The Crusades

“...secretly crossed his two fingers...like monumental Crusaders as to their legs.” (Page 23)

The Crusades were a series of religious expeditions undertaken by those who vowed to spread and restore Christianity in the Holy Land. This campaign took place over the course of two hundred years between 1095 and 1291. Much like the Crusaders, Joe and Pip essentially vow to protect one another while living under the tyrannical rule of Mrs. Joe Gargery. The Crusaders were known for their covert schemes of infiltrating cultures with Christianity. Likewise, Joe and Pip must remain secretive in order to avoid Mrs. Joe's wrath. Dickens characterizes the two as modern-day Crusaders with this scheme of crossing their fingers to signify Mrs. Joe's “cross temper.” It is said that, when a Crusader died, they were buried with their legs crossed to signify their servitude.

"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Crusades." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 02 Jan. 2010. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04543c.htm.