Great Expectations | Chapter Summaries

Timeline of Events

• December 1812

  Pip accidentally meets an escaped convict who orders Pip to get him food and a file.

  Chapter 1
• Next day

  Pip sees soldiers catch the convict; he claims he stole food from a blacksmith.

  Chapter 5
• Several years later

  Pip meets Miss Havisham and falls in love with Estella, even though she treats him cruelly.

  Chapter 8
• Four years later

  Jaggers, a lawyer, tells Pip an anonymous benefactor wants to make Pip a gentleman.

  Chapter 18
• A week later

  In London Pip befriends Herbert Pocket, who aids Pip's education as a gentleman.

  Chapter 22
• Several days later

  Pip meets the brutish Drummle, who becomes Pip's rival for Estella.

  Chapter 23
• Several years later

  Pip meets Estella in London and continues to love her, even though she does not return this love.

  Chapter 33
• Two years later

  The convict, Magwitch, tells Pip he is Pip's benefactor.

  Chapter 39
• Days later

  Pip confronts Miss Havisham for implying she is his benefactor. Estella will marry Drummle.

  Chapter 44
• Weeks later

  Miss Havisham asks Pip to forgive her, and her dress catches fire. Pip puts out the flames.

  Chapter 49
• A few months later

  Pip fails to get Magwitch out of the country. Magwitch is arrested.

  Chapter 54
• Eleven years later

  Pip meets Estella, who has developed a loving heart, and plans to stay with her.

  Chapter 59

Chapter Summaries Chart