Great Expectations, Chapter 12 summary
Chapter 12 of 59 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Pip returns to Miss Havisham without punishment for the fight and spends months wheeling her through the house while growing more attached to Estella and confiding in Biddy. Miss Havisham then asks Joe Gargery to bring Pip’s apprenticeship papers, shifting attention toward the forge and provoking Mrs. Joe’s anger.
What happens
- Pip fears punishment for injuring the pale young gentleman, but finds no accusation when he returns and covers the remaining blood with soil.
- For at least eight or ten months, Pip visits every other day to push Miss Havisham in her wheeled chair.
- Estella treats Pip inconsistently, while Miss Havisham delights in her beauty and encourages her to hurt others.
- Pip confides in Biddy as Pumblechook and his sister torment him with guesses about Miss Havisham’s plans.
- Noticing Pip’s growth, Miss Havisham asks Joe to bring him and his apprenticeship papers.
- Mrs. Joe reacts angrily to the invitation, throws a candlestick, and cleans so fiercely that Joe and Pip retreat outside.
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What does Miss Havisham ask Joe to bring?
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