Theme-Related Quotes

Here, we discuss a couple of significant or reflective quotes from this forty-sixth episode of Dickens' Great Expectations.

"Dear boy," he answered, clasping my hands, "I don't know when we may meet again, and I don't like Good-bye. Say Good Night!" (380)

This quote shows the warmer side of Magwitch as he is talking to Pip. He is expressing that he doesn't want to part from Pip. He understands that there is a real, definite chance of never seeing Pip again, but he doesn't want to think about it and wants to see Pip again. He wants to avoid saying ‘good-bye’ because he feels that those words resemble a permanent departure (either as (1) leaving Pip behind and not being able to revel in the sight of his luxuries, or as (2) the death penalty), something that Magwitch is constantly aware of (due to the circumstances of his escape from Australia and the risk he took to reach Pip).

It is amazing that we see this metamorphosis in Pip's personality. He is now concerned for the well-being of others, rather than letting thoughts be consumed by his own comfort. We see this when he listens to Herbert Pocket's advice and begins to prepare for the trans-river crossing: 

Herbert, who had been looking at the fire and pondering, here said that something had come into his thoughts arising out of Wemmick's suggestion, which it might be worth while to pursue. ...

Next day, I set myself to get the boat. ... Then, I began to go out as for training and practice: sometimes alone, sometimes with Herbert. I was often out in cold, rain, and sleet, but nobody took much note of me after I had been out a few times. (379-380)

Pip is demonstrating newfound responsibility, rather than perpetuating his irresponsible self manifested by overspending money and being careless and heartless to his benefactor. Rather than disdaining the fact that his money is not derived from a royal source, he values the hard work of Magwitch and is now on a mission to save him from Compeyson and the law (whom Magwitch's own enemy was able to partially avoid). In this way, this episode of Great Expectations symbolizes the importance of honesty to true friends and the dedication and support that binds friends (like Pip, Herbert, and Magwitch) and family together.