Final answer:
The statement given is true; Magwitch's return from Australia does indeed put him at risk of the death penalty in 'Great Expectations.' The novel features first-person narration, which creates a direct connection with Pip's experiences and emotions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement in the question is true. In Great Expectations, chapter 39 is indeed significant as it reveals the true identity of Pip's benefactor. When Magwitch, the old convict, reappears in Pip's life, it is disclosed to Pip that Magwitch has been his secret benefactor. It is also revealed that Magwitch has returned from Australia, where he was transported as a punishment for his previous crimes. The laws at the time stipulated that a convict who returned from transportation faced the ultimate penalty – death. This revelation is a pivotal moment for Pip, greatly impacting the direction of the story henceforth.
In Charles Dickens' novel, we often witness a first-person narration through the eyes of the protagonist, Pip. This perspective allows readers to experience the events and feelings from Pip's point of view, offering a more personal and immediate connection to the narrative. Pip narrates the events both as an adult looking back on his life and as the child experiencing those moments first-hand, which provides depth to the storytelling.