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Book 2, Chapter 34
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Great Expectations, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Social Class
Ambition and Self-Improvement
Integrity and Reputation
Parents
Justice
Generosity
Summary
Analysis
The next week Pip comes to the forge for the funeral. The house has been showily decorated by Mr. Trabb who coordinated a formal funeral procession and outfits villagers in black mourning costumes in the forge's parlor. Joe confides to Pip that he'd wanted to carry Mrs. Joe on his own, but that he'd been told it would disrespectful.
In fact, it is Mr. Trabb's funeral that is disrespectful, outfitting the house and villagers in gaudy decorations and interfering Joe's desire to show his true devotion and care for Mrs. Joe.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
After the ceremony, Pip delights Joe by asking to sleep in his childhood room. He scolds Biddy in private for not writing to tell him about Mrs. Joe's condition. Biddy replies that she didn't think Pip wanted to know. She explains she will have to leave the forge now to be a schoolteacher, though she will keep taking care of Joe.
Biddy correctly points out the falseness of Pip's concernsÐ if he'd really been worried about Mrs. Joe, he'd have kept in touch with the forge. Biddy's own ambition will not make her turn away from her past. She will care for Joe even after she becomes a teacher.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Pip asks to hear the particulars of Mrs. Joe's death and Biddy tells him her last words were "Joe," "Pardon," and "Pip." Pip asks her about Orlick and hears that he is now working in the quarries and that he lurked by the forge the night Mrs. Joe died and still follows Biddy around.
Mrs. Joe's last words seem to imply an apology to Joe and Pip, presumably for her abusiveness before the accident. Orlick's behavior is highly suspicious.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Biddy tells Pip how much Joe loves him. Pip tells Biddy he will visit the forge often in the future. Biddy is silent, then addresses Pip as "Mr. Pip." She doubts that Pip will actually come to visit Joe often and Pip, annoyed, criticizes her "bad side of human nature." Leaving for London the next morning, he promises Joe he will be back soon and tells Biddy he is still hurt by her doubt. Biddy earnestly apologizes.
Pip accuses Biddy of lacking integrity when he should be accusing himself. Addressing Pip as "Mr." registers Pip's new social status and his distance from the forge. He isn't on intimate terms with Joe and Biddy anymore. Biddy generously apologizes though she isn't at fault.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
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