Very Short Summary
England, early 1800s. In the marshes of Kent, a young orphan encountered an escaped convict who demanded food and a file.
After helping the convict, who was later captured, Pip became a regular visitor to the wealthy Miss Havisham's house, where he fell in love with her adopted daughter.
Years later, Pip received news of a mysterious benefactor who would fund his transformation into a gentleman. He moved to London, assuming Miss Havisham was behind his good fortune. He pursued Estella, who toyed with his affections while being courted by others.
Pip's life changed dramatically when his true benefactor was revealed to be the convict he had helped years ago.
Yes, Pip, dear boy, I've made a gentleman on you! It's me wot has done it! I swore that time, sure as ever I earned a guinea, that guinea should go to you... I lived rough, that you should live smooth.
Pip attempted to help Magwitch escape England, but they were caught. Magwitch died in prison, leaving Pip penniless. Meanwhile, Estella married the brutal Drummle, who later died. Pip fell ill and was nursed back to health by his brother-in-law Joe. He later worked abroad to repay his debts and eventually reconciled with Estella among the ruins of Satis House, where they parted as friends.
Detailed Summary
Division into parts and sections is editorial.
Part 1. Pip's Childhood and Early Expectations
The Convict on the Marshes
In a marshy area of Kent, a young orphan named Pip visited his family's graves. While there, he encountered an escaped convict who threatened him with violence, demanding food and a file to remove his leg iron. Terrified, Pip agreed to help.
Pip lived with his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery, and her husband Joe, the village blacksmith. The following morning, Pip stole food and a file from his sister's pantry. Despite his fear of punishment, he delivered these items to the convict on the marshes. There, Pip briefly encountered a second convict before fleeing home.
Life at the Forge and First Visit to Satis House
Pip's life changed dramatically when he was invited to play at Satis House, home of the wealthy but eccentric Miss Havisham. There, he met the beautiful young Estella, who treated him with disdain and made him feel ashamed of his common upbringing. Miss Havisham, eternally dressed in an old wedding gown, seemed to take pleasure in Estella's cruel behavior toward Pip.
It is a most miserable thing to feel ashamed of home. There may be black ingratitude in the thing, and the punishment may be retributive and well deserved; but that it is a miserable thing, I can testify.
Apprenticeship and News of Great Expectations
Pip began his apprenticeship with Joe at the forge, but his experiences at Satis House had changed him. He grew increasingly dissatisfied with his humble life and prospects. His sister suffered a violent attack, leaving her unable to speak, and Biddy came to care for her. Pip confided in Biddy about his desire to become a gentleman, though she advised against such aspirations.
Everything changed when the lawyer Mr. Jaggers arrived with extraordinary news: Pip had been given the opportunity to become a gentleman, with a generous allowance from an anonymous benefactor. Pip assumed Miss Havisham was behind this fortune and that she intended him to marry Estella. He left for London, feeling superior to his old life but experiencing moments of guilt about leaving Joe behind.
Part 2. Life as a Gentleman in London
New Life in London with Herbert
In London, Pip took up residence at Barnard's Inn with Herbert Pocket, who turned out to be the pale young gentleman he had once fought at Satis House. They became close friends, with Herbert teaching Pip the ways of genteel society. Herbert shared the story of Miss Havisham's past - how she had been jilted by her fiancé on her wedding day and had sworn revenge on men ever since.
We spent as much money as we could, and got as little for it as people could make up their minds to give us. We were always more or less miserable, and most of our acquaintance were in the same condition.
Estella's Return and Growing Social Circle
Pip's life became increasingly sophisticated as he joined the Finches of the Grove, a group of young gentlemen devoted to spending money and accumulating debt. His feelings for Estella grew stronger when she returned from abroad. Miss Havisham encouraged his devotion, despite Estella's warnings that she had no heart. Pip encountered a new rival for Estella's attention - the brutish Bentley Drummle.
Once for all; I knew to my sorrow, often and often, if not always, that I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.
Mrs. Joe's Death and Changing Relationships
Pip's sister died, and he returned home for the funeral, feeling increasingly distant from his humble origins. His relationship with Joe became strained, marked by Pip's embarrassment of his former guardian's unrefined manners. Meanwhile, Pip secretly arranged financial support for Herbert's career through Wemmick, Mr. Jaggers's clerk, showing a glimpse of his better nature despite his growing snobbery.
Love her, love her, love her! If she favors you, love her. If she wounds you, love her. If she tears your heart to pieces, - and as it gets older and stronger it will tear deeper, - love her, love her, love her!
Part 3. The Truth Revealed and Redemption
Magwitch's Return and Shattered Illusions
Pip's world shattered when his true benefactor was revealed - not Miss Havisham, but the convict Magwitch, who had made his fortune in Australia and secretly funded Pip's transformation into a gentleman. Magwitch's return to England put him in grave danger, as he faced death if discovered. Pip, though initially repulsed, felt duty-bound to protect him. Through Magwitch's story, Pip learned of his connection to Miss Havisham's past and the revelation that Estella was Magwitch's daughter.
Escape Attempt and Magwitch's Fate
Pip and Herbert devised a plan to help Magwitch escape England by river. Meanwhile, Pip learned that Estella was to marry Drummle, despite his protests. The escape attempt failed when they were intercepted by Magwitch's old enemy Compeyson. In the struggle, Compeyson drowned and Magwitch was captured. Though Pip had grown to love Magwitch as a father figure, he could not save him from death in prison, though he stayed by his side until the end.
Recovery and Reconciliation
After Magwitch's death, Pip fell seriously ill and was nursed back to health by Joe, who paid off his debts. Humbled and repentant, Pip returned home to reconcile with Joe and Biddy, only to find they had married. He took a position with Herbert's firm in Cairo, working to repay his debts and finding contentment in honest work.
Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching... I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape. Be as considerate and good to me as you were, and tell me we are friends.
Years later, Pip returned to find Satis House demolished and encountered Estella there. She too had suffered, having endured an unhappy marriage to Drummle, who had died. Both changed by their experiences, they reconciled as friends, suggesting the possibility of a deeper relationship. Pip had finally achieved true growth, learning the value of loyalty, love, and humility over social advancement and material wealth.