Chapter 7 and 8 of Great Expectations: Pip's Education and Visit to Miss Havisham

TLDRPip becomes Joe's odd boy, receives a lousy education, and is helped by an orphan named Biddy. Pip shows Joe a letter he wrote, and despite its mistakes, Joe is impressed. Pip asks Joe about his lack of education, and Joe explains his alcoholic father hindered it. Joe also reveals he married Pip's sister out of loneliness. Mrs. Joe informs Pip that Miss Havisham wants him to come to her house. Pip is surprised. Uncle Pumblechook takes Pip to Miss Havisham's dreary house. Pip meets the strange-looking Miss Havisham and her disrespectful foster child, Estella. Estella insults Pip while they play cards, and Pip realizes his inferiority. He then sees a disturbing sight in the brewery attached to the house.

Key insights

🎒Pip becomes Joe's odd boy and receives a lousy education.

💔Pip shows Joe a letter he wrote, and despite its mistakes, Joe is impressed.

💍Joe explains why he never went to school and reveals his reasons for marrying Pip's sister.

🏫Pip is surprised to learn that Miss Havisham wants him to come to her house.

🃏Pip meets Miss Havisham and her foster child, Estella, who insults him during a card game.

Q&A

Why does Joe call Pip a scholar after reading his letter?

Despite the mistakes, Joe is proud of Pip's effort and sees his potential as a learner.

Why did Joe never go to school?

Joe's alcoholic father prevented him from receiving an education.

Why did Joe marry Pip's sister?

Joe was lonely as a single man and wanted companionship. He also wanted to raise Baby Pip with Mrs. Joe.

Why is Pip surprised when he is invited to Miss Havisham's house?

Pip is surprised because he doesn't understand why Miss Havisham, a wealthy and mysterious woman, would want to see him.

How does Estella treat Pip during their card game?

Estella insults Pip's manners and appearance, making him feel inferior.

Timestamped Summary

00:01Pip becomes Joe's odd boy and receives a lousy education.

00:24Pip shows Joe a letter he wrote, and despite its mistakes, Joe is impressed.

00:32Joe explains why he never went to school and reveals his reasons for marrying Pip's sister.

00:53Pip is surprised to learn that Miss Havisham wants him to come to her house.

01:08Pip meets Miss Havisham and her foster child, Estella, who insults him during a card game.

01:12Uncle Pumblechook takes Pip to Miss Havisham's dreary house.

01:19Pip sees the strange-looking Miss Havisham seated by a dressing table.

02:38Pip enters the brewery and sees a disturbing sight hanging from the neck by a rope.