Mrs. Joe's last words were "Joe," "Pardon," and "Pip."
The Moment of Utterance
These poignant final utterances were recounted by Biddy to Pip during his visit to the forge. Pip specifically inquired about the particulars of his sister's death, and Biddy shared these significant words as Mrs. Joe's very last.
A Final Message
Mrs. Joe's last words appear to be a deeply personal and reflective farewell, touching upon the key figures in her life and perhaps expressing remorse or a plea for understanding.
| Word | Implied Recipient or Meaning |
|---|---|
| Joe | Her kind-hearted husband, Joe Gargery. |
| Pardon | A plea for forgiveness or understanding, possibly directed at those she felt she had wronged, or for her own life's actions. |
| Pip | Her younger brother and ward, Philip Pirrip. |
Context Surrounding Her Death
The period leading up to Mrs. Joe's death was marked by her severe incapacitation following an attack, leaving her unable to speak for an extended time. Her passing occurred under somber circumstances, with the lingering presence of Orlick, who was known to lurk by the forge the night she died. This detail, conveyed to Pip by Biddy, adds a layer of quiet dread to the context of her final moments. Orlick subsequently took work in the quarries, yet continued to unsettlingly follow Biddy.
