The Effects of Wishes
analytical Essay
564 words
Throughout history people have been mislead to believe that happiness can only be found through achieving what you think you want. For example, it is rare to read a fairy tale that doesn’t involve a hero obtaining his goals and living happily ever after with the one he loves. Few authors have dared to write about the reality of life in fear that the response from audiences who are used to happy endings would be negative. Charles Dickens and James Hilton are two authors that took that chance and each produced a novel that did not necessarily have a happy ending. Charles Dickens illustrates in his book, Great Expectations, and James Hilton presents in his novel, Lost Horizon, that life is full of surprises, and happiness is not always found in the things we think we want.
The hero in each of these novels is on a quest for happiness. Pip, from Great Expectations, believes that if he were to become a gentleman he would be content with his life. On the contrary, Conway in Lost Horizon is searching for peace of mind and where he can think without disturbance. Each character’s quest brings them to the realization that there are consequences for every action, and obtaining your goals is difficult when enduring the obstacles of life.
The main objective of Pip and Conway’s quests is to obtain a talisman. Dicken’s Pip is looking for materialistic items such as money, while Hilton’s Conway is looking for knowledge that can last you a lifetime. Though both characters end up achieving their own talisman, it proved to not be the only key for happiness as expected.
Throughout the quest for the each talisman, a mentor guided each of the heroes. In Great Expectations, his benefactor, Magwitch, guides Pip during his quest by providing him with money when needed. The High Lama enlightened Conway with knowledge and gave him guidance, in Lost Horizon, therefore filling the position of a mentor towards him. Both mentors fulfilled the main characters with their talismans, but it was up to the heroes to determine what was best for their life.
The settings in the novels were different and therefore affected the main characters in various ways. The setting for Great Expectations was nineteenth century England where money was a major part of society. Pip felt obligated to obtain money in order to marry and live an exceptional life.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that people have been misled to believe that happiness can only be found through achieving what they think they want. few authors have dared to write about the reality of life in fear that the response from audiences would be negative.
- Analyzes how each character's quest brings them to the realization that there are consequences for every action, and obtaining your goals is difficult when enduring the obstacles of life.
- Explains that the main objective of pip and conway’s quests is to obtain a talisman. dickens and hiltons are looking for materialistic items like money and knowledge.
- Explains that a mentor guided each of the heroes throughout the quest for the talisman. in great expectations, his benefactor, magwitch, guides pip during his quest.
- Analyzes how the settings in the novels affected the main characters in various ways. the setting for great expectations was nineteenth century england where money was a major part of society.
- Opines that even though a person believes something can make their life satisfactory, it isn't always the case. pip and conway, both living in different times, received advice from an experienced person.
Related
- analytical
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickensanalytical essayThe story follows Pip’s life as he grows from a young boy into a gentleman of England. Pip lives in three areas during the course of the novel—the quiet countryside in Essex, England as a child; the center of the bustling, industrialized London during his time as a gentleman; and Egypt for an 11-year period after the he loses his wealth. Even though all three places must have greatly affected Pip’s life in di...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the 544-page bildungsroman novel, great expectations, by charles dickens is considered a classic because it appeals to generation after generation of readers while still remaining relevant to them.
- Analyzes how the victorian-era novel reflects a time in england of great political change as the throne passed from king george iii to the prince regent in 1812.
- Analyzes how dickens chose to focus on the psychological and moral development of the protagonist rather than the changes the country experienced itself.
- Analyzes how the novel begins in a cemetery on christmas eve in 1812 where young philip pirrip is confronted by an escaped convict named abel magwitch.
- Narrates how pip created a massive amount of debt for himself during his time in london, including his best friend herbert pocket, the trustworthy startop, wemmick and the cruel bentley drummle.
- Analyzes how pip feels inclined to stay with magwitch after taking him abroad, since he has declined to spend any more of his benefactor’s money.
- Analyzes how pip is optimistic about magwitch's future, and herbert offers him a job in the middle east. joe symbolizes love and understanding, guiding him between good and evil throughout his life.
- Analyzes how pip returns to england 11 years later a changed man. he learns the importance of working and convinces biddy that he is content with being bachelor.
