Chapters 34 and 35 Summary
Chapter 34
The chapter begins with Pip reflecting upon the changes to his character since he was made a gentleman. He suspects that the changes have not been for the better, and he realizes that he misses his home.
Pip decides, with Herbert, to join a club called "the Finches of the Grove." The members of this club, as far as Pip can work out, seem to spend all of their time eating, drinking, and arguing. Pip also says that "The Finches spent their money foolishly."
Pip and Herbert also spend money lavishly and wastefully, and in hindsight, Pip realizes that they were only pretending to be happy. They also start to accrue debts. Indeed, Pip comments to Herbert, "we are getting on badly." In response, they decide to sit down and organize all of their paperwork, so as to give themselves the impression that they are dealing with the problem.
At the end of the chapter, Pip receives a letter which tells him that "Mrs. J. Gargery had departed this life."
Chapter 35
At the beginning of chapter 35, Pip describes how his sister's death "haunted [him] night and day." He finds it difficult to imagine life without his sister.
Pip then describes the funeral, including his reunion with "Poor dear Joe." The funeral is, understandably, a rather gloomy affair, orchestrated by the rather pretentious and buffoonish Mr. Trabb. Mr. Trabb arranges the pallbearers, including Pip, so that their heads are all covered; together, the pallbearers and the coffin resemble "a blind monster with twelve human legs, shuffling and blundering along."
During the funeral, Mr. Pumblechook obsequiously bothers Pip, drinking too much alcohol and boasting that he is responsible for Pip's newfound social status.
After the funeral, Pip speaks with Biddy. Biddy says that she can no longer stay but that she will be just fine. She will, she says, be a schoolmistress and will be "industrious and patient, and teach [herself] while [she] teach[es] others." Biddy then tells Pip about his sister's death. She says that his sister had "been in one of her bad states" for four days and that she died "quite content," with her head on Joe's shoulder. Pip then asks Biddy if she has seen Orlick (whom he believes is responsible for his sister's death), and Biddy confesses that she saw him just a moment before. Pip becomes angry and promises to drive Orlick "out of that country."
Biddy, however, manages to calm Pip down, and the conversation turns to Joe. Pip promises that he won't leave Joe alone again, but Biddy doesn't quite believe him. At the end of the chapter, Pip reflects that Biddy was "quite right," and readers perhaps understand just how much Pip has changed.
Expert Q&A
How does Pip's life in London make things difficult for Herbert in chapter 34 of Great Expectations?
Pip's life in London complicates Herbert's situation because Pip's lavish spending influences Herbert, leading both into debt. Despite Herbert's wealthy family background, he lacks personal wealth and prospects, struggling to establish himself independently. His pride prevents him from accepting financial help from Pip, worsening his financial difficulties. As a gentleman, Herbert faces societal expectations that hinder his ability to work, leaving him with limited opportunities and contemplating drastic measures like emigrating to America.
What is the satire in Mrs. Joe's funeral in chapter 35 of Great Expectations?
Why is the title "The Finches of the Grove" for Pip's Gentleman's Club humorous in Chapter 34 of Great Expectations?
"The Finches of the Grove" is also a punch line for Ophelia in "The Critic" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.
The title "The Finches of the Grove" is humorous because it alludes to a line from "The Critic" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, where it parodies melodramatic expressions of woe, creating a comedic contrast with the pretentiousness of Pip's club. Additionally, it humorously reflects the saying "Birds of a feather flock together," highlighting how the club's members, like finches, act uniformly and follow each other without individuality, satirizing their conformity and superficiality.
What "bad side of human nature" does Pip see in Biddy in Chapter 35 of Great Expectations?
In Chapter 35 of Great Expectations, Pip perceives Biddy's doubt about his promise to visit Joe often as a "bad side of human nature." Biddy, acknowledging Pip's snobbish behavior and disregard for others since gaining his "expectations," questions his sincerity. Pip is insulted by her skepticism, though he internally realizes her doubts are justified. He accuses Biddy of cruelty, while she is simply being honest about his past behavior.
In Great Expectations chapters 34-35, what is ironic about Pip's claim that Biddy has injured him?
Pip's claim that Biddy has injured him is ironic because Biddy has merely spoken the truth, highlighting Pip's own unjust behavior towards her and Joe. Pip, who has grown distant due to his newfound status, promises to visit Joe often after his sister's death. Biddy's skepticism about his promise offends Pip, yet he later admits she was correct in doubting him, reflecting his internal acknowledgment of neglecting his roots.
Why doesn't Mrs. Joe's death bring Pip and Joe closer together in chapter 35?
Mrs. Joe's death doesn't bring Pip and Joe closer because Pip is ashamed of his past and views Joe as a reminder of it. Despite Joe's kindness and protection during Pip's upbringing, Pip's transformation into a gentleman leads him to distance himself from his origins. At this point, Pip has not matured enough to appreciate Joe's goodness beyond his social status, so he continues to snub Joe after Mrs. Joe's death.
In Chapter 35 of Great Expectations, what does Pip mean by "the mists were quite right, too"?
In Chapter 35, when Pip says "the mists were quite right, too," he acknowledges his own guilt and the truth in Biddy's skepticism about his promise to visit Joe often. The mists symbolize Pip's internal conflict and foreshadow his failure to fulfill this promise. Despite his intentions, Pip's actions reveal his neglect, as he only returns to Joe much later, seeking forgiveness after suffering personal hardships.
In Great Expectations chapter 34, what is the narrator's attitude toward the club?
The narrator, Pip, has a dismissive attitude toward his club, the Finches of the Grove, seeing it as pointless and a bad influence. He notes that the club's activities, primarily expensive dinners and arguments, lead to foolish spending and debt rather than goodwill. Pip's involvement reflects his uncertainty about how to behave with his newfound wealth, as he adopts superficial habits of the rich without gaining any meaningful insights or values.
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