113k views
1 vote
What does Joe do when he meets Mrs. Havisham in chapter 13 of Great Expectations which embarrasses Pip terribly?

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

In chapter 13 of Great Expectations, Joe's behavior embarrasses Pip due to his awkward and excessively humble demeanor in the presence of Mrs. Havisham, highlighting the social class divide.

Step-by-step explanation:

In chapter 13 of Great Expectations, Joe, who is a blacksmith and is not accustomed to the manners of the upper class, exhibits behavior that is considered rough and out of place in the sophisticated world of Mrs. Havisham. He addresses Mrs. Havisham with an excessive formality that highlights his lack of social grace, calling her 'Miss Havisham' in a way that is respectful but overly earnest and incorrect, as she is an older and unmarried woman, which should be addressed as 'Mrs.' despite not being married. Joe's behavior, characterized by his awkwardness and excessive humility, embarrasses Pip because it starkly contrasts with the refined demeanor expected in the presence of a wealthy, higher-class individual like Mrs. Havisham.

User Parker Coates
by
7.9k points