In chapter 55 of Great Expectations, Wemmick invites Pip to go on a morning walk with him. As they are leaving Wemmick's house, Pip narrates that:
I was considerably surprised to see Wemmick take up a fishing-rod, and put it over his shoulder. “Why, we are not going fishing!” said I. “No,” returned Wemmick, “but I like to walk with one.”
I thought this odd; however, I said nothing, and we set off.
Soon they come to a church, and Wemmick suggests that they go in. He leaves the fishing-rod outside. Inside, Pip discovers the actual reason for the walk: Wemmick is marrying Miss Skiffins and wants Pip to serve as his best man.
As they leave the church, Wemmick "triumphantly shoulder[s]" the fishing-rod again. No more is said about it for the rest of the chapter.
Like Pip, I am puzzled about the inclusion of the fishing-rod in this little excursion. Does it have some kind of significance or symbolism? Or does it merely serve as another example of Wemmick's quirks?
All quotes from the Project Gutenberg e-book.