Happiness and Social Status in Great Expectations

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Charles Dickens uses his own opinions to develop the larger-than-life characters in Great Expectations. The novel is written from the point of view of the protagonist, Pip. Pip guides the reader through his life, describing the different stages from childhood to manhood. Many judgments are made regarding the other characters, and Pip's views of them are constantly changing according to his place in the social hierarchy. For instance, Pip feels total admiration that, later, turns to total shame for the man who raised him, Joe Gargery. The primary theme in this novel questions whether being in a higher social and economic class helps a person to achieve true happiness. This idea is shown through Pip's innocence at the forge, visits to Satis House, living a façade to become a gentleman, and the revealing of the truth about his expectations. Pip was an innocent child whose parents died when he was very young. He tells the story of being raised "by hand" by his sister, Mrs. Joe. Her husband, Joe Gargery, and Pip share a special kind of camaraderie, and they were the "best of friends". Pip tries to keep a connection with his own parents by visiting the churchyard where they are buried. It is at this churchyard that he first encounters an escaped convict, Magwitch. The criminal appears ominous and threatening, instilling fear into Pip. He was "sudden and strong" (page 4) with powerful eyes. The convict begins by turning Pip upside-down. Then, he holds the boy by the arms, tilts him back, and orders Pip to bring him a file and some food. If Pip does not come through with the requests, he will rip out Pip's heart and liver and eat them. However, Pip seems sensitive to the criminal as he watches him walk away with his a... ... middle of paper ... ...d not expect anything. With no expectations, Pip returns to Satis House many years later. Here, he finds Estella who is no longer married. This ending implies that Pip and Estella will get their "happily ever after". Dickens tells the tale of a young boy's journey to adulthood with the caution that things are not always how they are first perceived. Pip has let go of his infatuation with social and economic classes and started looking at individuals. There is no room in a happy existence to take the time to label people. The gentleman next door may be a complete ass, while a convict could be one of the best people you will ever meet. There is a feeling that Pip learned these lessons to help him live a fuller, more honest, and happier life. He will appreciate all relationships and no longer feel superior to anybody else. Pip's life is really only beginning.

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