Hands on Money - Great Expectations (2024)

FAQs

What is Wemmick's professional opinion of helping out friends with money? ›

Wemmick's Advice

Wemmick simply tells Pip to choose a bridge and ''pitch your money into the Thames over the center arch of your bridge and you know the end of it. '' In other words, investing your money in a friend is as good as throwing away your money.

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.

What does money symbolize in Great Expectations? Money symbolizes unhappiness in Great Expectations, as each character that has or attains wealth becomes deeply unhappy. This happens to Pip when he goes to London and discovers the true bearings of the upper class, as well as the identity of his benefactor.

Magwitch had a number of jobs in Australia, including that of a sheep farmer and stock breeder, and became rich. He never forgot Pip's kindness to him and decided to do something for the boy, in part because he reminded him of his lost daughter, who would have been about the same age as Pip. Magwitch sent money to Mr.

Though disappointed that he still has not been told his benefactor's name, Pip is excited by the idea of using some of his money to help his friend Herbert Pocket. Mr. Wemmick seems less enthusiastic. Then again, Wemmick said his view that it is a bad idea to invest money in a friend was his ''office'' opinion.

Money in Great Expectations

1 shilling in Victorian times would be equal to £3.82 in today's money and, as there were 20 shillings to the pound, a Victorian pound would be worth about £76.40 today. This makes Pip's annual allowance of £500 equal to £38,200.

As Magwitch dies, Pip whispers to him that his daughter whom he thought was dead, is, in fact, alive and a lady, and that Pip loves her. Magwitch smiles and dies in peace.

Why does Magwitch become Pip's benefactor? Magwitch becomes Pip's benefactor for two reasons. One, he wants to repay Pip for his kindness when Magwitch escapes prison. Two, he wants to get back at society and looks to turn Pip into a gentleman to do so.

Joe leaves and pays off Pip's debts before Pip has a chance to speak with him. Pip decides that he will go back to the forge and work for Joe and that he will propose to Biddy.

Pip asks Miss Havisham if she will give Herbert enough money to get him out of debt and help him move on with his gentlemanly life.

What is the corrupting influence of money in Great Expectations? ›

In the novel, the temptation of money is the basis of the immoral lives that the majority of the characters lead. The lust for wealth leads to the corruption of fundamental ideals as equality and freedom. Money and material goods determine success in society, creating division and iniquity among people.

Pip and Herbert hurry back to effect Magwitch's escape. They try to sneak Magwitch down the river on a rowboat, but they are discovered by the police, who Compeyson tipped off. Magwitch and Compeyson fight in the river, and Compeyson is drowned. Magwitch is sentenced to death, and Pip loses his fortune.

Why does Estella reject Pip's love? Estella likely rejects Pip's love because she is incapable of feeling true emotion, and doesn't understand what it means to love someone. Because of her lack of emotion, she prefers to marry Bentley Drummle, who can give her wealth and social position.

Even though Biddy expresses to Pip that she is in love with him before he leaves for London, Pip chooses to seek a higher social class. Pip is convinced that if he can become a gentleman, then the beautiful Estella from Miss Havisham's house will fall in love with him.

Estella marries Drummle largely because the match was set up by her guardian, Miss Havisham. Outwardly, the marriage represents the union of two people from the upper class. It also reveals the insidious desire of Miss Havisham to take revenge on every man who loved Estella.

Pip decides to help Herbert start in business. He has tea with Wemmick, his father and Wemmick's friend, Miss Skiffins. Wemmick agrees to help Pip set Herbert up in business, without Herbert's knowledge.

“Choose your bridge, Mr. Pip,” returned Wemmick, “and take a walk upon your bridge, and pitch your money into the Thames over the centre arch of your bridge, and you know the end of it. Serve a friend with it, and you may know the end of it too—but it's a less pleasant and profitable end.”

How does Wemmick settle the issue of helping Herbert Pocket? Wemmick found a shipping broker to get the money to Herbert without him finding out where the money came from.

Open communication about money is crucial for a healthy relationship. Building trust about money matters and setting shared financial goals can strengthen your relationship. Approach the conversation about money with empathy and understanding.