Day: 4 September 2016

Magwitch tells Pip and Herbert all about his whole life. It turns out that Magwitch has been punished many times. He tells them about when he was an orphan, he was so hungry he had to steal turnips so he wouldn’t starve. He was taken in by many families but each time, he was kicked out. He told them of how he likes to get things done and how he taught himself to read and write. Twenty years ago, Magwitch met a man called Compeyson, dressed like a gentleman but we find out he really wasn’t a gentlemen. Compeyson was a bad influence to Magwitch and they committed many crimes together. Compeyson also knew someone else called Arthur. Arthur was sick and crazy when Magwitch had started working with them. Magwitch was told of Compeyson’s many stories including stories of how they swindled a rich lady and took alot of money. Compeyson had a gambling addiction and that money was gone. Arthur was ill and soon died.

Pip and Herbert are told of how Compeyson had used him to do all of his dirty work while not giving him much of the money they had earned. Magwitch also talks about a girl but soon stops as he is flustered. The two were convicted of money counterfeiting. Although, Magwitch was given double the sentence of Compeyson. This was due to he fact that Compeyson was dressed like a gentleman. Magwitch ended up on a prison ship near the marshes where he was found in chapter 1. Magwitch realises Compeyson is on the ship and attacks him. This causes him to go into solitary confinement. But die to this, he escapes and swims to the marshes where he was found by Pip. Magwitch is also unsure of whether Compeyson is still alive. Herbert than gives a note to Pip discretely telling Pip that Arthur was Miss Havisham’s half brother and that Compeyson was the man who rejected her at her wedding. They then realise that the “rich lady” was Miss Havisham.

Herbert is quite surprised at the thought of a convict in the house. Although he is also surprised at the story of how Pip and his benefactor, Magwitch had helped him all this time. Pip tells Herbert that he doesn’t want to take his money anymore and tries to find a way to pay him back. Herbert suggests that Pip take Magwitch out of England to get him out of trouble. Next morning, Magwitch comes over and Pip learns that he has paid off every debt he has had and every crime he had ever committed.

Pip is confused as to whether or not he should house the convict as he is not sure if it is safe. As his lanterns are all blown out by the storm, Pip decides to go and find the watchman so he can relight his candles. Although as he walks down the same stairwell, he steps on someone by accident. He tries to ask the man who he is but does not get a reply. Pip goes to find the Watchman and take him to the mysterious man but when they arrive he is gone. After this, he goes back into the apartment and has a conversation with the convict. He finds out that his name is Magwitch but also known as Provis. He tells Pip that he doesn’t want to be found by anyone otherwise he will be killed. Pip goes and asks Jaggers to confirm if Magwitch is actually his Benefactor.  He confirms this and tells Pip that he is. As he goes home, Pip purchases new clothes for Magwitch so he does not look too much like an escaped convict. Pip is also fearful of Magwitch as he may get into trouble. Soon Herbert comes back from France. Pip prepares to tell Herbert the whole story of Magwitch and him but Herbert ends up confused.