Chapter XLII

The chapter is mainly Magwitch’s first-person account of his life, addressed to Pip ("dear boy") and Herbert ("Pip's comrade"). He begins by outlining the basic facts of his existence: unaware of his birthplace, he first became self-aware in Essex, living by stealing turnips and caught in a cycle of arrests and imprisonment. He learned to read from a soldier who deserted and picked up writing from a traveling giant. At the Epsom races, he met Compeyson, an educated con artist dressed sharply, who led him into a life of forgery, passing fake notes, and other scams. Magwitch mentions Arthur, another accomplice of Compeyson, who was dying in Compeyson's home, haunted by terrifying visions of a woman in white with a shroud; Arthur died in fear at five in the morning. He recounts how he and Compeyson were tried together for felony. During the trial, Compeyson's polished demeanor and favorable character references worked to his advantage, while Magwitch's rough appearance and criminal history resulted in his conviction; Compeyson received seven years, and Magwitch got fourteen. On the prison ship, Magwitch attacked Compeyson, escaped to the marshes where he first encountered Pip. He later found Compeyson, beat him up, and brought him back, which led to Magwitch being sentenced to life—a sentence he didn’t fully serve, as he is now here. He notes that he hasn't heard anything further about Compeyson. The chapter wraps up with Herbert discreetly handing Pip a note that reveals young Havisham's name was Arthur and that Compeyson claimed to be Miss Havisham's lover.