The Stranger's Revelation in Great Expectations, Chapter 10

The Significance of the Stranger's Revelation

In Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Pip's encounter with the stranger in chapter 10 is a pivotal moment. Rather than directly revealing the convict's name or past, the stranger astutely describes the convict's appearance, demonstrating a keen knowledge of the individual Pip encountered in the marshes.

This method of identification adds an element of mystery and intrigue, leaving Pip and the readers to connect the dots between the stranger's description and the convict he met earlier. The choice of having the stranger describe the convict's appearance is a narrative device employed by Dickens to heighten suspense and engage readers in the unfolding plot.

The Narrative Technique Employed by Dickens

It creates an air of anticipation as Pip grapples with the revelation, forcing him to confront the repercussions of his connection to the mysterious convict. By withholding specific details, Dickens masterfully builds tension, prompting readers to piece together the puzzle along with the protagonist.

In summary, the stranger's choice to describe the convict's appearance serves both as a storytelling technique to maintain suspense and as a means of gradually unraveling the connection between Pip and the convict. Dickens skillfully employs this method to captivate readers and draw them deeper into the intricate web of relationships and secrets woven throughout the narrative.

So the correct option is 2) The stranger describes the convict's appearance.