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Book 2, Chapter 32
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Great Expectations, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Social Class
Ambition and Self-Improvement
Integrity and Reputation
Parents
Justice
Generosity
Summary
Analysis
Upon meeting Pip, Estella is all business, informing him he must procure her some tea and accompany her in a carriage to Richmond. She stresses that they must follow instructions and are not at liberty to act of their own will. Pip hopes that there is "an inner meaning" in her words. She explains that she is being sent to Richmond to live with a lady that will introduce her to society. Pip observes that Estella speaks of herself "as if you were some one else."
Pip hopes Estella is implying that she would act more warmly towards Pip if not for her strict instructions, but her dispassionate tone doesn't seem to suggest she feels anything but content following Miss Havisham's plan for her. As an upper class lady, Estella will enter high society in Richmond.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
At tea, Estella tells Pip that Sarah Pocket, Georgiana, Camilla, and Raymond resent Pip and are futilely trying to damage Miss Havisham's opinion of him. Estella explains that she is delighted by their frustration because they plotted against her throughout her childhood.
Miss Havisham's relatives resent Pip because they assume Miss Havisham is his patron and want her money for themselves. They selfishly plot against Pip as they once plotted against Estella.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Pip leaves Estella in Richmond, and imagines how happy he would be if he lived with her, even though he knows he is never happy but "always miserable" in her company.
Even though Estella actually makes Pip unhappy, he is sure that being with her would make him happy. This is because he thinks that in being with her he would cement his reputation as a gentleman, and he has put reputation over his own integrity or true self.
Themes
Literary Devices
Quiz
Test Yourself
When he returns to the Pockets house at Hammersmith, Pip finds Mr. Pocket is out lecturing. Mr. Pocket is a famously respected lecturer on household management and child rearing and Pip thinks he'll ask Mr. Pockets' advice. But, noticing that Mrs. Pocket has allowed the baby to play with and swallow sewing needles, Pip changes his mind.
Although Mr. Pocket has a reputation for being an accomplished parent and household manager, and in fact lectures others on these topics, his personal life disproves his public reputation.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
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