Maddie James
In Chapter 53 of Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations', Pip travels to a limekiln on a dark, misty night. He enters a stone quarry and finds a candle on a table, which he picks up, only to have it extinguished by a mysterious figure who throws a noose around his neck. The candle symbolises Pip's sense of control in the situation and its extinguishment marks a loss of that control as he is captured and threatened by the villainous Orlick. The scene is made scarier by the darkness that follows the candle being blown out, and the reader is left in no doubt of Orlick's malicious intent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | The candle symbolises Pip's sense of control in the situation |
| Candle's purpose | To light the room |
| Candle's movement | The candle is moved closer to Pip's face, almost burning him |
| Candle's extinguishment | The candle is blown out, plunging the room into darkness |
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What You'll Learn
The candle symbolises Pip's sense of control
In Chapter 53 of Charles Dickens' *Great Expectations*, the candle symbolises Pip's sense of control.
Pip finds himself in a dangerous situation when he enters an abandoned stone quarry on a dark night. He discovers a lighted candle on a table, but no one seems to be around. As he picks up the candle to inspect the wick, it is suddenly extinguished by some violent shock, and he is captured by a noose thrown over his head. The candle, which was the only source of light and comfort in this eerie setting, now becomes a tool in the hands of his captor, Orlick.
Orlick, a character driven by pure evil and a strong desire for revenge, uses the candle to taunt and threaten Pip. He flares the candle close to Pip's face, forcing him to turn away from the flame. This act symbolises Orlick's power over Pip and his ability to cause harm. The candle becomes a weapon, with its light and heat used to intimidate and inflict pain.
However, the candle also serves as a source of illumination, both literally and metaphorically. As Orlick moves the candle, its light reveals the sinister surroundings and the dangerous situation Pip has found himself in. The candlelight exposes the malicious face of Orlick, the ladder to which Pip is bound, and the gun Orlick later picks up. In this way, the candle becomes a symbol of Pip's realisation of the true nature of his predicament.
Despite being physically restrained and at the mercy of his captor, Pip's sense of control is evident in his internal monologue. He reflects on his past actions and the consequences they have had on Orlick, demonstrating a sense of responsibility and understanding. The candle, now a menacing presence, highlights Pip's vulnerability and the imminent danger he faces. Yet, it is in this moment of vulnerability that Pip's resilience and awareness shine through, showcasing his mental strength even in the face of physical captivity.
Ultimately, the candle symbolises the power dynamics between Pip and Orlick. While Orlick wields the candle as a physical tool to exert control, Pip's sense of control comes from his emotional awareness and understanding of the situation. The candle, in its various states—from providing initial comfort to becoming a weapon of intimidation—serves as a constant reminder of the shifting balance of power in this intense and pivotal scene.
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It is extinguished, foreshadowing a loss of control
In Chapter 53 of Charles Dickens' *Great Expectations*, the protagonist Pip finds himself in a perilous situation. As he enters an abandoned stone quarry, his candle is suddenly extinguished, and a noose is thrown over his head in the darkness. This unexpected event symbolizes a loss of control for Pip, who is physically restrained and at the mercy of his attacker.
The candle plays a crucial role in this scene, serving as a symbol of Pip's sense of control and agency. When the candle is blown out, it signifies that control being taken away, plunging Pip into darkness and uncertainty. This loss of control is further emphasized by the physical restraint imposed on Pip, as he is bound tightly and rendered helpless.
The violent act of extinguishing the candle is committed by none other than Orlick, a character driven by pure evil and a deep-seated hatred for Pip. Orlick blames Pip for ruining his chances with Biddy and causing him to lose his job. His irrational desire for destruction and revenge is evident in his taunting and sadistic behavior towards Pip.
The symbolism of the extinguished candle extends beyond the immediate loss of control. It also foreshadows the danger that Pip is about to face at the hands of Orlick. The darkness that ensues heightens the sense of foreboding and signifies the loss of Pip's agency in the face of impending harm.
As the scene unfolds, Orlick's malicious intentions become clear. He confesses to killing Mrs. Joe, blaming Pip for her death, and declares his intention to kill Pip as well. The candle, which initially represented Pip's sense of control, is now snuffed out, mirroring the character's loss of autonomy and the looming threat to his very existence.
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Orlick uses it to taunt Pip
In Chapter 53 of Great Expectations, Pip is confronted by the vengeful Orlick, who intends to kill him. Orlick resents Pip for costing him his job at the blacksmith's and believes that Pip turned Biddy against him. During their encounter, Orlick uses a candle to taunt and threaten Pip, holding it close to his face and laughing when Pip turns away to avoid the flame.
Orlick's use of the candle in this scene serves as a powerful tool for intimidation and psychological torture. By blowing out the candle, Orlick symbolically extinguishes Pip's sense of control over the situation, plunging him into darkness and uncertainty. The flickering candlelight also casts ominous shadows, adding to the menacing atmosphere.
