Great Expectations: Chapter 7 "Learning to Be a Gentleman" Abridged Version Audio Charles Dickens

Summary

In this chapter, Pip recounts his journey to London, where he is introduced to the intimidating Mr. Jaggers, his stern lawyer. Pip meets Wemmick, Mr. Jaggers' clerk, and is taken to stay with Herbert Pocket, with whom he forms a friendship. Herbert reveals the tragic backstory of Miss Havisham, who was abandoned at the altar and adopted Estella to exact revenge on men. As Pip navigates his new life as a gentleman, he faces internal conflict, distancing himself from his humble past and old friends. Eventually, Joe visits with news of Estella's return, reigniting Pip's deep emotions for her.

Takeaways

• 🚶‍♂️ Pip arrives in London after a long journey and feels both amazed and frightened by the city's crowded and dirty streets.
• 📜 Pip visits Mr. Jaggers' office, where he meets Wemmick, Mr. Jaggers' clerk, and is asked to wait.
• 🏠 Pip is taken to live with Herbert Pocket at Bernard's Inn, where they reconnect, remembering their earlier fight in Miss Havisham's garden.
• 🕰️ Herbert shares Miss Havisham's backstory, explaining her heartbreak and her desire to use Estella to take revenge on men.
• 📚 Pip begins his education as a gentleman, living with Herbert, learning how to dress and behave like one, and using his allowance to help Herbert.
• 💰 Pip asks Mr. Jaggers for more money to improve their living conditions, negotiating for 20 pounds with Wemmick's assistance.
• 👊 Pip dislikes Bentley Drummle, a fellow student, and their rivalry escalates, especially during a dinner at Mr. Jaggers' house.
• 💪 Mr. Jaggers highlights the strength of his housekeeper, Molly, showcasing her wrists and hinting at her dark past.
• ✉️ Pip receives a letter from Biddy informing him that Joe is coming to visit him in London, which makes Pip uncomfortable.
• 🛤️ Joe visits Pip but feels out of place in his gentlemanly life, delivering a message from Miss Havisham that Estella has returned home and wants to see Pip.

Q & A

What is Pip's initial reaction to arriving in London?

Pip is both amazed and frightened when he arrives in London. He finds the city crowded with hundreds of people and its streets dirty.

Who does Pip meet at Mr. Jaggers' office, and what does the clerk do?

Pip meets Mr. Jaggers' clerk, Wemmick, who invites Pip to wait in Mr. Jaggers' office. Wemmick continues working while Pip waits.

How does Mr. Jaggers describe Pip’s allowance, and what advice does he give?

Mr. Jaggers says Pip's allowance is too much money but notes it’s not his concern. He warns Pip that he will likely get into debt, as all young men do.

Who is Herbert, and how does Pip recognize him?

Herbert is Pip's new companion at Bernard’s Inn. Pip recognizes him as the boy he fought in Miss Havisham's garden years ago.

What story does Herbert tell Pip about Miss Havisham?

Herbert tells Pip that Miss Havisham was once in love but was abandoned by her fiancé on their wedding day. Since then, she has lived in darkness and raised Estella to take revenge on men.

How does Herbert help Pip in his journey to becoming a gentleman?

Herbert teaches Pip how to dress in smart London clothes and how to behave like a gentleman.

What role does Mr. Jaggers' housekeeper, Molly, play during the dinner?

Molly serves dinner to Pip, Herbert, and the others. At one point, Mr. Jaggers shows off her powerful wrists, suggesting she has incredible strength.

How does Pip feel about his behavior during the dinner at Mr. Jaggers' house?

Pip feels ashamed of his behavior, particularly the rivalry and near-fight with Bentley Drummle.

What does Joe tell Pip when he visits him in London?

Joe tells Pip that Miss Havisham has a message for him: Estella has come home and would be glad to see him.

How does Pip feel after Joe leaves, and what does he plan to do?

After Joe leaves, Pip is excited and believes that Miss Havisham has plans for him and Estella. He eagerly begins preparing for a journey to see her.

