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Great Expectations. Chapters 51-53. Chapter 51 p. 310-320.
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Great Expectations Chapters 51-53
Chapter 51 p. 310-320 • PLOT DEVELOPMENT: Pip, Startop, and Herbert set out on the congested Thames. They pick up a thankful Magwitch at Clara’s house. Like a poet, Magwitch compares life to a river with a murky bottom and tides that cannot be controlled. Indeed, as they stop for the night at a squalid inn, they learn from a servant that a boat has been hovering near the inn. As a precaution, Pip and Magwitchsneak out early in the morning and meet their rowboat further down the river. As they row for the German vessel that can take Magwitch to freedom, they are hailed by another boat and ordered to deliver Magwitch over, as he is under arrest. Magwitch recognizes Compeysonin the other boat, who, frightened by his old partner, tumbles into the water, followed instantly by Magwitch. The two tangle in the water, but only Magwitch surfaces. He says he did not kill Compeyson, though he would if he could, but Compeyson does not reappear. Magwitchhas injured his chest, and Pip notices that his breathing seems troubled. He gets permission to accompany Magwitch to London. By now, Pip feels nothing but gratitude and love for his benefactor and pledges to be true to him. He realizes that officers for the crown will confiscate all of Magwitch’s wealth.
Chapter 52 p. 321-325 • PLOT DEVELOPMENT: Magwitch is taken to the police and held over for court. Jaggers scolds Pip for letting the “portable property” slip through his fingers and advises him that Magwitch will surely be found guilty. Compeyson’s body is found in the river. Herbert makes plans to marry Clara (since her father should die soon), leaves for Cairo, and offers Pip a job. However, Pip will not give him an answer until Magwitch’s ordeal is over. Pip runs into Wemmick who frets over the sacrifice of the portable property, but Pip says his only fears are for the owner of that property. Wemmick asks Pip to meet him for an early walk Monday morning, and they do walk to Wemmick’sunusual wedding to Miss Skiffins!
Chapter 53 p. 326-330 PLOT DEVELOPMENT: Magwitch lies in prison, very ill, waiting for his trial, and then for his sentencing and death. Magwitch seems brave and at peace. Pip visits him faithfully and petitions numerous governmental parties for mercy, to no avail. As the days pass, Pip notices an even greater acceptance on Magwitch’s part. Just before he dies of illness, Pip whispers to him that his daughter is alive, that she is a lady, and that Pip loves her.
Chapters 51-53 • What happened to Magwitch? Magwitch was captured during the escape, sent to prison, and died there before he would have been executed. • What happened to Compeyson? Magwitch and Compeyson fight in the water, but only Magwitch surfaces. He says he did not kill Compeyson, though he would if he could, but Compeyson does not reappear. 90. Pip says, "I only saw him as a much better man than I had been to Joe." Explain how this shows Pip's growth as a character. Pip finally realizes that there is more to being a gentleman, an honorable person, than having money and education. He realizes and regrets that he treated Joe poorly, and he shows that he recognizes Magwitch was a good man although he was a convict.
Chapters 51-53 • How does Pip treat Magwitch after his capture? Pip tends to Magwitch’severy need and treats him with respect. • What happened to Pip's "great expectations"? Pip’s “great expectations” vanished. His physical fortune of land and money from Magwitch was forfeited to the state, and just as importantly, he realized that his expectations of being a gentleman with money would make him better were false. • Who gets married at the end of chapter 52? Wemmick and Miss Skiffins marry with Pip as the best man. • What information does Pip share with Magwitch? Before Magwitch dies, Pip tells him that he had a daughter, and that she is a lady, and Pip is very much in love with her.
