icks up for Pip against his wife. Mrs. Joe now uses her tough reputation to play on Pip's innocence and guilt by reminding him that if it weren't for her, Pip would have already been laying next to his five brothers in the churchyard. She believes that Pip is a burden and because of him she ended up with a blacksmith. Therefore, she ironically feels that she could have married better and that Joe was her downfall, whereas Mrs. Joe is actually the reason behind Joe's downfall.
              After this incident, Mrs. Joe has 'pins and needles' attached to her apron and she slides bread violently against it, further highlights her toughness and coldness. Pip slides this slice of bread down his trousers for the convict. Poor Joe doesn't know what Pip has done and tells his wife that he 'bolted' his food again, giving Mrs. Joe an excuse to go on the rampage. As a punishment she now pours Tar water down both Pip's and Joe's throats.
              After going to bed, Pip felt he was going to rob Mrs. Joe, as she watches everything very carefully and not Joe because he feels giving someone food isn't robbing, from food to give to the convict. Pip sneaks out and gathers a lot of quality food ranging from half a jar of mincemeat to some brandy and a pork pie. Pip gathers the 'better' food because he's either terrified or feels sorry for the convict by sacrificing his own bread and butter.
             Mrs. Joe is clearly a tough and cold woman as she always wears an apron full of 'pins and needles' and reminds Pip how she brought him up 'by hand'. The 'great reputation she established' and that 'she was never polite, unless there was company' indicates that people were only concerned about status and appearing strong.
             Joe however, is very different; 'She's a-coming! Get behind the door, old chap and have the jack towel betwixt you&ap...