Chapters 44 and 45 Summary
Chapter 44
Having learned his benefactor’s identity, Pip goes to see Miss Havisham at her home. He wants to tell her and Estella about this knowledge, as well as share his hurt feelings that the elderly woman allowed him to think she was his benefactor. Confessing his great unhappiness, he encourages Miss Havisham to believe that some of her relatives are not motivated by greed. He especially refers to Herbert Pocket and his father, who have proved good friends to him. Pip regrets that he will no longer be able to help Herbert financially, and he requests that Miss Havisham assume this role without telling Herbert.
Pip finally admits to Estella his deep and long-lasting love for her, but she does not respond. Instead, she continues knitting. As he continues in this vein, he detects a look of pity on Miss Havisham’s face. Estella tries to explain that she understands what Pip is saying but her heart remains unmoved and that she has already warned him about this lack of feeling. Admitting at last that they will not be together, Pip warns her of Drummle’s advances. Estella informs him that she is engaged to Drummle. Distraught, Pip tries to discourage her, telling her that Drummle is unworthy of her. Estella assures him that she will not treat Drummle with any kindness, but this does nothing to assuage Pip’s anguish.
Leaving the women, Pip walks to London. Upon arriving at the Temple, he receives a note from Wemmick, which had been delivered to the watchman. It warns him not to go home.
Chapter 45
Pip takes the note to heart and finds another place to sleep, but worrying about why Wemmick sent the note keeps him awake.
In the morning, Pip seeks out Wemmick, who tells him Magwitch’s disappearance from New South Wales has been noticed. Compeyson has come to London looking for him and, Wemmick assumes, has Pip’s house under surveillance. Wemmick already communicated the problems to Herbert, who moved Magwitch to different lodgings where Clara, Herbert’s fiancée, lives. Since Pip rarely goes there, it will probably not be suspected. In addition, its location near the river should facilitate access to a ship that can take Pip and Magwitch out of the country. Herbert assumes the responsibility of checking on him when he visits Clara.
Expert Q&A
What does Wemmick do to assist Pip in Chapter 45 of Great Expectations?
In Chapter 45, Wemmick assists Pip by warning him that Compeyson is aware of Magwitch's presence and is spying on Pip's apartment. To protect Magwitch, Wemmick moves him to a safe house, ensuring his safety and enabling continued communication with Pip and Herbert Pocket. This precaution is crucial for Pip's plan to help Magwitch escape Compeyson's revenge and flee the country.
In Chapter 44 of Great Expectations, what does Pip say to Estella and how does she respond?
In Chapter 44, Pip confesses his love to Estella, despite realizing marriage is unlikely. Estella responds unemotionally, indicating she cannot comprehend or feel the sentiments Pip expresses. She acknowledges understanding "love" as just words, revealing her emotional detachment cultivated by Miss Havisham. Estella's calm, unmoved demeanor highlights her inability to engage with love, underscoring her role as a heartbreaker, untouched by genuine emotion.
In Chapter 45 of Great Expectations, why does Wemmick approve of Herbert's hideout?
Wemmick approves of Herbert's hideout for Provis because it is both discreet and strategically located near the river, facilitating a potential escape by ship. Since Pip has no reason to visit Herbert's fiancée's house, it minimizes the risk of leading Compeyson to Provis. Additionally, Herbert can monitor Provis, and Herbert's fiancée can alert them to any unusual activity, enhancing their security.
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