What is the story of Molly's past in Great Expectations?

Molly is a multi-layered character with a colorful past. Pip meets her initially when she is introduced to him as Mr. Jaggers’ housekeeper. In an odd statement, Mr. Jaggers points out the strength of her wrists and hands. Molly is obviously embarrassed by this, which seems to please Mr. Jaggers.

The reason becomes clear later. Years earlier, Molly was accused of flying into a jealous rage and murdering a woman in a barn. Jaggers defended...

Molly is a multi-layered character with a colorful past. Pip meets her initially when she is introduced to him as Mr. Jaggers’ housekeeper. In an odd statement, Mr. Jaggers points out the strength of her wrists and hands. Molly is obviously embarrassed by this, which seems to please Mr. Jaggers.

The reason becomes clear later. Years earlier, Molly was accused of flying into a jealous rage and murdering a woman in a barn. Jaggers defended her and she was found not guilty because he argued that she was too small to overpower the victim, a much larger woman. He took care that her exceptionally strong wrists and hands were covered by long sleeves and not clearly visible to the jury. After the trial, Molly is ‘cured’ of her explosive temper and comes to work for Jaggers right away. He takes a cruel delight in pointing out her strength to others. This also reminds her that she could have been executed.

In a more direct connection to Pip, it turns out that Molly is Estella’s mother and Magwitch’s wife.  Jaggers arranged Estella’s adoption. Her background is no higher than Pip’s, although she does not know it.