The marshes located near Pip's childhood home is a significant location throughout the novel Great Expectations. A lot of the plot is unfolded here along with a few mysteries presented. For some reason, Charles Dickens chooses this spot to be where people attempt murder on an enemy of theirs. The most significant event that occurs in the marshes is the introduction of a mysterious character in the first chapter of the novel who has recently escaped from prison. He ruthlessly threatens Pip to bring him food and a file to remove his chains. The reader later discovers in the novel that this convict is the benefactor of Pip and somewhat of a father figure. His name is Abel Magwitch. Along with this, Orlick attempts to murder Pip for ruining his life by taking away every job he had including the woman he loved, Biddy. The marshes seem to hold an important piece in the novel since Pip visits this place at 3 different ages. Charles Dickens may have wanted to portray this setting as a place of progression and understanding in life. Pip has evolved into much more mature person each time he visits.
