Great Expectations, Chapter 48 summary
Chapter 48 of 59 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 48, Pip dines with Mr. Jaggers and becomes certain that Molly, the housekeeper, is Estella’s mother after noticing their matching hands and eyes. Wemmick then describes Molly’s acquittal for murder and the accusation concerning her young daughter, giving Pip new grounds for thought without confirming his conclusion.
What happens
- Mr. Jaggers meets Pip in Cheapside and invites him to dinner, where Wemmick maintains his distant professional manner.
- Miss Havisham’s note requests a visit about business, and Pip decides to go tomorrow after Wemmick’s indirect prompting.
- Mr. Jaggers discusses whether Bentley Drummle dominates or submits in marriage, distressing Pip.
- Molly’s movements, eyes, and hands make Pip certain that she is Estella’s mother.
- Once outside, Wemmick becomes friendly and explains how Mr. Jaggers secures Molly’s acquittal in a murder case.
- Wemmick describes an accusation that Molly kills her young daughter, then confirms that Molly enters Jaggers’s service immediately after acquittal.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Great Expectations, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence marks Pip’s recognition of a possible family connection. His certainty comes from resemblance, not an admission by Molly or confirmation from Wemmick.
Quick check
What explanation does Jaggers offer for the injuries on Molly’s hands?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Great Expectations, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
