Reading Assignment 1

Near Christmastime, Pip Pirrip was observing the tombstones of his late parents when a frightening man approached and threatened him. The man was dressed in raggy clothing with iron on his leg. The man demands a file and “wittles” or food. The man also tells Pip of a young man who could do much more harm to Pip if he does not follow orders. Pip then runs home after the man leaves. Pip lives with his sister, Mrs. Joe, who is 20 years older than Pip, and her husband, Joe, who works as a blacksmith. Mrs. Joe is admired in their community for bringing Pip up by hand. This means that Mrs. Joe beats him so that he learns lessons and behaves. Over the years, Pip has developed a friendship with Joe, who has always warned Pip when Mrs. Joe is on a “ram-page”, even though Joe gets his own share of beatings as well. On a “ram-page”, Mrs. Joe uses the tickler; a stick with hardened wax on the end used for punishments.
Later that night, Pip steals some alcohol, bread, pork pie, and a file from Mr. and Mrs. Joe for the man at the cemetery. Pip feels guilty for stealing from his guardians but he does not want to let a person starve to death. On his way, Pip sees a figure sitting in the cemetery. Thinking it is the man Pip spoke to earlier, he approaches him and thinks that it is the young man that was brought up during the man’s and Pip’s conversation earlier. When Pip finds the correct man, he asks him if he will save any food for the young man. Realizing he is not alone, he immediately asks Pip about the young man’s whereabouts and fiercely files his iron as Pip walks home.