In Great Expectations by Charles Dickens how does Miss Havisham die?

Answer 1

Miss Havisham is initially described as unforgiving as she was enraged when her intended (later revealed as Compeyson) "heartlessly breaks off the wedding". Compeyson was allied with Miss Havisham's brother, Arthur, and made love to Miss Havisham, gaining her trust and vast amounts of fortune. He allegedly shared the profits with her brother.

Throughout much of the novel, she uses Estella, an orphan who she raised to become an entrancingly beautiful aristocratic lady, to destroy the hearts of the men Estella attracts.

Miss Havisham first experiments her creation on Pip, the story's main protagonist. After noting successful attempts at damaging Pip emotionally, she sends Estella off to wander and break the hearts of other men. Pip, however, is unfazed and fruitlessly continues to chase after Estella.

Near the end of her life, Miss Havisham realizes the Horror she had made Estella into when she sees the love in Pip's eyes stating that it was an emotion "[she herself] had forgotten". She begs Pip to forgive her, when her wedding dress catches on fire. She is saved by Pip, but later dies of her injuries.

Answer 2

Her wedding gown catches on fire, and she is badly burned. She eventually dies from these injuries.

Answer 3

Miss Havisham dies of burns sustained when her dress catches on fire from the fireplace. She dies regretting the way she treated Pip and Estella, and asking for their forgiveness.