What do Pip and Biddy argue about in chapter 19 of Great Expectations?
Pip and Biddy have an argument about Pip’s treatment of Joe in chapter 19.
Biddy and Joe are clearly uncomfortable around Pip. This is mostly due to his putting on airs and thinking he is better than them, and being ashamed of them.
Pip tries to explain to Biddy why...
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he does not want to come to visit Joe, and stays in a hotel when he does.
“Well! Joe is a dear good fellow—in fact, I think he is the dearest fellow that ever lived—but he is rather backward in some things. For instance, Biddy, in his learning and his manners.” (ch 19, p. 104 enotes etext pdf)
Biddy is offended by this. She demands to know what is wrong with Joe’s manners. They were fine when Pip was growing up. She reminds Pip that Joe is a proud man.
“He may be too proud to let any one take him out of a place that he is competent to fill, and fills well and with respect.” (ch 19, p. 105)
Biddy seems unable to get through to Pip though. He is blinded by his “expectations” and his situation in London. He thinks he is better than them, whether he wants to admit it or not. When Biddy tells Pip there are many types of pride, she is gently telling him that there is good and bad pride. Pip’s is not the good kind.
What causes an argument between Pip and Biddy in Great Expectations?
In Chapter 35 of "Great Expectations," Pip returns to the marsh in order to attend the funeral of his sister, Mrs. Joe. Trabb and Company have their protocol for the funeral with which Joe would have dispensed except that neighborhood would "look down on such" as Joe tells Pip.
This comment has its irony attached to it as Pip proves himself rather pompous. Joe is pleased that Pip asks if he may sleep in his own little room and Pip is
pleased too; for, I felt that I had done rather a great thing in making the request.
That evening Pip takes the "opportunity of getting into the garden with Biddy." There he scolds her, asking why she has not written him of "these sad matters."
When Biddy retorts to his remark, Pip says, "Don't suppose that I mean to be unkind, Biddy...," but Biddy queries, "Do you, Mr. Pip?"
Biddy speaks again and again he upsets Biddy by intimating that she will have to leave the forge. She tells him with conviction, "Oh! I can't do so, Mr. Pip...." She feels that Pip reproaches her when he asks how she will live. Pip says he will come often and visit, but Biddy questions him about his coming; Pip is insulted that Biddy doubts him. She knows he will not come.