Stage 3 discussion questions
1. What precautions does Pip take to hide Magwitch?
2. What connection does Magwitch have to Jaggers?
3. What reaction does Jaggers have regarding Pip’s news about Magwitch? How is this odd?
4. What knowledge does Pip share with Herbert? How does Herbert react?
5. What decision has Pip made about accepting benefice from Magwitch in chapter XLI?
6. What is Magwitch’s life story and connection to Compeyson?
7. Explain Pip’s encounter with Drummle at the Boar’s Head in Kent in ch XLIII.
8. What surprise announcement does Estella have for Pip? How does he react?
9. Why mustn’t Pip “GO HOME”? – Who sent this note? What is the news Pip receives from Wemmick?
10. What plan does Herbert suggest?
11. What news does Wopsle impart to Pip? What is Pip’s reaction to it?
12. Describe the dinner between Jaggers, Wemmick, and Pip.
13. In chapter XLVIII, what information does Pip learn about Molly? How/Why might this be important?
14. Discuss Pip’s conversation with Havisham in chapter XLIX.
15. Describe Havisham’s accident.
16. Why is Pip so interested in tracing Estella’s parentage?
17. In chapter LI, discuss the conversation between Jaggers and Pip.
18. In chapter LII, what’s important about Wemmick’s note?
19. What is important about the 2nd letter Pip received?
20. What is Orlick up to in chapter LIII? Why? How is his reentry in the novel important?
21. Why is Pip rushed in LIII?
22. Discuss the group’s stay at Jack’s place and what happened in the next day’s travel.
23. What one thing did Wemmick suggest Pip do? Why? Did Pip? Why?
24. Discuss Wemmick’s marriage day.
25. Discuss Magwitch’s trial, sentence, and death.
26. What are Pip’s parting words to Magwitch? Why these words?
27. In chapter LVII, what is happening to Pip?
28. Why does Joe come to and leave London in Stage 3? What is unusual about Joe’s visit and departure?
29. How is Joe’s visit received by Pip?
30. Discuss Pumblechook’s manner upon Pip’s return to Kent.
31. What surprise awaits Pip in Kent? How does he handle this?
32. Compare/contrast the published ending with the original ending.