Orlick's sadistic nature is evident in the way he derives pleasure from Pip's fear. He takes his time during their encounter, savouring the power he holds over Pip. He refers to Pip as "wolf," dehumanizing him and emphasising his own predatory nature. Orlick's enjoyment of Pip's distress is described as having "a malignity in it that made me tremble."
The candle also serves as a visual prop in Orlick's twisted performance. As he sits with his arms folded, shaking his head and hugging himself, the dancing flame reflects off his face, accentuating his sinister expressions and adding to the overall sense of foreboding.
Furthermore, the candle may symbolise the fragile nature of Pip's life, which hangs in the balance during this encounter. The threat of the flame coming too close to Pip's face mirrors the constant threat of death that Orlick poses. The danger is heightened when Orlick mentions fire in his taunts, alluding to the murder of Mrs. Joe, which he claims Pip caused.
Overall, Orlick's use of the candle in this scene is a powerful device that heightens the tension, showcases his sadistic nature, and underscores the life-or-death stakes of the confrontation.
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It illuminates Orlick's wicked face
In Chapter 53 of Charles Dickens' *Great Expectations*, the candle is a symbol of Pip's sense of control in a situation that is becoming increasingly dangerous. As the candle illuminates Orlick's wicked face, it reveals a man with no redeeming qualities. Orlick is malicious, cunning, and driven by a desire to hurt others. He blames Pip for ruining his chances with Biddy and for causing him to lose his job. However, his hatred for Pip goes beyond these grievances, and he takes pleasure in the idea of ending Pip's life.
The candle also serves as a source of light in a dark and foreboding setting. As Pip enters the abandoned stone quarry, the candle provides a sense of guidance and reveals the details of the surrounding environment. It illuminates the table, the bench, and the mattress on the truckle bedstead. The contrast between the delicate table and the crude bench highlights the tension between Pip and Orlick.
The candle's flame takes on a menacing quality as Orlick taunts Pip, holding it dangerously close to his face. The threat of being burned adds to the sense of danger and reinforces Orlick's malicious nature. The flickering light and shadows created by the candle also contribute to the eerie atmosphere of the scene.
When the candle is suddenly extinguished, the loss of light heightens the sense of fear and uncertainty. In the darkness, a noose is thrown over Pip's head, and he is bound tightly. The momentary loss of vision symbolises Pip's loss of control and the vulnerability of his situation.
As a flint is struck, the candle is relit, and its flame once again illuminates Orlick's face. This time, the light reveals a man confessing to murder and declaring his intention to kill again. The candle, which initially provided guidance and illumination, now casts an eerie glow on a scene of confession, revenge, and impending violence.
Throughout this chapter, the candle serves as a symbolic and functional element. It represents Pip's sense of control, illuminates the details of the setting, and accentuates the menacing nature of Orlick's character. The interplay between light and darkness, illumination and shadows, adds to the tension and foreboding atmosphere of the scene.
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The candle is contrasted with the darkness of the night
In Chapter 53 of Charles Dickens' *Great Expectations*, the candle is contrasted with the darkness of the night. The candle is a source of light and illumination in a scene that is otherwise shrouded in darkness and mystery.
The chapter begins with Pip, the protagonist, entering an abandoned stone quarry on a dark night, with thick mists surrounding him. He notices a lighted candle on a table inside a house, but no one seems to be around. As he stands in the shelter of the doorway, looking out into the night, the candle is suddenly extinguished, and a noose is thrown over his head. The contrast between the initial light of the candle and the subsequent darkness heightens the sense of danger and foreboding in the scene.
The candle also serves as a symbol of control and power in the narrative. After Pip is captured and tied up, his attacker, Orlick, relights the candle and uses it to illuminate and scrutinize his victim. Orlick's enjoyment of the spectacle and his malicious taunting, including flaring the candle close to Pip's face, further emphasizes his sense of dominance and power in the situation.
The contrast between light and darkness continues as Orlick confesses his crimes and intentions. He admits to killing Mrs. Joe and blames Pip for coming between him and Biddy, among other grievances. The candlelight illuminates Orlick's wicked face and emphasizes the darkness of his actions and intentions. The darkness of the night and the extinguished candle symbolize the unknown, while the candlelight brings things into focus, revealing the truth and exposing the evil in Orlick's character.
The candle also serves as a source of hope and illumination in the face of danger. Despite being bound and threatened, Pip remains resolute, and the candlelight may symbolize his determination to survive and escape his predicament. The contrast between the darkness of the night and the flickering candlelight reflects the tension and uncertainty in the narrative, as Pip's life hangs in the balance.
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Frequently asked questions
The candle symbolizes Pip's sense of control in the situation. When the candle is blown out, it makes the scene scarier.
When the candle is extinguished, Pip is attacked by Orlick, who throws a noose around his neck and ties him to a post.
Orlick uses the candle to taunt Pip, flaring it close to his face and blinding him. He also shades the candle with his hand to throw its light on Pip, standing before him and enjoying the sight.
The candle reveals a table, a bench, and a mattress on a truckle bedstead. It also shows a loft above, accessed by a stout perpendicular ladder.
