Group discussion on 29 May

Who do we think the 'mysterious benefactor' is?

Miss Haversham. Renee said maybe because Miss Haversham thinks Pip is the only one worthy of Estella, because he is a commoner and is content with what he has, unlike her relatives, who she sees as greedy and waiting for her to die so they can get her money.

Alex said she doesn't think Miss Haversham is the benefactor because when she gave the apprenticeship money she said that was the last thing she would do for him.

Or maybe something left by his parents? But would they have had anything to leave him? Could they have left money protected from his sister, knowing what kind of person she is? Arguing against this, Alex pointed out that Mrs Joe had put aside the money from the pub in case the person wanted it back. Also that she manages the household carefully.

Julia: it could be the convict. Renee: but how would he get money?

Rebecca, joking: it turns out to be the apprentice! - But he wouldn't give it to him.


Miss Haversham and Pip

Julia: when Pip goes to see them on his half holiday Miss Haversham doesn't really believe he's just come to see them. This is because she doesn't trust men in general. She thinks he wants something from her and tells him he can only visit on her birthday after that.

What do you think is going to happen when he goes to London?

Julia: He's going to get educated.
Rebecca: He will find out who the benefactor is.
Renee: He is going to get accused of things. Something bad is going to happen.

How old is Biddy?

Must be older than Pip but younger than Joe.  Not a lot older than Pip because he says he wishes he could love her rather than Estella, it would be lot less complicated. "If I could only get myself to fall in love with you.... That would be the thing for me."  Biddy replies that he never will. Pip's a bit sad about that. Rebecca: you would think it would be Biddy who was sad.

Spoiler:
Having read the character notes at the front of the book we know that Biddy ends up marrying Joe. So we figure the sister must die at some stage. Would Joe and Pip still be best friends?