Pip's Expectations in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations

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Pip's Expectations in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations Throughout the novel there are many expectations of Pip. They are appointed to him by many different characters, as well as himself. These expectations were very stressful for Pip and often wore him down to breaking point. Right from the start of the book we are introduced to many characters and we find out shortly why they thrust such 'Great Expectations' on Pip. Eventually we discover more about these and find out if they come true. In the beginning of the book we are introduced to Mrs Gargery. We know that Mrs Gargery is Pips sister who has been given the task of looking after him. When she hears that Pip has a chance of going to Mss Havishams, she immediately puts pressure on Pip by expecting him to be good and hopefully inherit some of her fortune, "this boy's fortune may be made by going to Miss Havishams house". Many of the characters in the book were introduced before Pip was granted this opportunity, also expected Pip to inherit a fortune, this put an immense strain on Pips well being. One of the characters, who also expected Pip to inherit riches, was his uncle, Pumblechook. Pip did not like Pumblechook as he was constantly stern with him. We know Pumblechook was responsible for Pip getting this opportunity, so Pumblechoock obviously was not just hoping he would get some money from Pips inheritance, he expected it, "that boy will make his fortune he is no ordinary boy". Quotations like this one have often made in the book because many people felt the same way. Joe was Pips best friend right up until the latter stages of the story. In the beginning of the novel... ... middle of paper ... ...elt bad, because he knew Abel had risked his life to come back to England. So out of the good in his heart Pip said yes. So once again he had lived up to another of Abel's expectations. Throughout the book we learn that a lot of the expectations are incredibly demanding for Pip and often wear him down. On some occasions Pip does not exceed some of the expectations. When this happens, the characters that have appointed the expectation, often get very disappointed, as in Joe's case. He had expected Pip to become an apprentice and eventually take over the business but when Pip got an opportunity to become a gentleman he encouraged him to go, "If you think money can ever pay me back for losing the little child". Many characters in the book also felt the same way as what they had hoped for many years could not happen.

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