say about Pip's character?
answer
He worries about his safety and feels obligates towards him because he is Pip's benefactor while despising him as well.
question
How does Dickens begin the chapter on a note of humor and why?
answer
He uses repetition to convey a humorous tone in order to lighten up the convict's story and the past three chapters have been darker, now it is more lighthearted.
question
How does this chapter fit the Social Critique genre? What specifically is Dickens' critiquing? (42)
answer
The convict is poor but better person while Compeyson is luxurious and worse person. Critiques the judicial system because people are judged on their appearance.
question
What growth does Pip show in this chapter (44)?
answer
He confesses his love towards Estella and confronts Miss H. Shows he has more courage and also forgiving.
question
In what ways does Pip mirror Miss H's softening towards him in the rest of this section? What is the significance in regards to theme/ human condition?
answer
At first, Pip was disgusted by the convict then his disposition changed to be more understanding. He regrets how he treated him. Shows we are quick to judge someone's appearance.
question
What is significant about the fact that Pip refuses to take any more money from Magwitch?
answer
Magwitch is his benefactor and has been supporting Pip for years. It is also a part of Pip's redemption and softening towards him; more mature.
question
What is foreshadowed about Estella's future with her husband?
answer
They will not live in peace with each other and there will be a struggle.
question
How does Dickens create reader sympathy for Miss H?
answer
She is remorseful and wishes to help Pip in any way she can since she realizes the consequence of what she had done. Also see more to her than a mean old lady.
question
What is the significance of the fire that destroys Miss H's wedding dress?
answer
Fire symbolizes forgiveness/ cleansing, allowing her to die a peaceful death.
question
What is significant about the fact that Pip is also burned in the fire?
answer
He is also purified and it marks his redemption.
question
What is Dickens' purpose in revealing Estella's parentage?
answer
Is ironic because she is born of the same class she is disdainful towards. Shows just because you are born poor does not mean you are a criminal.
question
What purpose does Dickens achieve in Jagger's hypothetical description of the children with whom he typically came into contact.
answer
Shows that others must take care of people in poverty and gives insight to Estella's parentage.
question
For what purpose does Dickens have the the innkeeper tell Pip the story of Pumblechook and the ungrateful boy?
answer
To show how ungrateful Pip was to Biddy and Joe because they have been so good to him and helped raise him. Reminds Pip of how true and faithful they were.
