The chapter with Wopsle’s play is mostly a side show that Dickens puts in for humor. The thread about Wopsle is there so that later in the book he can warn Pip that Compeyson is trailing him. Tags such as references to thick boots, being coarse and common, and Sarah Pocket as Pip’s green and yellow friend continue, and the secrecy theme is seen in Herbert’s keeping his engagement to Clara a secret from his mother. There are again references to the fantasy theme. Pip talks about being under the spell and enchantment of the old influences and sees himself as the knight of romance who will “admit sunshine into the dark rooms, set the clocks a going and the cold hearths a blazing.” He also worries about losing his money, because he cannot support himself and he believes that money is the key to Estella.
Pip is obsessed with Estella. He knows it and Herbert knows it, but nothing can stop Pip. This is addiction, not love. Miss Havisham’s definition of love is the best clue. What she describes is a sick dependency, not genuine caring, and the old woman revels in Pip’s response to Estella. There is no question that she is beautiful, and even Jaggers steals a glance at Estella during the card game. Pip has no identity of his own because he has no goal in life other than to please Miss Havisham and love Estella. He snubs Joe to please them.