1278 wordsRead More - Analysis: Great Expectations, by Charles Dickensanalytical essayIn the present age, the more successful children usually come from well-structured families that are able to provide their children with a lots of care and a happy and loving childhood. Children growing up in this environment will describe their youth as a time of wonder and laughter; they will enjoy the experiences as a child. However, in the Victorian age, this is a completely different story as most children had to go through many hardships and sufferings, in order to satisfy the needs of their family. Great Expectations is set in the Victorian age and Charles Dickens portrays the years of childhood as at time of confusion, darkness and terror. Nevertheless, this unfavorable childhood helps Pip mature as a person in many different ways. Pip's experiences with multiple people when he was a child provides important stepping stones for his journey in becoming a successful gentleman. Specifically, the people that aid Pip in his journey are: his family, namely Mrs. Joe and Mr. Pumblechook, Estella and himself. In the novel, the author develops the idea that these unfortunate experiences in young Pip's life are important because they shape and mold Pip into becoming a successful gentleman.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how charles dickens portrays the years of childhood as a time of confusion, darkness, and terror, but this unfavorable childhood helps pip mature in many different ways.
- Analyzes how pip's miserable childhood is established within the first few chapters of the play.
- Analyzes how pumblechook's selfish decision to force pip to see miss havisham inspired him to become a gentleman.
- Analyzes how the shameful treatment of pip from the beautiful and powerful estella influenced his growth and character.
- Analyzes how pip's growth is a result of his understanding and sensitivity of the world around him.
- Analyzes how pip's unpleasant experiences with different people influence his growth and journey in becoming a gentleman. his sister made him sensitive through her beatings and mr. pumblechook forced him to see miss havisham.
945 wordsRead More - The Value of Originalityanalytical essay...kens’ Great Expectations. He now realizes that no one, not even Estella and Joe, can set standards for who he should be. Another significant lesson Pip learns is the effect money should have on his life. Wealth should not affect or change who he is in any way, shape, or form. Even in a Victorian society, riches are merely a means of obtaining concrete possessions and personality is what really counts. Pip’s many disappointments in himself show that others can influence his character, but he makes the final choice that reflects his real persona to the world. The reader should now sense that straying away from one’s true nature can only result in unhappiness and confusion. In Great Expectations, Pip overcomes the ultimate challenge of ignoring the world’s values in life and emerging as one of God’s unique individuals.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how charles dickens conveys this message through his protagonist, pip, in his classic great expectations.
- Analyzes how pip became elegant and educated for estella, which succeeded, but failed to win her heart.
- Analyzes how money shaped pip into a greedy, love-struck man desperate to reach an unlikely goal.
- Analyzes how pip mistreated joe, but shows his loving nature by not holding onto those feelings of bitterness. affection proved to be the solution for finding a lost personality.
- Analyzes how pip realizes that no one, not even estella and joe, can set standards for who he should be in charles dickens' great expectations.
913 wordsRead More - Charles Dickens' Great Expectationsanalytical essayIn Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, the reader is taken through the journey of a little boy as he pursuits his dream and great expectations beyond his common self. Pip's, the protagonist, dream of becoming a gentleman is realized upon his meeting of Estella, the love of his life. Pip changes from an innocent, sensitive and common young boy to a selfish, rejecting adolescent. He is led into making grave mistakes based on his false expectations of marrying Estella and being a gentleman. In the end, he learns that all his aspirations have been based on false presumptions and expectation of his ability to rise above his past and become something better.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how pip's expectations of marrying estella increase after he settles into london with his new friend herbert. he feels regret for not visiting joe and biddy, but doesn't do anything for his guilt.
- Analyzes how pip's dream of becoming a gentleman is realized upon his meeting of estella, the love of his life.
- Analyzes how pip rushes to see estella, even though she has always treated him cold-heartedly and lowly.
- Analyzes how pip's actions are based solely on his character, not greed or ambition.
2217 wordsRead More - Charles Dickens' Great Expectationsanalytical essayto live, Pip sets out on a path to attain the unattainable and on a path that in essence, leads him
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the characters' grand and often misguided expectations of what will deliver the story.
- Opines that the journey to attain wealth was fulfilled living as a “poor lad” with joe and his sister.
- Analyzes how joe and biddy’s expectations lead them to lives of happiness and happiness.
- Analyzes how pip begins the novel with appropriate and realistic expectations. one then sees his progress.
