Pip becomes an apprentice: Chapters 9 - 14

Young Pip and the young Biddy

Pip becomes a weekly visitor to the surreal world of Satis House. He meets Miss Havisham's 'friends' (who are only after her money) and, one day, a man who smells of soap.

On another occasion, a boy insists on fighting him. Pip wins, and Estella lets him kiss her. Helped by a nice girl called Biddy, Pip – increasingly ashamed of his low class – resolves to better himself by going to the village school to learn to read.

After five years, Miss Havisham summons Joe to Satis House and gives him 25 guineas (£1.05) to make Pip his apprentice. Pip is ashamed of being a blacksmith – he fears Estella will see him working in the forge and despise him.