Outlines

00:00

Arriving in London and Meeting Mr. Jaggers

Pip arrives in London after a six-hour journey and is immediately struck by the city's bustling streets and dirty surroundings. He makes his way to Mr. Jaggers' office in Little Britain, where he is greeted by Mr. Wemmick, the clerk. Pip waits in a gloomy office until Mr. Jaggers arrives from court. Jaggers gives Pip his allowance, warning him about debt, and sends him to stay at Bernard's Inn with Herbert Pocket. Pip is led to the inn by Wemmick, where he meets Herbert, who turns out to be the boy Pip fought at Miss Havisham's house long ago. They laugh over the coincidence, and Herbert reveals details about Miss Havisham’s tragic past, including her heartbreak and desire for revenge on men through Estella.

05:00

Pip Begins His Education as a Gentleman

Pip moves into Herbert's family home in Hammersmith to begin his education as a gentleman. While Pip helps Herbert financially, he notices Herbert's modest living conditions. Pip considers improving their situation by buying furniture but feels apprehensive about asking for more money from Mr. Jaggers. When Pip finally approaches Jaggers, the lawyer sternly grants him 20 pounds. Pip continues his studies alongside Bentley Drummle, a wealthy and ill-tempered young man. Mr. Jaggers invites Pip, Drummle, and others to dinner at his house, where a tense atmosphere develops. Mr. Jaggers draws attention to his housekeeper, Molly, and demonstrates her unusual strength, hinting at her troubled past. After dinner, Pip and Drummle almost come to blows, but Mr. Jaggers intervenes and warns Pip that Drummle could be a dangerous enemy.

10:01

Joe’s Visit and News of Estella

As Pip becomes more absorbed in his new life as a gentleman, he distances himself from his old life, ignoring letters from Joe and Biddy. However, one day he receives a letter from Biddy, informing him that Joe will visit him in London. Although Pip feels embarrassed by Joe’s simple manners, he prepares a lavish breakfast. Joe arrives, clearly uncomfortable in Pip's refined environment. Their conversation is awkward, and Pip is frustrated by Joe's unease. Before leaving, Joe delivers a message from Miss Havisham: Estella has returned and wishes to see Pip. Hearing Estella's name excites Pip, and he begins to prepare for the journey, convinced that Miss Havisham intends for him and Estella to marry.

Keywords

💡London

London is depicted as a crowded and dirty city in the script, overwhelming the narrator upon arrival. This highlights the character's awe and fear of the bustling metropolis, which contrasts with their simpler origins, thus symbolizing the challenges and changes they will face in their journey.

💡Mr. Jaggers

Mr. Jaggers is a lawyer and guardian figure to the protagonist, Pip. His stern and authoritative demeanor reflects the rigid and unyielding nature of the legal system, as well as the intimidating world of wealth and power Pip is entering. Jaggers also represents the theme of control, as seen in his relationship with his housekeeper Molly.

💡Wemmick

Wemmick is Mr. Jaggers' clerk who introduces Pip to the office and helps guide him through his early experiences in London. He plays a crucial role in facilitating Pip's transition to the city, representing the bureaucratic and supportive figures that exist in the background of more powerful characters like Jaggers.

💡Gentleman

The concept of being a 'gentleman' is central to Pip's development. Throughout the script, Pip learns the manners and lifestyle of a gentleman, distancing himself from his humble beginnings. However, the script also critiques the idea by showing how superficial and uncomfortable Pip feels when trying to fit into this new role, especially around his old friends like Joe.

💡Miss Havisham

Miss Havisham is a pivotal character whose story of heartbreak and manipulation drives much of the narrative. Her desire for revenge on men, especially through Estella, showcases themes of bitterness and control. Her backstory about being abandoned at the altar is a key plot point that shapes the motivations of several characters, including Pip.

💡Estella

Estella, Miss Havisham’s adopted daughter, is used as a tool of revenge against men. Pip's infatuation with Estella fuels his desire to become a gentleman, hoping to win her favor. She represents unattainable beauty and coldness, embodying the emotional manipulation instilled by Miss Havisham.