- Opines that the title of a book is indicative of its contents, and perhaps more important, of 's message. charles dickens' decision to entitle, great expectations, was wise.
- Narrates how pip sets out on a path to attain the unattainable, which in essence leads him away from himself.
- Analyzes how pip looks up to joe, who is simple, honest, hard-working, and content. destiny is about to change him when he unknowingly helps a convict, abel magwitch.
- Analyzes how pip yearns for material things and estella's love, which he never would have aspired for.
- Analyzes how joe tolerates pip's sister because his morals wouldn't allow him to mistreat his wife. biddy is a loving, wise, girl who gives him astute advice.
- Analyzes how pip is able to return to his former self after eleven years. his expectations have finally found their proper course.
- Explains that estella is the adopted daughter of miss havisham, who is brought up without love. she marries a cruel, brutal husband, ignoring pip's love for her.
- Analyzes how miss havisham and estella's misguided expectations have made them cold, cruel characters filled with a false sense of pride.
1085 wordsRead More - Theme Essayanalytical essayEver wonder what was one of the main themes in the novel, Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens? Well, Pip trusts a few people before his “great expectations”, but he also made lifelong friends when he goes to London. Before Pip’s “great expectations”, he had one person he told everything to and trusted them. When Pip went to London, he became good friends with his roommate, who helped him throughout the novel. But finally, without helping his benefactor before he had “great expectations” Pip would have never gotten a chance to view life as a gentleman. Without friendship, Pip would have never had so many great things happen to him, or get to experience the world as much as he would have without friendship.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how pip trusts a few people before his "great expectations", but made lifelong friends when he went to london.
- Analyzes how pip has a strong friendship with biddy, mr. wopsle's great aunt’s grand-daughter, which teaches him that he can trust his friend.
- Analyzes how pip's friendship with herbert is an important part of the novel. he learned so much from herbert that he wouldn't have gone through so many experiences without him.
- Analyzes how pip learns that his convict, also known as magwitch, is his benefactor.
- Analyzes how friendship helps pip find his "great expectations" and learn that he can be happy without wealth.
698 wordsRead More - Great Expectations by Charles Dickensanalytical essayCharles Dickens utilizes his life for inspiration for the protagonist Pip in his novel Great Expectations. They both struggle with their social standing. Dickens loved plays and theatre and therefore incorporated them into Pip’s life. Dickens died happy in the middle class and Pip died happy in the middle class. The connection Dickens makes with his life to Pip’s life is undeniable. If readers understand Dickens and his upbringing then readers can understand how and why he created Pip’s upbringing. Charles Dickens’ life, full of highs and lows, mirrors that of Pip’s life. Their lives began the same and ended the same. To understand the difficulty of Dickens’ childhood is to understand why his writing focuses on the English social structure. Dickens’ life revolved around social standing. He was born in the lower class but wasn’t miserable. After his father fell into tremendous debt he was forced into work at a young age. He had to work his way to a higher social standing. Because of Dicken’s constant fighting of class the English social structure is buried beneath the surface in nearly all of his writings. In Great Expectations Pip’s life mirrors Dickens’ in the start of low class and the rise to a comfortable life. Fortunately for Dickens, he does not fall again as Pip does. However, Pip and Dickens both end up in a stable social standing.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how charles dickens utilizes his life for inspiration for the protagonist pip in his novel great expectations. they both struggle with their social standing.
- Explains that charles dickens, born february 7th, 1812 in portsmouth, england, was born into a low social class and in the english society that often meant you were the rag dolls for the rest of the country.
- Narrates how charles dickens was forced to work in marshalsea in london, southwark, when his schooling stopped and the working began. after three years, he returned to school.
- Describes how dickens became tired of working as a court reporter at the age of 16 and began experimenting with acting and stage management.
- Describes how dickens' connections with magazines and newspapers allowed him to publish his thoughts and fiction novels.
- Analyzes how dickens went to america in january, 1842, and left in june. he recorded his impressions of the trip in american notes, expressing his displeasure with slavery, business practices, journalism and people's manners.
- Explains that dickens' personal life is not to be forgotten. he married catherine hogarth, his co-worker's daughter, in 1836.
- Describes how dickens' public readings were profitable but exhausting physically. he had a mild stroke in 1865 and by 1870 he knew that there wasn't much left in his tank.
