Wednesday, July 13, 2016

In the book Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, who leaves Miss Havisham at the altar?

A man known only as Compeyson leaves Miss Havisham stranded at the altar.


In Chapter XXII, after Pip and Herbert (who was "the pale young gentleman at Satis House years ago) are re-introduced to each other in London as roommates, Herbert relates the history of Miss Havisham:


Miss Havisham was the pampered daughter of the master of Satis House where there was a brewery. Because her mother had died when she was only a baby,...

A man known only as Compeyson leaves Miss Havisham stranded at the altar.


In Chapter XXII, after Pip and Herbert (who was "the pale young gentleman at Satis House years ago) are re-introduced to each other in London as roommates, Herbert relates the history of Miss Havisham:


Miss Havisham was the pampered daughter of the master of Satis House where there was a brewery. Because her mother had died when she was only a baby, her father spoiled his little daughter, denying her nothing. Secretly, her father later married a servant; it was not until the woman died, however, that Mr. Havisham revealed his secret and the fact that he had a son. This son then came to live at Satis House as a member of the family.


Unfortunately, this half-brother of Miss Havisham's, Arthur, grew to be an unruly and extravagant young man. Also, Herbert adds, there was conflict between Miss Havisham and Arthur, who seemed to feel a resentment for not being fully a Havisham, and not receiving the same inheritance that she did when their father died.
Later, as Miss Havisham became an heiress and looked upon "as a great match," a handsome man came upon the scene, wooed her, and promised to marry her. But at twenty minutes to nine on her wedding day, there was no groom.
Tragically, this corrupt man, whom Pip learns later from Magwitch is named Compeyson, simply exploited his would-be bride, having conspired with Arthur to take her money and share the profits. After being left at the altar, the devastated Miss Havisham stopped all clocks, laid the place waste, and stayed in her wedding dress for the rest of her life.



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