💡Herbert Pocket

Herbert Pocket becomes Pip's close friend and companion in London. His character contrasts with Pip's more serious and conflicted personality, offering a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Herbert's practical assistance in teaching Pip how to behave as a gentleman highlights his supportive role in Pip's life.

💡Debt

Debt is a recurring concern in Pip’s new life as a gentleman. Mr. Jaggers warns Pip about falling into debt, something that many young men experience as they try to maintain the appearance of wealth and status. This reflects the financial pressures of trying to fit into a higher social class and foreshadows the problems Pip will encounter.

💡Molly

Molly is Mr. Jaggers' housekeeper, who is introduced as having extraordinary strength. Mr. Jaggers uses her to demonstrate power and control, both over her and as a lesson to the guests at dinner. Molly’s wrists and past hint at a deeper, more complex backstory, symbolizing the hidden strength and wildness beneath a controlled exterior.

💡Joe Gargery

Joe is Pip's brother-in-law and a symbol of the honest, humble life Pip wishes to leave behind. Joe’s awkwardness in Pip's new world of wealth and refinement underscores Pip's internal struggle between his past and his aspirations. Joe’s visit to London reminds Pip of his roots and the simplicity he once knew.

Highlights

Pip arrives in London, amazed and frightened by the crowded and dirty streets.

Pip visits Mr. Jaggers' office for the first time and meets Wemmick, Jaggers' clerk.

Mr. Jaggers gives Pip an allowance and warns him that young men tend to fall into debt.

Pip is introduced to Herbert Pocket, who recognizes Pip as the boy he fought in Miss Havisham’s garden.

Herbert explains Miss Havisham's tragic past: she was left at the altar, leading to her bitterness and desire for revenge.

Miss Havisham adopted Estella to exact revenge on all men by breaking their hearts.

Pip begins his education as a gentleman at Herbert's father's house and starts living with Herbert.

Herbert teaches Pip how to dress and behave like a gentleman, but Pip needs more money to furnish their living quarters.

Pip requests 20 pounds from Mr. Jaggers to improve their living space.

Pip meets Bentley Drummle, a wealthy but unpleasant fellow student, whom Pip dislikes.

During a dinner at Jaggers' house, Jaggers displays the strength of his housekeeper, Molly, to his guests.

Jaggers warns Pip that Drummle is bad-tempered and could be a dangerous enemy.

Pip feels guilty for neglecting Joe and Biddy as he becomes more absorbed in his new life as a gentleman.

Joe visits Pip in London, but their meeting is awkward, highlighting Pip's growing embarrassment about his past.

Joe delivers a message from Miss Havisham that Estella has returned and wants to see Pip, sparking his excitement.

Transcripts

when I go

chapter seven learning to be a gentleman

the journey took six hours and it was

after midday when I reached London

I was amazed and frightened when I saw

the city

London was crowded with hundreds of

people and its streets were dirty

I had the address of Mr Jagger's office

in Little Britain cheap site after

asking the way I started to walk along

the narrow crowded streets at last I

found a door with Mr Jaggers written on

it

the open door led into a small office

a clerk was working there

he looked up as I walked in

is Mr Jagger's here I asked nervously

Mr Jaggers is in court he won't be long

the clerk answered you or Mr pip I think

my name's wemic come and wait in Mr

Jagger's room

Mr Jagger's room was a dark gloomy Place

its small window was very dirty and no

light came through it

there was a big black chair for Mr

Jaggers and a smaller one on which I sat

Mr wemink the clerk went on with his

work Mr Jagger's clerk was a short to

meet man about 50 years old he had a

square face and a wide thin mouth his

black eyes were very bright on his

fingers he wore four or five silver and

black rings

by the time Mr Jaggers came back several

poorly dressed people were waiting for

him they all began talking at once they

wanted him to speak for them in court

Mr Jagger spoke to them all in a Stern

in angry way

when they had gone he came in to see me

here's your allowance pip he said

I think it's too much money but that's

nothing to do with me you'll get into

debt of course all young men get into

debt

he added severely you were going to live

at Bernard's Inn with Mr Herbert pocket

wemic will take you there

wemic

Mr Jaggers then called out walk with Pip

to Young Mr pocket's room

ik gave me a wide smile

he led me through the busy streets

always looking straight in front of him

here we are Bernard Zen wemic said

turning down on Narrow Street into a

little square

he led me to the corner building and

pointed up some steep stairs

up there top floor he added as I look

after your allowance I expect we shall

meet often

goodbye pip

I found Herbert's name on a door at the

top of the stairs under his name there

was a piece of paper it said back soon

I waited a few minutes later I heard

quick footsteps on the stairs a pale

young man appeared carrying a basket of

strawberries

did

the young man said with a smile

I went to the market for some fruit my

father tells me you were to be my

companion I hope you will like living

here I'm sure we shall be friends

as a Young Man unlocked the door I

stared at him in Surprise

then he began to stare at me

why

you are the boy I fought in Miss

havisham's Garden

Herbert exclaimed

and you were the Peregrine gentleman I

answered we both laughed cheerfully and

shook hands

it all seemed so long ago Herbert said

Miss havisham is my father's cousin

she's a very strange woman you met a

Stella of course Miss havisham adopted

her to take revenge

revenge for what what do you mean

I asked

don't you know Herbert replied it's a

very strange story Mr Jaggers is your

guardian isn't he he's Miss havisham's

lawyer too and he knows all her secrets

whilst we ate dinner Herbert told me all

he knew

this happens from his father died she

and her brother were very rich Herbert

said but the brother spent his money

carelessly and was soon in debt

Miss havisham's brother had a very

Wicked friend he was dishonest and he

was a liar this havisham fell in love

with this man my father tried to warn

Miss havisham but she would not listen

the two young people decided to get

married and all the arrangements were

made for the wedding but on the wedding

day the bridegroom did not come he sent

miss havisham a letter saying he could

not marry her

and did Miss havisham receive that

letter at 20 minutes to nine

as she was dressing herself for the

wedding I asked exactly at that time

Herbert said as you know everything in

the house stopped at that moment

Miss havisham has not seen the daylight

since

and when did she adopt Estella I asked I

don't know Herbert replied

as long as I have known Miss havisham

Estella has been at status house

wants to take revenge on all men he went

on

Miss havisham has brought a pastela to

break man's heart because her own heart

was broken

the next day Herbert took me to his

father's house in Hammersmith to begin

my education as a gentleman

I was to live there while I was studying

I also had my own room at Herbert's we

got on well together

Herbert taught me how to dress in smart

London clothes he also showed me to

behave like a gentleman

I was able to help Herbert pay for his

rooms with my allowance

Herbert had little money and no

expectations his rooms were almost empty

and not very comfortable

I had the idea of buying carpets and

some more furniture

but to get those things I needed more

money

feeling a little afraid I went to Mr

Jaggers

how much do you want

said Mr Jagger sharply well I began Tom

you must have an idea Mr Jaggers went on

in his Stern way

shall we say 50 pounds oh not nearly so

much as that I said quickly five pounds

then Mr Jagger suggested oh more than

that I exclaimed more than five Mr

Jagger said slowly how much more twice

five three times four times five will

that do

I told Mr Jaggers that 20 pounds would

do very well

my Mick Mr Jagger's cried as he left the

office give Mr pip 20 pounds

