Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - Explore and analyse how Pip is presented in this extract. (p314 - p319)

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Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

(Chris Harding 10.5)

Explore and analyse how Pip is presented in this extract (p314 – p319)

        In this extract, we are shown insight into what Pips character has become, by reacquainting him with the convict Magwitch. In this second visit, we can see the contrast between Pips first encounter, and this more shocking scene - how Pips persona has changed from an innocent youth, to a selfish, egocentric ‘gentleman.’ Also, we are given the startling revelation of Pip’s true benefactor, in a cumulative peak of excitement enriched with Dickens unique writing style.

        Throughout the text, Pip’s manner towards others, his way of thinking and even his narrative voice transform to create two reasonably different characters. The extract pictures him as a selfish, pompous young man who shows great ingratitude towards Magwitch - asking “inhospitably enough” whether he would like to come in and pushing away a plea for affection, from one who has worked hard all his life merely to provide Pip with a great wealth, and an undemanding lifestyle. When Magwitch returns to greet his beneficiary, he is treated with less than minor courtesy. Pip’s younger character however appears far more innocent, showing respect and even compassion towards a convict, who threatens and oppresses him, glad that his stolen food is “enjoyed” by a complete stranger. This highlights a stark contrast between the Pip displayed in the extract, and Pips younger self. Indeed Dickens seems to point out the irony of such a title - at the point in time when society considers him ‘gentleman’ he is anything but gentle – instead he appears malicious and critical of his former friend Joe whose visit he awaits with “mortification.” The wealthy gentleman is now a moral shadow of the impoverished yet guiltless Pip we are introduced to at the beginning of the story.

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His simultaneous ascent to aristocracy and fall into selfish spendthrift, leading to his subsequent redemption, are reminiscent of the ‘education’ novel popular at the time. These tales of ‘apprenticeship’ were often of mistreated orphans who managed to become wealthy and successful. The stories featured the many obstacles that the hero/heroine would have to overcome, and their popularity peaked around Dickens time. Typically, they explore “the youth and young adulthood of a sensitive protagonist” who is “in search of the meaning of life and the nature of the world” (David Cody, Associate Professor of English, Hartwick College.) They tended to contain ...

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