- Explains that pip's life in great expectations is similar to dickens' and it is evident that he used himself as inspiration.
- Describes the similarities between dickens and pip's great expectations. oprah’s book club. 6 december 2010.
996 wordsRead More - Thematic Analysis Of Great Expectationsanalytical essayCharles Dickens’ Great Expectations depicts the desire of improvement through the conversation and actions of the characters, including Pip. Taking place in the 19th century, Great Expectations shows the important events of Pip’s life from the age of seven years old until his mid-thirties. Along the way, Pip meets a variety of friends and acquaintances that have an influence on him in forming his decisions and goals. They are constantly leaving him in confusion; however, Pip has the same influence on them. The friendships formed throughout the novel constantly make the characters reevaluate their choices, education, and rank in society in hopes of improving their life.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how dickens' great expectations depicts the desire for improvement through the conversation and actions of the characters, including pip.
- Analyzes how the characters of magwitch and pip make bad decisions, but throughout the novel they realize their wrong doings and strive for better understanding.
- Analyzes how miss havisham's decision to raise estella with the ideal that all men are evil can be viewed as a poor decision, as it prevents her from finding real love.
- Analyzes how the level of education created barriers and prevented healthy relationships between characters. this led characters to go out of their comfort zones to gain knowledge to be accepted.
- Analyzes how estella realizes miss havisham raised her to show no love, which leaves her longing for the knowledge of what true love is and how to find it.
- Explains that social classes have been the main barriers in many of the character's lives, but they have provided the motivation for lower-class characters, such as pip and mrs. joe, to advance and improve their rank in society.
- Analyzes how magwitch's ex-partner, compeyson, is sentenced to seven years in prison and he is deported to new south wales, australia. he uses his newly gained knowledge to gain respect in australia and make a good fortune.
- Analyzes how dickens emphasizes that the desire to improve oneself is one of the most important things in life. the basis of a personality is shaped when growing up and cannot be changed.
934 wordsRead More - Revealing the Benefactor in Great Expectationsanalytical essayMagwitch who is the benefactor. Dickens’ use of the presence of the convict theme, Pip’s
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the person is from whom you derive your expectations, and the secret is solely held by them.
- Analyzes how magwitch's fogs/mists are repeated throughout the novel.
- Analyzes pip's dismay at magwitch being his true benefactor.
- Describes how magwitch in the marshes was bleak and the sky was filled with black and red angry.
- Analyzes how the novel keeps the reader engaged and anticipating what might happen next.
- Narrates the great expectations questions. what would you say the atmosphere of the first stage of great expectations?
- Explains weather as pathetic fallacy and foreshadowing in great expectations.
- Analyzes dickens' use of foreshadowing and pathetic fallacy to prepare readers for the climax of the story where pip learns that it is magwitch who is benefactor.
- Analyzes how pip is at the three jolly bargemen with joe when a strange man stirs his drink with the file he had given his convict (magwitch).
- Analyzes how the first time pip meets mr.jaggers is at satis house, and he appears again in kent when notifying him of his expectations.
- Narrates how magwitch arrived at pip's home in london and described the weather as wretched, stormy and wet.
- Explains that using literary devices is effective because the reader builds suspense to the climax of when benefactor is revealed.
514 wordsRead More - Stages of Pip Growing Up in the Novel "Great Expectationsanalytical essayGreat Expectations is a novel by Charles Dickens that thoroughly captures the adventures of growing up. The book details the life of a boy through his many stages of life, until he is finally a grown man, wizened by his previous encounters. Dickens’ emotions in this book are very sincere, because he had a similar experience when his family went to debtor’s prison. Pip starts as a young boy, unaware of social class, who then becomes a snob, overcome by the power of money, and finally grows into a mature, hardworking man, knowing that there is much more to life than money.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how dickens' great expectations captures the adventures of growing up. the book details the life of a boy through his many stages of life.
- Analyzes how pip begins as a contented boy, happy with his own way of life, but soon becomes status-conscious.
- Analyzes how pip goes off to london with his newfound fortune to become a gentleman, though all that he would truly become is rich, wealthy snob.
- Analyzes how pip overcomes the power that his money has over him and becomes a true, hardworking gentlemen.
- Analyzes how dickens portrays an extraordinary message that speaks as a voice of social reform.
1006 wordsRead More