Herbert Pocket is far from a minor character in Great Expectations

The Guardian

30-05-2025

Well, Zoe Williams, I have heard of Herbert and so has anyone else who's read Great Expectations (Think you know a lot about Dickens? Then who's this Herbert character?, 28 May). Herbert Pocket is a relative of Miss Havisham who fights Pip and is beaten by him.
When Pip comes into money, he lives with the Pocket family, aiming to acquire the manners and knowledge of a gentleman. Pip and Herbert share chambers as young men, and so Herbert becomes aware of the Magwitch secret. He helps Pip with the failed escape.
Dickens' books teem with characters, but among the crowd Herbert stands out. As does a close friendship between young men to which teenagers can relate. Jane LindenDarsham, Suffolk
Herbert Pocket is not a minor character in Great Expectations. We first meet him as a boy on one of Pip's visits to Miss Havisham, where Pip fights with, and defeats, Herbert, which delights Estella, who says to Pip: 'You may kiss me if you like.' Later, when Pip acquires wealth and goes to London, Herbert lodges with him and becomes his guide to behaviour suited to his new station in life: 'It isn't usual to eat peas with a knife.'
Anyone who thinks he is a minor character has not read the book properly or only in summary – a practice that I believe is becoming more common.Nicolette RobertsManosque, France
As a lifelong admirer of Great Expectations, I was puzzled that Zoe Williams could see so little in the character of Herbert Pocket. He is the 'pale young gentleman' who fights with Pip near the beginning of the story. He later becomes Pip's closest friend and shares all his experiences throughout the rest of the book. Pip confides in him about his unrequited love for Estella, and Herbert is able to explain the reason for Miss Havisham's obsessive resentments.
Together they respond to the shock of the convict Magwitch's return from transportation and join in the desperate attempt to spirit him to safety. Of all the things that Pip does with his inherited fortune, the only one that he does not regret is setting Herbert up in business.
I don't know the wording of the GCSE question about Herbert, but I should think he understands Pip better than any other character. His take on Pip's life story would be kind and sympathetic, but searching and perceptive as well. He seems a very good choice for students to write about.John RigbyOldham, Greater Manchester
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