Chapter 29 (Volume 2, Chapter 10) (Instalment 18):

Estella grown a woman / Of whom does Estella remind me? / Arrival of Mr. Jaggers

Synopsis of Chapter 29 (Volume 2, Chapter 10) (Instalment 18)

Early next morning Pip loiters on Miss Havisham's side of the town, purposely avoiding Joe's side. His fantasies about Miss Havisham's intentions for him and Estella continue. To his amazement, he is admitted to Satis House by Orlick, now Miss Havisham's porter. As soon as he sees Estella, Pip's confidence disappears and he is reduced to his former self. She is cool and self-possessed, with the same contempt for Pip and the same delight in tormenting him. Looking at her, Pip is aware of a fleeting resemblance which he can't pin down.

Back in the house, Miss Havisham tells Pip to love Estella no matter what she does to harm him. When Mr. Jaggers arrives both Pip and Miss Havisham are afraid of him. He tells Pip that Estella's name is Havisham but prevents him asking anything more. Miss Havisham tortures Pip by placing jewels on Estella, while Mr. Jaggers coldly wins every hand in the game of cards. Pip and Mr. Jaggers leave for the inn, where Pip lies awake in an agony of hope and love. The thought of the neglected Joe brings tears..

Commentary on Chapter 29 (Volume 2, Chapter 10) (Instalment 18)

do all the shining deeds … and marry the Princess Pip has no doubts as to the identity or the wishes of his benefactor, though his choice of words suggests that his dreams are indeed just a fairy tale.

I loved her … against happiness This confused and guilty Pip must be set against the realist who can see his love for what it is. He is struggling to cope with his sudden social and material advancement and the realization that his new-found wealth means that he can no longer fit into the life of the forge.

‘I could have told you that, Orlick.' ‘Ah!' said he drily. ‘But then you've got to be a scholar.' Pip's comment is patronizing, and the uneducated Orlick answers it well. Orlick's experiences in some respects shadow those of Pip's at a less fortunate level. (See also Characterisation: Role and significance).

I have no heart Estella has no illusions, at least about herself.

What was it … seen in Miss Havisham? No Pip's sense that Estella reminds him of someone is not explained until Chapter 48.

 

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