Chapters 52 and 53 Summary
Chapter 52
Pip meets with Clarriker, a shipping merchant, and provides him funding for Herbert's new position. Clarriker plans to expand his business in the Middle East and hopes that Herbert will run the operation. Herbert is excited when he hears the news and dreams about life abroad with Clara and Pip.
Pip then receives word from Wemmick that the appropriate time to move Magwitch will be in two days. Due to his burned arm, Pip cannot row the boat, so Herbert recommends bringing Startop in on the plan. Pip also receives an anonymous letter promising information about his "Uncle Provis" (that is, Magwitch) if Pip meets with the writer alone in the marsh near where Pip grew up.
Pip catches a carriage back to the village and stays at an inn where he is not recognized. The innkeeper tells him a story of a lad from the village who was made rich but spurned those who supported him as a child, not realizing that he is talking about Pip. When Pip inquires about whom this lad spurned, the innkeeper names Pumblechook. This makes Pip furious, and he thinks about how Joe would never complain about how Pip has treated him, despite knowing he should have treated Joe much better.
Chapter 53
Pip heads to the marsh at the appointed meeting time and enters the old sluice-house, where he is attacked from behind. Pip's attacker restrains him and, lighting a candle, reveals himself to be Orlick. Orlick blames Pip for having thwarted his plans since Pip was a child and admits to having attacked Pip's sister. As he waits, bound and at Orlick's mercy, Pip reflects on how sorry he is, how many people he has wronged, and how they will never know how he regrets his actions. He assumes Magwitch and Herbert will also think he has abandoned them, not knowing why he has vanished.
Orlick tries to kill Pip, and Pip cries out for help. Unexpectedly, Trabb's boy, Startop, and Herbert come to his rescue. Herbert explains that the letter Pip received fell out of his pocket at their apartment; Herbert found it and followed him to the marsh. Although Orlick has escaped, Pip and Herbert decide not to pursue him or involve the law, for fear of endangering Magwitch. Herbert and Startop take Pip back to the Temple, where Herbert treats Pip’s burn and Pip falls into an anxious slumber.
Expert Q&A
What does the letter in chapter 52 of Great Expectations say?
In Chapter 52, Pip receives a letter from Wemmick advising him to execute a plan they had discussed, urging secrecy and destruction of the letter after reading. Pip shares this with Herbert before burning it. Later, Pip receives another letter, unsigned and dirty, instructing him to visit a sluice house alone to learn more about "uncle Provis." It warns him not to involve anyone else and to bring the letter with him.
In Chapter 52 of Great Expectations, what do Wemmick and Herbert propose to Pip?
In Chapter 52, Wemmick sends Pip a vague letter suggesting they attempt to get Provis (Magwitch) out of England early next week. Due to Pip's injury, he cannot help row the boat, so Herbert proposes they involve their trustworthy friend Startop. Startop will assist without needing full details, ensuring secrecy and safety. Their plan is to reach a foreign steamer that will take them to any destination outside England, safeguarding Magwitch from danger.
What causes Pip's regret for his ungratefulness toward Joe in Chapter 52 of Great Expectations?
Pip's regret for his ungratefulness toward Joe in Chapter 52 is triggered by a conversation with an inn landlord. The landlord mistakenly credits Mr. Pumblechook for Pip's success, claiming Pip neglects the man who supposedly "made him." This angers Pip, as he knows Joe has been his true benefactor. Pip reflects on Joe's humility and selflessness, contrasting it with Pumblechook's false claims, deepening his remorse for neglecting Joe.
Why does Pip leave on Monday night despite the risk in chapter 52 of Great Expectations?
Pip leaves on Monday night despite the risks because he is concerned about Magwitch (Provis) and the urgent nature of the mysterious letter he receives. The letter demands he come alone to the marshes for information about Provis, threatening that any delay could jeopardize their plans for Magwitch's escape. Driven by curiosity and fear for Magwitch's safety, Pip decides to meet the letter's author, leading to a dangerous encounter with Orlick.
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