Illustration of Pip visiting a graveyard

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

Start Free Trial

Student Question

In Great Expectations, how are Matthew Pocket and Camilla related?

Quick answer:

Matthew Pocket and Camilla are both relatives of Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. Matthew is Herbert Pocket's father and is notably absent from Miss Havisham's gatherings, as he disapproves of the other relatives' sycophantic behavior. Miss Havisham sarcastically suggests that Matthew will only visit her after her death. This highlights her belief that her relatives are primarily interested in her inheritance, not her well-being.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Camilla and Matthew Pocket are both relatives of Miss Havisham.  Matthew is Herbet Pocket's father.  Pip first meets Camilla in chapter 11, when she reminds him of his sister.  The Pocket family are relatives of Miss Havisham.  Matthew Pocket is the only relative not there, but Miss Havisham says sarcastically that even he will visit her once she's dead.

“Matthew will come and see me at last,” said Miss Havisham, sternly, “when I am laid on that table. That will be his place—there,” striking the table with her stick, “at my head! And yours will be there! And your husband's there! And Sarah Pocket's there! And Georgiana's there! Now you all know where to take your stations when you come to feast upon me. And now go!”

This speech demonstrates Miss Havisham's attitude toward her relatives visiting her.  She does not think they care about her, but assumes that they are only sucking up to her to inherit whatever she leaves when she dies and they will all "feast upon" her together.  In giving this speech, she tells them what she thinks of them.

The ironic thing is that Mathew was not there because he finds the whole thing despiteful.  He does not want Miss Havisham’s money, and does not approve of the other relatives pandering to her.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial