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.