Theme Of Conflict In Great Expectations

In Charles Dickens’ novel Great expectations, the primary character, Pip, struggles consistently within a man vs. self conflict, in his determination to become a “gentleman of great expectation.” The little orphan boy Pip, of the novel, is being brought up his hot-tempered sister, and her kind husband Joe, in the marches of Kent. The root of the conflict is Pip’s wish to become a gentleman, his obsession to succeed exceeds his good judgement. The conflict starts when Pip is taken to Miss Havisham’s house, a strange, wealthy lady, to play with her adopted daughter Estella. At Miss Havisham’s house, he becomes rapidly enamored with Estella, a beautiful young girl, who is cruel and indifferent towards Pip, she repeatedly calls him a “stupid, clumsy

Pip grows a fondness towards the convict despite himself, and Pip finally decides to help the convict escape London. But the attempt to escape fails, and the convict is taken to prison, where he is destined to be hanged. The climax occurs when Pip decides not to abandon the convict and to stand by him until the end. Also, Pip finds out that all his inheritance will be taken by the state, but he still remains loyal to the convict. On the day of the convicts death; Pip comforts him and tells him that his long-lost daughter is alive and that she is Estella. The convict dies in peace; Pip learns what really make a good person; it’s not money or power but loyalty, love and friendship. This newfound learning is the basis of the resolution, Pip becomes gravely ill. And his “beat of friends” Joe comes to take care of him. Pip implores Joe to “look angry at me, Joe strike me, Joe tell me of my ingratitude. Don’t be so good to me.” Joe then tells Pip that there was nothing to forgive. Pip and Joe reconcile and become friends again. Pip learns that being “a fellow of great expectations,” does not make a worthy person, but being a person who treats others as he would wish to be treated; with respect, love, and kindness that is a person of real great