In Chapter 3, Pip has stolen food from his sister’s pantry and is taking it to the escaped convict - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1

In this extract, Dickens utilizes descriptive language to create a vivid, atmospheric setting.

Weather and Atmosphere

The opening sentences emphasize the dreary weather with words like 'rimy' and 'damp'. The repetition of these adjectives amplifies the sense of coldness and misery, setting a bleak tone. The imagery of 'damp lying on the outside of my little window' portrays a sense of entrapment, as if nature itself is encroaching upon Pip's space.

Similes and Imagery

Dickens employs similes such as 'as if some goblin had been crying there all night'. This not only personifies the weather but adds a layer of supernatural dread, suggesting the oppressive atmosphere is almost hostile. Additionally, the comparison of the damp on the hedges to 'a coarser sort of spiders’ webs' creates visual imagery that evokes feelings of discomfort and eeriness.

Significance of Setting

The description further includes a 'marsh-mist' that seems to envelop Pip, resulting in a sense of isolation and confusion. The metaphor of the 'wooden finger' directing people emphasizes the futility of escape and the inevitability of Pip’s journey. The invisibility of this sign until he is close reflects how the surrounding environment obscures Pip's path and intentions.

Conclusion

Overall, through detailed descriptions and evocative language, Dickens masterfully grounds the narrative in a setting that mirrors Pip's internal conflict, enhancing the mood of guilt and fear that accompanies him on his way to deliver food to the convict.