[As we are experiencing some technical difficulties, your
question could not be reformatted so that it has only one
directive.]
Pip's benefactor arrives as a mysterious
stranger on the steps of his lodging, Barnard's Inn, at eleven o'clock one evening. This
event, Pip remarks ironically, "had begun to be prepared for before I knew that the
world held Estella." For, the benefactor is not Miss Havisham as Pip has believe, but
is, in fact, the man in coarse grey of the marshes who has made his way from New South
Wales where he has worked and amassed a fortune from the gift of his former employer. At
this recognition of the old convict, Pip is repulsed; moreover, when he learns that
Magwitch has been sending the money for him instead of the aristocratic Miss Havisham,
Pip is mortified.
However, after his dismay and
disappointment, Pip, who yet retains his innate kindness, cannot turn the old convict
away who has sustained him. So, he tells Magwitch that he can spend the night in
Herbert's empty room. The next day, as Pip feeds Magwitch, he asks the old convict how
long he plans to remain in London; Magwitch replies that he has "come for good." Taken
aback by this response, Pip worries that there is anywhere that Magwitch can be safe,
but the old man tells Pip he can buy a disguising wig and spectacles and "what not." So,
Pip tries to secure him some quiet lodging on Essex Street under the name of Mr. Provis
as an uncle to Pip.
After finding lodging, Pip goes to
Little Britain where he confronts Mr. Jaggers about the truth of who is his benefactor.
Mr. Jaggers confirms that Magwitch is such a person; furthermore, after Pip tells him
that he always supposed it has been Miss Havisham, Jaggers tells
Pip,
"Not a particle of evidence, Pip,....Take
nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There's no better
rule."
Thus, this incident clearly underscores the theme of
Appearance vs. Reality which has threaded through Charles Dickens's Great
Expectations
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