Chapter 51

Pip reaches Mr. Jaggers’ office with the intention of finding out the truth about Estella. He tells Mr. Jaggers that he is aware of Estella’s real identity, and that he is merely looking for confirmation from him. Mr. Jaggers seems shocked to learn that Magwitch is Estella’s father, and he does not tell Pip if Estella is Molly’s daughter.

It is only after Wemmick’s timely and polite intervention that Mr. Jaggers answers Pip. Even then, he only tells Pip that Molly could be Estella’s mother; he does not tell him anything decisive. Mr. Jaggers then tells Pip that Estella and Molly are unaware of Magwitch’s whereabouts.

Chapter 52

Wemmick informs Pip that he and Herbert must ensure that Magwitch escapes in the next two days. He urges them to stick to their plan and help Magwitch board a steamer leaving England.

Pip receives an anonymous note asking him to visit the marshes to find out more about “Uncle Provis.” As he leaves for this secret meeting, Pip tells Herbert that he is off to meet Miss. Havisham. As he reaches the village, he is reminded of Uncle Pumblechook’s lies about Pip’s ingratitude toward him. The contrast between Uncle Pumblechook and Joe suddenly overwhelms Pip, and he deeply regrets mistreating Joe. Toward the end of the chapter, Herbert is transferred to the Middle East.

Chapter 53

This chapter reveals that Orlick had written the note to lure Pip to the eerie marshes with the intention of harming him. When Pip arrives, Orlick ambushes him and succeeds in throwing a noose around Pip. Orlick then tells Pip that this is his revenge for the way Pip had him fired from Satis House and for having come in the way of his love for Biddy. He also admits that he killed Mrs. Joe and proceeds to outline his plan to murder Pip and dispose of his dead body.

Orlick also reveals that he staked out Pip in London and overheard the truth about Magwitch, which he has promptly shared with Compeyson, who is now his accomplice. As Orlick attempts to kill Pip, he is rescued by Trabb’s boy, Startop, and Herbert. Orlick escapes, and Herbert explains that he was able to come to Pip’s rescue because he’d found the handwritten note. They return to London, determined to help Magwitch escape.

Chapter 54

Herbert, Startop, and Pip board the rowboat with a cheerful Magwitch, who becomes quite philosophical as he contemplates freedom, bondage, imprisonment, and his past. A servant from their inn informs them of the possibility of danger, and the four of them worry about being followed. At night, Pip sees two people examining the boat.

The next day, as they wait for the German streamer, another boat approaches them. The police officers on the boat identify Magwitch and announce his arrest. Magwitch realizes that the officers are accompanied by Compeyson. A fight breaks out between Magwitch and Compeyson, and Pip’s boat overturns. Compeyson drowns, and Magwitch is blamed for the drowning.

Pip, along with the officers, nurses the injured Magwitch and accompanies him back to London. Pip’s bitterness toward Magwitch now gives way to love and fondness. He is now able to acknowledge Magwitch as a kind, honorable, and generous man. Pip also chooses not to tell Magwitch that his (Magwitch’s) property has been confiscated by the Crown. He also continues to associate with Magwitch against popular opinion.

Chapter 55

Pip retains Mr. Jaggers for Magwitch’s defense. Mr. Jaggers is disappointed to have lost Magwitch’s wealth and property to the Crown before he could even try and secure the property for Pip. Herbert informs Pip that he has been posted to Cairo and sheepishly invites him for a role at his office. Pip tells him that he’d like some time to consider the offer.

Wemmick apologizes for not being able to foresee Compeyson’s devious plan. Toward the end of the chapter, Pip is chosen as the best man for Wemmick’s wedding with Miss. Skiffins.

Chapter 56

Pip stays by Magwitch’s side as he falls sick in prison. As Mr. Jaggers had predicted, Magwitch is deemed guilty. Pip attends the trial and witnesses death sentences being handed out to as many as thirty-two convicts, including Magwitch. The judge singles out Magwitch by calling him a born criminal. Magwitch, however, responds in a dignified manner.

Pip attempts to get Magwitch’s sentence reduced, but Magwitch dies within ten days. Just before his death, Pip whispers to him that his daughter is alive and that he, Pip, is in love with her. The chapter ends with Magwitch dying a peaceful death.

Chapter 57

Pip’s debts increase, and he falls terribly ill. He is nursed back to health by Joe, who has been taught to read and write by Biddy. Joe also sends letters to the family, providing updates about Pip’s health.

Miss. Havisham passes away and bequeaths her wealth to Estella and the Pockets. Orlick is in jail for robbing Uncle Pumblechook.

As Pip gets better, Joe grows increasingly uncomfortable around him. He even addresses Pip as “sir.” Pip understands his discomfort and feels sorry for Joe’s situation. When Joe eventually leaves Pip, he leaves a note stating that he did not want to intrude on Pip’s life in the city. He also mentions that he has cleared Pip’s debts. Pip is moved by the gesture and intends to return to his village to thank Joe and propose to Biddy. He also hopes he can settle down at the forge.

Chapter 58

Pip returns to many surprises in his village. He finds out that the items at Satis House are being auctioned. Biddy’s school and Joe’s forge are empty. Pip is also surprised to find out that Joe and Biddy are married. Though he is initially shocked, Pip is happy for the couple. Pip decides to move to Cairo and repays Joe’s debt. Toward the end, Herbert finds out about Pip’s initial investment in his business.

Chapter 59

Pip returns to his village after eleven years to find out that Joe and Biddy have a son named Pip. He tells Biddy that he prefers to remain unmarried and does not long for Estella anymore. Pip and Estella, coincidentally, meet at the garden in Satis House while taking a stroll. He finds out that Estella had been abused by Drummle. Estella and Drummle had been separated for a while before Drummle’s recent death. Pip and Estella hold hands, and Pip sees “no shadow of another parting from her.”

Analysis of Chapters 51- 59

These chapters explore the class system and inequality in Victorian England. They also contain a descriptive account of the prisons, and Magwitch’s trial highlights the unfairness of England’s judicial system. Prisons are described as inhuman places; they are also dilapidated and extremely dirty. The fact that Compeyson gets away with a smaller sentence despite his larger involvement in the crimes shows that the judicial system was plagued by class biases. In addition, death sentences are treated as public spectacles, which shows that the legal system in Victorian England encouraged mob mentality and preferred severe punishment to rehabilitation.

These chapters bring Pip’s transformation from a selfish youth to a grateful and humble gentleman to the fore. Pip becomes less superficial and more appreciative of Joe. He also relinquishes his rigid ideas of propriety and respectability. Before eventually getting together with Estella, Pip seems to have come to terms with the fact that Estella may never love him. He had resolved to remain unmarried till he meets Estella at Satis House. Having endured a troubled marriage with Drummle, Estella seems to have become more appreciative of Pip’s love for her.