Mrs. Joe Gargery, Pip's elder sister and guardian, was brutally attacked and ultimately died as a result of her injuries inflicted by Orlick.
The Identity of the Assailant
The individual responsible for the severe assault on Mrs. Joe in Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, an attack that left her incapacitated and eventually led to her death, was Orlick. He was a journeyman employed by Joe Gargery at the forge, and his culpability is revealed later in the narrative through his own confession.
Orlick's Motives and Confession
Orlick's motivations for his violent act were rooted in a deep-seated resentment and a desire for revenge, particularly aimed at Pip. His confession sheds light on the specific grievances that drove him:
- Personal Animosity Towards Pip: Orlick harbored significant ill will towards Pip, believing that Pip had consistently interfered with his life and opportunities, and had somehow wronged him.
- Perceived Romantic Interference: A key motivator was Orlick's accusation that Pip had come between him and a young woman he had fancied. This perceived romantic rivalry fueled his anger.
- Blaming Pip for the Outcome: Despite committing the act himself, Orlick explicitly stated that he considered Pip to be ultimately responsible for Mrs. Joe's death. He viewed the attack as a means of getting back at Pip, making it a twisted form of retribution.
This detailed confession underscores Orlick's vindictive character and his tendency to displace blame, perceiving Pip as the indirect cause of his malevolent actions.
The Aftermath of the Attack
Following the assault, Mrs. Joe suffered a severe blow to her head, which resulted in lasting brain damage. She was left unable to speak clearly or care for herself, communicating mainly through gestures and a chalk slate. Her health steadily declined over several years, and she eventually succumbed to the lingering effects of her injuries. The attack and its profound impact left a lasting shadow on Pip, Joe, and Biddy, significantly altering their lives and the dynamics within their household.
To summarize Orlick's key motivations for his actions against Mrs. Joe:
| Motivation Category | Specific Grievance |
|---|---|
| Revenge against Pip | Orlick sought to harm Pip due to perceived interference in his life. |
| Romantic Envy | He believed Pip had disrupted his chances with a woman he was interested in. |
| Misplaced Blame | Orlick held Pip indirectly responsible for Mrs. Joe's death, seeing it as retribution. |
