Second Stage

In the beginning of Stage Two, Pip arrives in London ready for his great expectations. Although somewhat disappointed with the superficial appearance of London, he seems to enjoy the company of Herbert Pocket; a character whom Pip finds out is the pale young gentleman from Miss Havisham's. Herbert Pocket tells Pip the story of Miss Havisham, and how she was cheated. I believe this background information of her is quite important. Pip also meets Mr. Wemmick, who works at Mr. Jaggers' office. These two characters seem to be contrasting-while Mr. Jaggers is very forward and somewhat socially akward, Mr. Wemmick is extravagant and dramatic, which is decipherable from his "castle" house and his nightly routines. Another impotant character is Mr. Pocket, who educates Pip and two other folks by the names of Drummle and Startop. Pip developes an expensive taste as well.

All of these characters mentioned above relate to the motif of becoming a gentleman, whether it's teaching Pip something, providing money, or offering dinner and company. The motif of mystery is also prevalent, for you find out why Miss Havisham's clocks were all stopped at 8:40. Miss Havisham was engaged to a man who only wanted the brewery for money, but she was truly in love with him. Also, the mystery of who the pale young gentleman is is resolved in Stage Two. Pip greatly "matures" in the beginning of this stage. He starts spending great amounts of money, and becomes very conceited. This started during the first stage when he acted condescending towards Biddy and Joe, but afterwards he felt bad. He has definitely changed, in my opinion for the worse.