Great Expectations Chapter 13-14

Chapter 13 starts off the day after Miss Havisham requests a meeting with Joe. Joe is getting all dressed up in his Sunday best, and Pip is reluctant to tell him that he looks better in his work clothes and in order not to hurt his feelings, Pip keeps his opinion to himself. At breakfast Pip's sister informed him that she would be going to town with them and would wait at Uncle Pumblechook's. Once everyone was ready, they headed off to town. When Joe and Pip arrived at Miss Havisham's house Estella lets them in. It becomes immediately clear that Joe is extremely nervous. This can be seen by the fact that whenever Miss Havisham asks him a question he would address Pip. Pip goes on to describe Joe as "like some extraordinary bird, standing, as he did, speechless, with his tuft of feathers ruffled, and his mouth open as if he wanted a worm." page 99. This shows exactly how uncomfortable Joe is in this new situation.

Pip is completely embarrassed by Joe's behavior, especially when he notices Estella smirking at Joe's answers to Miss Havisham's questions. However, Miss Havisham seems to understand Joe's true nature. "Miss Havisham glanced at him as if she understood what [that] he really was better than I had thought possible, seeing what he was there," page 100. This shows that she is able to see that Joe is truly and kind person and that he is simply nervous. When Miss Havisham is done asking questions, she tells Pip and Joe that they may leave. She informs Pip that he does not need to come over any longer since is officially apprenticed to Joe now. Miss Havisham requests to speak to Joe for a moment alone. Pip wonders how Joe was able to make it alone with Miss Havisham but Joe manages to survive.  Pip and Joe return to Mr. Pumblechook's house.

At first Mr. Pumblechook and Joe's sister ridicule Miss Havisham, that is until they find out that Miss Havisham gave them some money. Pip notices just how hypocritical Mr. Pumblechook is by stating "That abject hypocrite, Pumblechook, nodded again, and said with a patronizing laugh...." page 103. At this point in the story Mr. Pumblechook and Pip's sister were guessing how much money Miss Havisham gave them. Pip had previously mentioned his strong dislike for Mr. Pumblechook, however, now he has actually put a name to one of Mr. Pumblechook's character flaws. After they go to the court to officially apprentice Pip to Joe, everyone goes out to celebrate. Pip is unable to enjoy his self and it is because he has come to the realization that he no longer looks forward to learning Joe's trade. Time goes on and Joe never reveals to Joe how much he actually hates the profession of blacksmith. The reason he never tells Joe is because of how much Pip cares about him and the fact that he would never want to hurt Joe.