Great Expectations Discussion Questions Chapters 9-15
1. Pg. 785 (2nd paragraph) – Why did Pip not tell the truth about Miss Havisham? (Look closely at the lines that say “I entertained an impression that there would be something coarse and treacherous in my dragging her as she really was (to say nothing of Miss Estella) before the contemplation of Mrs. Joe” And explain what they mean.) What do Pip’s thoughts about why he was not honest about Miss Havisham suggest about Pip?
2. Pg. 785 (2nd column) – Why did Pip tell such an outrageous lie? What does this tell you about Pip’s imagination?
3. Pg. 786 (2nd column; 2nd to last paragraph) – What does this passage reveal about Pip? What is happening to him? What does he wish was different?
4. Pg. 787 (1st column; 4th full paragraph) – What is Joe’s advice to Pip about becoming “oncommon”? What do these statements reveal to you about Joe’s character?
5. Pg. 787 (1st column; last paragraph) – Reread this final paragraph of chapter 9. What is Pip’s inner conflict in regards to Joe? Why does he think this? How is Pip changing?
6. Pg. 788-789 – What happened to Pip while at the tavern with Joe? What did the man have that made Pip uncomfortable? What did he give Pip? Why do you think he did this? What does Joe’s response to this generous gesture by the stranger tell you about Joe? Why was Pip sure that the man was not going to be there when Joe returned to the tavern? What was the purpose of the man’s visit? What was he trying to communicate to Pip?
7. Pg. 790 – Who are these people at Miss Havisham’s house and why have they gathered at Stais House?
8. Pg. 791 – Why does Estella slap Pip? What is Pip’s response to this?
9. Pg. 791 – Reread the last paragraph on this page. Although Pip did not physically cry after the slap, what does the adult narrator Pip reveal to us?
10. Pg. 792 – Pip meets a man on his way upstairs to see Miss Havisham. What is this unnamed character’s opinion of boys like Pip? What inferences can you make about this new characters personality?
11. Pg. 792 – Describe Miss Havisham’s other room. What does the state of the room reveal about Miss Havisham?
12. Pg. 793-794 – Miss Havisham finally lets her guests into see her. Look at pg. 793, (2nd column, 1-3 paragraphs) – Why does Camilla brighten when Miss Havisham rebuffs Sarah Pocket? (Pg. 794) - How does Miss Havisham feel towards all of these guests? What does she mean when she says “Now you all know where to take your stations when you come to feast upon me. And now go!”?
13. Pg. 794 - What significant day is this for Miss Havisham? Look at the last paragraph of the 1st column. What does she mean “’the mice have gnawed at it, and sharper teeth than teeth of mice have gnawed at me’”? What is sharper than mice teeth that has been gnawing at her?
14. Pg. 794 – While Estella and Pip are playing cards what does Miss Havisham keep doing? Why do you think she is doing this? How did Estella treat him during this visit?
15. Pg. 794-795 – Pip meets a pale faced gentleman in the garden at Miss Havisham’s house. Look at the last paragraph of pg. 795 – should we take this gentleman seriously? Why or why not? What happens?
16. Pg. 796 (last 3 paragraphs of chapter 11) – What do you think accounts for this change in Estella’s behavior towards Pip? What does she allow Pip to do? How does Pip feel about the kiss? Why?
17. Pg. 797 (1st column; last full paragraph) – Pip’s visits to Miss Havisham’s house become more regular and they talk about what Pip will do with his life. What does Pip hope Miss Havisham will do? Does she? Do you think Pip is correct in thinking that Miss Havisham would prefer him to remain ignorant? Why or why not?
18. Pg. 797 (top of the 2nd column) – What does Miss Havisham find joy in? What can you infer about the relationship between Miss Havisham and Estella?
19. Pg. 797 (2nd column; end of the 1st full paragraph) – How does Biddy feel about what Pip tells her in regards to Miss Havisham’s house? What do you think provokes Biddy’s concern?
20. Pg. 798 – Miss Havisham invites Joe to come with Pip on one of his visits. Why does this make Mrs. Joe so angry? Why do you think Joe refuses to address Miss Havisham directly? What do you think he is aware of?
21. Pg. 799 (1st column) - There have been clues that Pip’s views of common people are changing. How do you think Pip’s association with Miss Havisham and Estella has influenced his reaction to Joe’s awkward behavior? How does he feel toward Joe now? Why?
22. Pg. 799 –How did Joe react to Miss Havisham’s question of a premium (fee paid by apprentice to a master) for Pip?
23. Pg. 800 – (last paragraph of chapter 13) – Why is Pip no longer pleased at the thought of becoming a blacksmith like he once was? What had changed?
24. Pg. 800-801 (1-2 paragraph of chapter 14) – Look at how Pip describes this period of his life. How did Pip feel about his apprenticeship? Although he felt this way, what was he glad he ever did?
25. Pg. 801 – (2nd column; 1st full paragraph) – Why did Pip teach Joe all he knew? What was his real motivation? How does this statement reveal the perspective of the adult Pip as well as the boy?
26. Pg. 802 -803– Why does Pip want to visit Miss Havisham again? What is Orlick’s response to this request of Pip’s for a half-holiday? What are Orlick’s key traits?
27. Pg. 803 – What is Mrs. Joe’s reaction to Joe’s decision to let both men off for a half-holiday? What happens as a result between Orlick and Joe? Why?
28. Pg. 805 (1st column; 3rd full paragraph) – Pip was off to visit Miss Havisham and went with “absurd emotions.” What do you think the “absurd emotions” were? Why are they serious in a man and comical in a boy? How does this passage reflect adult Pip?
29. Pg. 805 – Who did Pip really want to see? What does he find out when he sees Miss Havisham? (2nd column; 6th paragraph) How does Miss Havisham react to Pip’s disappointment? (Look up the word “malignant” to help you understand her reaction) What does that tell us about Miss Havisham and her treatment of Pip?
30. Pg. 806 – What happens to Mrs. Joe? Why do you think Dickens ends this chapter with this dramatic incident?
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