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Charles Dickens

Great Expectations

Read it chapter by chapter, with the Gloss on every hard word and notes from a panel of commentators in the margin.

Volume 1

19 chapters

  1. Start here

    Chapter 1The escaped convict's demand12 min readRead ›

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  2. Chapter 2Pip steals for the fugitive23 min read
  3. Chapter 3A second convict on the marshes13 min read
  4. Chapter 4Soldiers interrupt Christmas dinner22 min read
  5. Chapter 5The convicts are recaptured28 min read
  6. Chapter 6Pip hides his guilt from Joe5 min read
  7. Chapter 7An invitation from Miss Havisham26 min read
  8. Chapter 8Estella humiliates Pip31 min read
  9. Chapter 9Pip confesses his lies17 min read
  10. Chapter 10The stranger displays the stolen file17 min read
  11. Chapter 11Pip fights the pale young gentleman35 min read
  12. Chapter 12Pip's visits become a routine15 min read
  13. Chapter 13Pip is bound apprentice to Joe19 min read
  14. Chapter 14The forge becomes a prison6 min read
  15. Chapter 15Mrs. Joe is struck down1 min read
  16. Chapter 16The leg iron becomes evidence13 min read
  17. Chapter 17Pip reveals his ambition to Biddy22 min read
  18. Chapter 18Jaggers announces great expectations34 min read
  19. Chapter 19Pip leaves the forge behind38 min read

Volume 2

20 chapters
  1. Chapter 1Jaggers receives Pip in London21 min read
  2. Chapter 2The pale gentleman returns12 min read
  3. Chapter 3Herbert tells Miss Havisham's history33 min read
  4. Chapter 4Pip enters the Pocket household21 min read
  5. Chapter 5Wemmick reveals Jaggers's world15 min read
  6. Chapter 6Wemmick welcomes Pip to the Castle20 min read
  7. Chapter 7Jaggers displays Molly's strength19 min read
  8. Chapter 8Joe's visit exposes Pip's shame20 min read
  9. Chapter 9Convicts haunt Pip's journey home16 min read
  10. Chapter 10Estella welcomes Pip as a gentleman33 min read
  11. Chapter 11Orlick is dismissed from Satis House22 min read
  12. Chapter 12Mr. Wopsle performs Hamlet14 min read
  13. Chapter 13Pip waits for Estella at Newgate15 min read
  14. Chapter 14Estella warns Pip against loving her18 min read
  15. Chapter 15Pip and Herbert confront their debts15 min read
  16. Chapter 16Mrs. Joe is buried20 min read
  17. Chapter 17Pip receives his adult allowance17 min read
  18. Chapter 18Herbert's partnership is secretly secured19 min read
  19. Chapter 19Estella chooses Drummle32 min read
  20. Chapter 20Magwitch reveals himself as benefactor32 min read

Volume 3

20 chapters
  1. Chapter 1Magwitch assumes the name Provis35 min read
  2. Chapter 2Pip and Herbert plan an escape14 min read
  3. Chapter 3Magwitch recounts Compeyson's treachery20 min read
  4. Chapter 4Pip quarrels with Drummle13 min read
  5. Chapter 5Pip declares his love to Estella19 min read
  6. Chapter 6Compeyson is watching20 min read
  7. Chapter 7Magwitch is hidden by the river20 min read
  8. Chapter 8Wopsle recognizes Compeyson17 min read
  9. Chapter 9Molly's identity begins to emerge18 min read
  10. Chapter 10Miss Havisham's dress catches fire24 min read
  11. Chapter 11Pip links Estella to Magwitch10 min read
  12. Chapter 12Jaggers confirms Estella's parentage20 min read
  13. Chapter 13Orlick lures Pip to the sluice house13 min read
  14. Chapter 14Pip escapes Orlick's revenge35 min read
  15. Chapter 15The river escape is intercepted38 min read
  16. Chapter 16Wemmick marries Miss Skiffins19 min read
  17. Chapter 17Magwitch dies in peace15 min read
  18. Chapter 18Joe nurses Pip through fever33 min read
  19. Chapter 19Joe and Biddy are married20 min read
  20. Chapter 20Pip and Estella meet among the ruins10 min read