At Squally Times

In Chapter 2 of Great Expectations Pip writes about his brother-in-law, "his manner always was at squally times." 

The word squally comes from squally meaning sudden gust of wind, often account by rain and storm.  Dickens uses this metaphorically to describe Joe Gargery.  During the storms in the household Mrs Joe flies into one of her angry tempers. But Joe behaves like a gentle dog: quiet, submissive, cautious, and patiently wait for the storm to pass.  Squally times is Dickens vivid way of describing periods of domestic turbulence rather than bad weather.  It is one of the earliest indications that Joe is gentle, suffering character while Mrs Joe dominates the household. 

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