Great Expectations Chapter 7-8

In chapter seven the reader learns that Pip is being educated  by Mr. Wopsle's great aunt. It can be seen that Pip draws a sort of connection with Biddy, the granddaughter of Mr. Wopsle's great aunt.. This is due to the fact that Biddy is an orphan just like him and that she was brought up by hand like his sister is doing to him. He goes on to talk about her physical description by mentioning that she was always well kept and dressed up nicely and that it only got better on Sundays "On Sundays sh e went to church elaborated." page 43. This shows that Biddy was able to dress up even fancier that what was her average wear. Pip explains that he struggled greatly with the learning of his alphabet and that Mr. Wopsle's great aunt was not much help, that in fact Biddy was more help then she ever was. The use of a simile is employed to explain his struggles, "I struggled through the alphabet as if it had been a bramble-bush, getting considerably worried and scratched by every letter." page 43. This simile helps provide the reader with a visual image of Pip's hardship.

The story goes on to discuss that one night Pip had been practicing his writing by writing a note to Joe. Joe exclaimed emphatically when he received this letter. Joe points out everywhere that there is a J or an O. Pip realizes that he has never seen Joe read to any greater degree than this. Even he goes on to remember that at church last Sunday when he had his prayer book upside down, Joe did not seem to notice. Pip decided to press the issued and inquires on whether or not Joe knows how to read. Joe informs him that he does not know how to read. He goes on to explain that the reason for this was that Joe's father was abusive. So, Joe never really had the opportunity to learn because he was busy running away with his mother and then eventually Joe just began working as a blacksmith and began perfecting his art. As this conversation continues even more about Joe is revealed.The reader learns how he and Pip's sister met and the whole situation that surrounded him agreeing to let Pip and his sister come and live with him.Upon hearing Joe's explanation of how he invited Pip and his sister to come and stay with him, Pip breaks down from an overflow of emotion. "I broke out crying and begging pardon, and hugged Joe around the neck: who dropped the poker to hug me, and to say, 'Ever the best of friends; ain't us, Pip? Don't cry, old chap!'" page 47. From this quote it can be seen just how close and tight the bond Pip and Joe have.

Soon after the completion of this conversation Pip's sister returns from her outing with Uncle Pumblechook. Pip's sister informs Pip that Miss Havisham has requested Pip's company for the next day. Pip's sister spends the rest of the night preparing Pip for this meeting.On the next morning Pip goes with Uncle Pumblechook, whom is going to deliver him to Miss Havisham's home. Uncle Pumblechook spends the entire morning quizzing Joe on multiplication problems, so much so that Pip did not even get a chance to eat breakfast. The first description of Miss Havisham describes her as being dressed all in white. This is symbolic in that white usually signifies purity, however, in this case it appears that it is being used ironically. The introduction of Miss Havisham's character seems to signify that there will be some sort of shift in what is important in the novel. This is due to the fact that she is the first high-class rich character to be seen within the novel. Also the introduction of Estella's character might prove to have some consequence on the outcome of the novel.