Great Expectations by Charles Dickens | Chapters 53–54 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Pip is attacked by Orlick, who confesses to hitting Mrs. Joe and blames Pip for his misfortunes. Orlick plans to kill Pip but is thwarted by Herbert, Startop, and Trabb's Boy. Pip, Herbert, Startop, and Magwitch escape London on a boat but encounter trouble when they are intercepted by a convict-hunting officer.

Key Insights

• 👊 Orlick's attack on Pip reveals the extent of his resentment and desire for revenge.
• 🤠 Herbert, Startop, and Trabb's Boy prove to be loyal and brave friends to Pip.
• 👻 Pip's escape from Orlick's clutches allows him to continue helping Magwitch.
• 💀 The encounter with the convict-hunting officer puts Magwitch's life in danger and jeopardizes their escape.

Transcript

in chapter 53 of Great Expectations pip heads onto the marshes to the lime kiln where he finds the old sluice house when Pip knocks at the door he doesn't hear a response and he enters but he's attacked from behind by Orlick who binds pip with a rope to a ladder a drunken Orlick triumphantly claims I've got you subdued and in pain pip asks why Orli... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why does Orlick attack Pip?

Orlick attacks Pip because he blames Pip for getting him fired and for coming between him and Biddy. He also confesses to hitting Mrs. Joe, which eventually led to her death, and resents Pip for being favored over him.

Q: How does Pip escape Orlick's attack?

Pip is saved by Herbert, Startop, and Trabb's Boy, who come to his rescue. They had read Orlick's note to Pip and tracked him down, leading to his rescue and escape from the marshes.

Q: Where do Pip, Herbert, Startop, and Magwitch head after leaving London?

Pip, Herbert, Startop, and Magwitch head towards Clara's house on a boat. They then travel down the Thames River to a remote public house where they eat dinner and spend the night.

Q: What happens when they encounter the convict-hunting officer?

The officer orders Magwitch to be handed over to him, but Magwitch lunges at a person in the galley and both fall overboard. Magwitch is taken back onto the galley but is seriously injured and immediately manacled.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Pip is attacked by Orlick, who reveals his resentment towards Pip for several reasons.

• Herbert, Startop, and Trabb's Boy rescue Pip from Orlick and take him back to London.

• Pip, Herbert, Startop, and Magwitch escape London on a boat but are intercepted by a convict-hunting officer.