Study Guide

Great Expectations Chapter 36

By Charles Dickens

Chapter 36

Pip and Herbert have been spending money faster than they can make it. But fortunately, it's Pip's 21st birthday!
Mr. Jaggers invites Pip into his office and, after grilling him for a while, tells Pip that he's getting a gigantic birthday present. From now on, Pip will receive an allowance of 500 pounds a year. That's a lot of money. Pip is psyched, but he really wants to know who his benefactor is.
Mr. Jaggers isn't talking. But he does invite himself over for dinner at Pip and Herbert's.
While he's there, Pip asks Wemmick for some advice. Pip has the crazy idea that he'd like to invest some of his new allowance in a certain friend who is interested in the merchant and shipping business.
Wemmick advises Pip never to lend anyone some money.
Pip asks Wemmick whether he's speaking as businessman or as friend, and Wemmick confirms he's speaking as a businessman. If he wants to know what Wemmick thinks as a friend, he'll have to come to Wemmick's house in Walworth.