Great Expectations Group

Question:

shayshay2
shayshay2
Student
High School - 9th Grade

Who is Pip's benefactor?  In what way does knowing his benefactor change Pip's thinking about Estella?  About Joe?

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Posted by shayshay2 on Monday April 20, 2009 at 10:53 AM.

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  1. troutmiller Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Magwitch is Pip's benefactor.  He is also referred to as Provis near the end for security reasons.  After he finds out this information, he also finds out that Estella is his daughter (Molly is the mother).  Pip realizes what a good man Magwitch truly is.  He sacrificed all of his earnings to give them to a little boy who helped him in a time of need.  Pip even went out of his way to get a file for him to escape the leg iron.  When Pip sees the sacrifices Magwitch made for him, he realizes that he was never going to be a gentleman worthy of Estella.  He has nothing but a blacksmith's background and a convict's earnings.  So at this point he knows that he will "get the girl."  He also realizes at this point that all he did to hurt Joe was for nothing.  He deserted the one man who loved him and wanted only the best for him. 

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/expectations/part-2-chapter-38-39-s...

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    Posted by troutmiller on Monday April 20, 2009 at 8:58 AM