Pip’s Fear of Recognition

Great Expectations

The possibility that Magwitch will be identified turns Pip’s London life into a struggle between concealment, friendship, and the threat of capture.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Convict’s Shadow A Convict’s Shadow from "Great Expectations". A Convict’s Shadow Unease in the rooms Pip hides Magwitch in his chambers but cannot separate the man from his childhood terror.

A Convict’s Shadow from "Great Expectations". A Convict’s Shadow Unease in the rooms Pip hides Magwitch in his chambers but cannot separate the man from his childhood terror.

A Convict’s Shadow Unease in the rooms Pip hides Magwitch in his chambers but cannot separate the man from his childhood terror. Every habit and gesture recalls a convict rather than a benefactor. Exposure imagined Pip fears that servants, strangers, or past acquaintances will identify Magwitch. Concealment gives him a task, but not peace.

A Watcher at the Door A Watcher at the Door from "Great Expectations". A Watcher at the Door A man on the stairs Pip discovers a crouching figure in the dark stairwell, but the watchman finds no one.

A Watcher at the Door from "Great Expectations". A Watcher at the Door A man on the stairs Pip discovers a crouching figure in the dark stairwell, but the watchman finds no one.

A Watcher at the Door A man on the stairs Pip discovers a crouching figure in the dark stairwell, but the watchman finds no one. The visitor may have accompanied Magwitch or may have been another lodger. Suspicion becomes evidence The unexplained presence makes Pip more certain that Magwitch is at risk. His fear is no longer only a memory of childhood but a response to a potentially active pursuer.

A Warning Against Home A Warning Against Home from "Great Expectations". A Warning Against Home Wemmick’s message Pip receives a note telling him not to go home.

A Warning Against Home from "Great Expectations". A Warning Against Home Wemmick’s message Pip receives a note telling him not to go home.

A Warning Against Home Wemmick’s message Pip receives a note telling him not to go home. Wemmick has heard that Magwitch has disappeared from the place of transportation and that Pip’s chambers may be watched. A hidden relocation Herbert has already moved Magwitch to a house by the river. The warning gives Pip time to avoid exposing the new refuge and shows the danger has reached the circle around him.

Compeyson Identified Compeyson Identified from "Great Expectations". Compeyson Identified A face from the past Mr. Wopsle tells Pip that he saw the bruised convict from the marshes sitting behind him at the theatre.

Compeyson Identified from "Great Expectations". Compeyson Identified A face from the past Mr. Wopsle tells Pip that he saw the bruised convict from the marshes sitting behind him at the theatre.

Compeyson Identified A face from the past Mr. Wopsle tells Pip that he saw the bruised convict from the marshes sitting behind him at the theatre. Pip realizes that Compeyson may be following his movements. The pursuer’s advantage Compeyson knows enough about Magwitch’s return to organize surveillance. Pip’s attempts to avoid attention have not prevented the enemy from finding him.

The Pursuit Reaches the River

The Pursuit Reaches the River An escape exposed Pip’s party sets out by boat, but a four-oared galley intercepts them near the steamers. The pursuers identify Magwitch and call upon him to surrender. A dangerous collision Magwitch recognizes Compeyson, and the two men fall into the water during the struggle. Magwitch is captured, and the plan to escape England ends in injury and prosecution.

after Magwitch arrives in London

the morning after Magwitch’s arrival

the night Pip returns from his meeting with Estella

about a week after Wemmick’s warning

the day of the planned foreign departure