Both Joe and Pip are hoping that they don't find the two convicts. What are some of the reasons that they are hoping they don't find them?
Why does the convict say that he was the one who stole the goods from Joe's house? What motivation does he have to take the blame for something he really didn't do?
The convict took the blame for stealing the food from the Gargery household for the purpose of implicating Pip. The convict knew that Pip felt guilty about getting foodfor him, so when he said that he took food from them, it really was revenge against Pip, as the convict thought he had sold him out.
ReplyDeleteNot quite.....there is no evidence to place the convict in the house, and taking the blame would exonerate rather than implicate Pip. Think again.
ReplyDeletePip might consider this convict as "his convict" because he aided him the best way he knew how- giving him food and a file. Pip doesn't want the convicts found, because he believes them to be good people; both had the opportunity to hurt him, but didn't.
ReplyDeleteThe convict knows that Pip is a decent person, because Pip brought him food, and didn't lead any other men to him at the battery. As the Red Coats catch the convicts, "Pips convict" looked around at Pip who "moved [his] hands and shook [his] head" (Dickens, 46) The convict must have known it wasn't Pips fault the soldiers were there, because he didn't look at Pip for further assurance.
The convict might've said he stole the goods, because he didn't want Pip to be blamed- he might also want Pip to know he was an honest man, so Pip would have more motivation to help him escape again.
Joe tells the convict, without even knowing the committed crime, he "wouldn't have [him] starved to death for it"(48). Joe pities the harsh conditions the convicts must face; much like how he comforts Pip from Mrs. Joe's temper. For comfort, Joe gives food; he enjoys bread-and-butter as an "evening habit"(17) with Pip and pours Pip gravy at the dinner table. A reason Joe wouldn't want the convicts found, is that he knows they've already suffered -being desperate enough to run away in search of a new life and hungry enough to steal food- and doesn't want to see people in any more pain.