In the bildungsroman of Charles
Dickens, Great Expectations, Pip exhibits much maturity and
integrity in the third stage of the novel. Concerned that Compeyson will try to kill
Provis, Herbert and Pip consider Pip's going abroad with Provis. But, before he
departs, Pip decides to visit Estella; however, he learns that she has gone to Satis
House. Therefore, Pip makes a trip to the melancholy mansion where Pip remarks it would
have been better if he had never entered. In his act of going to Miss Havisham in
Chapter XLIV, Pip candidly tells Miss Havisham that she has succeeded in making him
miserable and reveals that he has learned of his benefactor. With more candor, he
informs Miss Havisham that she has wronged Mr. Matthew Pocket and Herbert Pocket, his
son; further, he tells Miss Havisham that they are his friends while the other relatives
are not. Nor are they of the quality of Mr. Pocket and
Herbert.
When Miss Havisham asks what Pip wants from her,
he explains that he needs a favor for Herbert's sake, and it must be done without his
knowledge: Pip asks for money to help Herbert pay his bills. Having led Herbert into
debt, Pip feels obligated to rescue him; now that he may leave the country, he must turn
to Miss Havisham. She agrees to aid Herber, and Pip then confesses his misery to
Estella.
At this point in the novel, Pip exhibits
responsibility as a young man. Before leaving the country, he wishes to straighten his
affairs and make amends to his friend Herbert, for whom he will later procure a position
in a branch banking office. Clearly, Pip is moving from his selfish and irresponsible
conduct of Stage II of Great Expectations.
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