Character Aspects In Dickens Great Expectations By Charles Dickens

736 Words2 Pages

Kaitlyn Nguyen
Blackwood
AP Literature
25 November 2017
Great Expectations Essay (Prompt 1) In the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, the single pivotal moment that shapes Pip is his first encounter with Miss Havisham and Estella at Satis house in chapter 8. It all started when Pumblechook forced Pip to go and play with Estella, the 9 year old adopted daughter of Miss Havisham. Instead, Pip was taunted by the eeriness and class of Miss Havisham and the rudeness of Estella. This experience shapes Pip and the book as a whole by conveying a story of how the temptations of wealth and class can affect someone. When Pip first gets to Satis house he is immediately taken aback by the allure and opportunity that Miss Havisham offers.
Joe’s and Uncle Pumblechook’s encouragement. The temptation of a higher society and privileged lifestyle also affected the reaction of two of Pip’s role models, his sister and uncle. In chapter 7, Pumblechook reveals their newfound good fortune of Pip being invited to play at Miss Havisham’s, a wealthy spinster. Mrs. Joe, eager to move up in social class at any available chance, immediately sends Pip to be bathed and look presentable. Right before Mrs. Joe gives Pip a thorough washing she says, “ For you do not know that Uncle Pumblechoock, being sensible that for anything we can tell, this boy’s fortune may be made by his going to Miss Havisham’s” (50). This quote contributes to one of the many themes of the book. That being, social class and wealth is a big motivator and influencer especially for Pip. After being pushed into Satis House by Mrs. Joe and Pumblechook, Miss Havisham and Estella bring Pip into a whole new world full of opportunity. It is in this moment Pip’s character is changed and begins his journey of self ambition and obsession for wealth sending him through many challenges and well learned lessons. Therefore, In the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, the single pivotal moment that shapes Pip is his first encounter with Ms. Havisham and Estella at Satis house. Taunted by the eeriness of Miss Havisham and the rudeness of the beautiful Estella Pip cannot help but be drawn in. This pivotal moment in the book sparks a sort of obsession of wealth for Pip that continues to grow throughout the

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