logistical question

teddy sexton · 06-17-2008, 03:19 AM

I loved Great Expectations, but there is one thing that I do not understand: if that old coot was constantly sending funds to Pip, to finance his "expectations" how did he afford it? Think about it, Pip got new cloths, was always in debt (and payed with the convicts money), had to "pay" rent, went to a nice schoo l-- and on top of that the old convict had to pay for the services of Mr. Jaggers! Now I know that the convict said that he sent "every shilling I ever touched to ya" but that is not enough! If some old loon worked at Mcdonalds for 10 years and gave me all his earnings, that would help get me a decent used Chevy, and pay the tuition at a state school. It just does not seem that this old bird would have made ENOUGH money. Unless he was doing nefarious deeds, but Dickens only hints and it drives me nuts!

Believe it of not I'm really puzzled by this one-- the above questions seem so basic. I can't believe I'm the only one who has every wondered about this.

Conseil · 08-31-2008, 10:50 PM

You must remember that Magwitch inherited a lucrative business in Australia from his master. In chapter 39 Magwitch says "I got money left me by my master (which died, and had been the same as me), and got my liberty and went for myself. In every single thing I went for, I went for you. 'Lord strike a blight upon it' I says, wotever it was I went for, 'if it ain't for him!' It all prospered wonderful. As I giv' you to understand just now, I'm famous for it. It was the money left me, and the gains of the first few year wot I sent home to Mr Jaggers -- all for you -- when he first come arter you, agreeable to my letter."

06-17-2008, 03:19 AM	#1
teddy sexton Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1	logistical question I loved Great Expectations, but there is one thing that I do not understand: if that old coot was constantly sending funds to Pip, to finance his "expectations" how did he afford it? Think about it, Pip got new cloths, was always in debt (and payed with the convicts money), had to "pay" rent, went to a nice schoo l-- and on top of that the old convict had to pay for the services of Mr. Jaggers! Now I know that the convict said that he sent "every shilling I ever touched to ya" but that is not enough! If some old loon worked at Mcdonalds for 10 years and gave me all his earnings, that would help get me a decent used Chevy, and pay the tuition at a state school. It just does not seem that this old bird would have made ENOUGH money. Unless he was doing nefarious deeds, but Dickens only hints and it drives me nuts! Believe it of not I'm really puzzled by this one-- the above questions seem so basic. I can't believe I'm the only one who has every wondered about this.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Exposition Question	Bennett_Star	General Writing	2	03-10-2008 09:43 AM
In black and white: A question of Othello?	akfarrar	Othello	1	10-21-2007 06:51 AM
Thomas Pynchon's V discussion	Guzmán	General Literature	14	08-09-2007 01:53 PM
Ask any question.	Bakiryu	Forum Games	9	07-08-2007 10:25 PM

08-31-2008, 10:50 PM	#2
Conseil Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 6	You must remember that Magwitch inherited a lucrative business in Australia from his master. In chapter 39 Magwitch says "I got money left me by my master (which died, and had been the same as me), and got my liberty and went for myself. In every single thing I went for, I went for you. 'Lord strike a blight upon it' I says, wotever it was I went for, 'if it ain't for him!' It all prospered wonderful. As I giv' you to understand just now, I'm famous for it. It was the money left me, and the gains of the first few year wot I sent home to Mr Jaggers -- all for you -- when he first come arter you, agreeable to my letter."