Great Expectations Chapter 41 & 42 notes

  1. It was important to Magwitch that Pip always bear that name because it is a reminder of where Pip came from. If Pip changed his name he might forget the essence of who he is.

  2. Pip feels like he cannot accept any more money from Magwitch because he does not like that it comes from Magwitch. He knows Magwitch was a convict and that makes the money seem tainted.

  3. Herbert gives advice on the Magwitch situation saying that if he wants to stop taking Magwitch’s money then he should, but he will have to think of a sensible way to repay the debt. Herbert tells Pip to wait in telling Magwitch that he doesn’t want to take his money anymore as Magwitch might react violently.

  4. Magwitch accuses Compeyson of being the reason he was sent to jail. Compeyson took him on as his right-hand man to help him swindle people out of their money. We have already heard Compeyson mentioned as the man who assisted Miss Havisham’s half-brother in cheating her out of a small fortune and breaking her heart.

  5. Magwitch was brought up by no-one. He spent his time begging and stealing and getting into trouble. As a young man he was constantly in and out of prison. When he was taken up by Compeyson he became a skivvy to him.

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