As time goes by, Pip confides in Biddy his ambition to better himself, and his growing dislike of the simple lifestyle at the forge. Without his admitting as much Biddy infers that Pip's dreams of betterment centre on Estella.
Towards the end of Pip's four-year apprenticeship Jaggers, an enigmatic lawyer from London whom Pip has encountered at Satis House, visits the forge to reveal that Pip has acquired an anonymous benefactor whose name he must never attempt to discover. The name will remain Pip', but in other respects he is to become a gentleman. His apprenticeship at the forge is cancelled, he buys new clothes and takes leave of Havisham before travelling to London and presenting himself to Jaggers at his chambers. Wemmick, Jaggers's clerk, takes him to Barnard's Inn. He recognises his flat-mate as Herbert, the boy he fought at Satis House years earlier, and they become fast friends. Herbert tells Pip the sorry story of Miss Havisham, explaining that the man who jilted her had plotted to extract her fortune from her under pretence of loving her, in order to split the proceeds with her half-brother. He also reveals that Estella's origins are unknown. Pip becomes increasingly convinced that Miss Havisham is his benefactress.
Pip is to be tutored by Matthew Pocket, Herbert's father and Miss Havisham's cousin. Visiting the Pocket family, Pip meets his fellow students- Startop, and the graceless oaf Bentley Drummle. He conceives an instant dislike for the latter. Certain members of the extended Pocket family resent Pip as they assume that he is spending the inheritance they expect from Havisham. He also becomes friendly with Wemmick, who entertains him to tea at his peculiar home, known as the Castle', where he lives with his deaf but cheery father, the Aged Parent'. Invited to dinner at Jaggers's, Pip is advised by Wemmick to pay close attention to his housekeeper. Pip is humiliated when Joe pays him a visit, and is glad when he leaves, having informed him that Miss Havisham wishes to see him again.
Synopsis Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is the classic story of "rags to riches- seen from the eyes of a young boy, Pip. ... He has great expectations of himself as he tries to improve himself morally and socially. ... Time and Setting Great Expectation is set in early Victorian England, a time a great social change. ...