I don't think I understand Mr Jaggers I

said to women when we were alone

he doesn't expect you to understand him

he doesn't want you to wemic replied no

one understands him that's why he's so

successful

here's your money Mr pip

another young man was studying with Mr

Matthew pocket his name was Bentley

Dremel he came from a good family and he

was very rich Bentley Dremel was a

gentleman but he did not behave like one

he was a big awkward clumsy young man

and he was proud and bad tempered

Mr Jaggers took an interest in Matthew

pocket's young gentleman

one day he invited us all to his house

for dinner

the food was good and we had plenty to

drink Mr Jaggers liked to watch us

talking and arguing he was interested to

see how much Dremel and I hated each

other

dinner was served by Mr Jagger's

housekeeper she was a tall woman of

about 40. her face was very pale and her

eyes were dark her long dark hair lay

over her shoulders

when the woman brought in the food she

looked only at Mr Jaggers she was

breathing quickly as though she was

afraid

as he drank his wine Bentley Dremel

became more and more bad tempered he

kept saying how strong he was very soon

he and I had taken off our jackets to

show how strong our arms were

at that moment the housekeeper came in

to take the plates from the table

Mr Jagger suddenly caught hold of one of

her arms he looked at us all and then

spoke

if you want to see strength Mr Jagger

said Look At This Woman's wrists Molly

let them see your wrists both of them

Master no

the woman whispered staring at Mr

Jaggers with her strange dark eyes

show them Molly Mr Jagger said he held

Molly's wrists down on the table

there's power in those wrists Mr Jagger

said few men have the strength this

woman has she has used it too she was

wild once but I have broken her

that'll do Molly Mr Jagger said at last

letting go of his housekeeper's wrists

we have seen you you can go

Mr Jaggers filled our wine glasses again

very soon Dremel and I were shouting at

each other we both stood up ready to

fight but Mr Jaggers made us be quiet

and told us it was time to go home

I was ashamed of my behavior

as we were leaving his house I turned

and apologized to Mr Jaggers

it's nothing pip

Mr Jaggers replied but be careful of

that young man Dremel he's bad tempered

and cruel

he could be dangerous

take care pip

Ley drummo will make a bad enemy

I followed Mr Jagger's advice

I was pleased when Dremel completed his

studies and left Mr pocket's House

I was so busy learning to be a gentleman

that I did not write to Joe and bitty

they were part of my old life a life I

wanted to forget

I was a gentleman now

I did not want to remember that I had

been a poor uneducated blacksmith

then one day I received a letter

My Dear Mr pip

I am wanting to write you at the request

of Mr gargery he is going to London and

will call on you at nine o'clock on

Tuesday morning

your poor sister Mrs Joe was still not

well

Mr gargery and I talk about you every

night

your servant and friend biddy

the letter arrived on Monday I did not

wish to see Joe but I prepared a big

breakfast for him Herbert and I were

ready and waiting long before nine

o'clock

at last I heard Joe's heavy step on the

stairs I heard him stop and slowly read

my name on the door then he knocked

Joe how are you Joe I cried as I opened

the door Pitbull chop how are you Joe

answered taking my hand in his

Joe's honest face Shone with joy he

shook my hand so much that I thought he

would never stop

Joe looked awkward and uncomfortable in

his best clothes he took off his hat and

twisted it round and round in his great

hands he stared around the room and

stared at my brightly colored dressing

gown

well what a gentleman you are pick he

exclaimed

and you look well too Joe I answered

let me take your hat

but Joe held his hat all through the

meal

tea or coffee Mr Audrey Herbert asked

politely

thank you kindly sir I'll take whatever

you'll be taking yourself Joe answered

coffee then Herbert said cheerfully but

Joe looks so unhappy that with this kind

smile Herbert gave him some tea

Joe was uncomfortable and awkward with

us and this made me angry I was too

stupid to see that it was my fault

I should not have been ashamed of him I

was glad when Herbert left us to go to

work

now we are alone sir

job again but I interrupted him angrily

why do you call me sir Joe I asked

now we are alone

sir Joe repeated slowly I must tell you

why I am here in the home of a gentleman

I said nothing

well sir pip

Joe went on Miss havisham asked to see

me

she has a message for you and the

message is that Estella has come home

and would be glad to see you

at the sound of estella's name my heart

began to beat very fast

I did not answer Joe I could only think

of Estella

Joe stood up twisting his hat in his

hand

don't leave Joe I said you must stay to

dinner

no Pitbull chap Joe answered you were a

gentleman now it's not right for me to

be here in London but if you ever come

back and visit us at the forge you will

be very welcome

until then I'll say goodbye

goodbye and God bless you people cha

before I could answer Joe had gone

I sat at the table excited and Confused

Miss havisham had plans for Estella and

me that was clear

Miss havisham had made me a gentleman so

that Estella could marry me

with joy in my heart I began to prepare

for my journey

foreign