There is an intense awkwardness and embarrassment during this
Christmas day lunch as Mr. Wopsle and Mr. Pumplechook discuss Pip in his presence, with the
agreeing voice of his sister and poor ineffectual Joe, who can do nothing to support Pip in his
time of need than to pour ever greater quantities of gravy on to his food. Note what Wopsle
says:
Win were the
companions of the prodigal. The gluttony of Swine is put before us, as an example to the young...
What is detestable in a pig, is more detestable in a
boy.
Thus the allusion to the Parable
of the Prodigal Son is used by Wosple to make a deeply unfair criticism of Pip, by comparing him
to the swine in that story and arguing that he is has the same gluttony as the swine, and is
therefore deeply evil in the way he reacts to the "love" his sister shows him in bringing him
up.
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