Final answer:
Pip 'runs for his life' in chapter 4 of 'Great Expectations' due to fear from a convict's threats; his lack of progress is due to being young and laden with stolen provisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the end of chapter 4 of Great Expectations, Pip 'runs for his life' because he is terrified after his encounter with the convict in the churchyard, where he was threatened and coerced into stealing food and a file for the convict. The fear and urgency instilled in him by this encounter propel him to run desperately.
However, he doesn't get far because he is a young boy, and the psychological and physical strains of fear and carrying provisions weigh heavily on him.
Pip's fear makes his run more about escaping the immediate threat, rather than a calculated escape, impacting his ability to make significant progress.