Realizations and Predictions

In Chapter 38 and 39, both Pip and Estella have realizations that are followed immediately by ramifications. Pip’s realization is that “Estella was set to wreak Miss Havisham’s revenge on men” (302). Because of this, it will be even more difficult for Pip to fulfill his expectation involving Estella. In addition, Pip discovers that his benefactor is the Convict whom he met so many years ago. When he finds out that the Convict is being chased by the law, he realizes that he must help protect him because of all the Convict has done for him. Estella has realizations as well. When Miss Havisham clutched Estella’s hand by the fire, she reacted by pulling away and therefore “detaching herself” from the person who had adopted her, as well as overly protected her, throughout her life. This action shows her increasing desire for independence and space away from the clingy Miss Havisham.
These realizations will change both Pip and Estella in different ways. For Pip, his two experiences will force him to reexamine his relationship with Estella and perhaps convince him to give up on her and search for a new love. As for his situation with his benefactor, the Convict, Pip will most likely sacrifice a lot in order to protect him. This act may eventually catch up to him and somehow get him into trouble. For Estella, her newly found independence will allow her to explore the world without Miss Havisham holding her down.

The Meaning of the Name Estella

In the book Great Expectations, the author Charles Dickens reveals a lot about the characters’ personality through their names. The character Estella is described by Pip as “beautiful and self possessed” (56). Estella is Miss Havisham’s ward and when she was called into a room, Pip states that “her light came along into the long dark passage like a star” (59). The name “Estella” is of Latin origin, with stella meaning star. Like stars, Estella is far away from Pip’s reach and this quality makes Pip’s desire even greater.

Mrs. Joe

“By this time my sister was quite desperate, so she pounced on Joe, and, taking him by the two whiskers, knocked his head for a little while against the wall behind him: while I sat in the corner, looking guiltily on” (p. 11).

Mrs. Joe is not as carefree as other women her age are because she has had a much harder life. The loss of her parents and her many siblings at a relatively young age toughened her. Not only did she have to care for herself, but she also had to raise her younger brother Pip. From this quote, the reader can infer that Mrs. Joe is very controlling and feels she is responsible for disciplining her family. It also becomes clear that Joe Gargery has a submissive personality and is easily controlled. Because of Mrs. Joe’s and Joe’s opposite personalities, they are able to live somewhat successfully together as a couple. Mrs. Joe’s actions are a window into her mind and to the way she thinks. Instead of calmly reacting, Mrs. Joe erupts with a fit of anger and hits her husband’s head against the wall. Her tough exterior keeps Pip from intervening and her harsh words add fear to both her husband’s mind and Pip’s. Mrs. Joe is doing the best she can to be a strong leader of her family. We can conclude that Mrs. Joe acts with good intentions, even if she does not express her feelings in the best way possible.

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