Another explanation to why the reader feels they can relate is the developing of Pip from his transition of boy to man. I think that this technique used by Dickens is very effective. No matter what the age of the reader there will be some point in the novel where they can relate to Pip. In the beginnings of “Great Expectations” the reader will quickly build opinions on Pip. Because that Pip is younger than the age of the target audience all reader can look back on their own experiences and put themselves into Pip’s position. Because the reader will already feel strongly toward Pip at the beginning stages of the story, the reader will want the best for him and anything negative that could ever happen to Pip will cause an immediate reaction.
Dickens also makes it easy for the reader to feel sympathy through the social status he employs for Pip. Throughout “Great Expectations” Pip is portrayed as an unfortunate, downtrodden individual who never once has got his way. These qualities combined with the fact that Pip and his family have very little money and are of low satatus force the reader to feel sympathetic toward him. An example of Pip’s low status occurs when Pip is partaking in a game of cards with Miss Havisham’s adopted daughter, Estella. “He calls the knaves, Jacks, this boy”. This shows of how other characters see Pip. Estella taunts Pip of his low status, this makes the reader feel more sympathy toward Pip than ever before. The reader has already made their mind up as to how they feel toward Pip and any other character that should treat Pip incorrectly will force the reader to form negative opinions about the character in this case, the character is Estella.
The reader is first introduced to Estella in the same chapter that we are given an insight into Miss Havisham. Miss Havisham, with her blunt and offensive manner cause an immediate reaction for the reader, much in the same way that Estella does. Not only is Estella similar to Miss Havisham, Estella also bares resemblance to Pip. Both Pip and Estella are orphans. It is unclear if Estella enjoys life with Miss Havisham but Estella does seem to feel she belongs more to her adopted parent than Pip does. Unlike Pip, Estella is accepted amongst the ones that have brought her up. It seems that Miss Havisham uses Estella for her own pleasure. Miss Havisham feels the need to get back on all males. She uses Estella to achieve this. Whereas, Pip is seen as a chore to look after by his family. It is often Pip which the reader feels they can empathize with. However, there are parts to Estella’s character which the reader should feel sympathy for.
Estella, to a certain extent, is used by Miss Havisham. And for that reason, the reader should feel a degree of compassion for Estella. But because Estella comes across as a callous and cruel character the reader feels no-more than pity for her.
Not only is Estella comparable to Pip, she also bares resemblance to another character. The reader first encounters The Aged when Pip visits Wemmick’s home. Wemmick is keen to show Pip, just what a peculiar person The Aged is. Wemmick uses The Aged for his own form of entertainment, much in the same way that Miss Havisham uses Pip and Estella for her amusement. Wemmick instructs Pip to “Nod away at him Mr Pip; that’s what he likes”. Although, Wemmick does not force The Aged to do anything he does not want to do. Wemmick is keen to impress Pip with his father’s unusual behaviour.
I think that the reader reacts differently to Wemmick’s control of The Aged to that of Miss Havisham’s engineering of Estella’s actions. Wemmick has the same intentions as that of Miss Havisham but the readers reactions contrast. Both Estella and The Aged are quite vulnerable characters. They could be taken advantage of. Miss Havisham tends to order Estella. She will force her own opinions onto her. This could be an explanation for Estella’s attitude. Unlike Miss Havisham, Wemmick, instead of taking advantage of his vulnerable father, treats The Aged with a great deal of respect. Wemmick is extremely polite to his father. This shows how different characters react to vulnerable people.
After The Aged has been has been fully introduced to the reader, I believe, that the reader should feel a level of empathy for him. Similar to Miss Havisham, The Aged is secluded away from others. The Aged is also quite a fragile character, blissfully unaware of any happenings outside of his home. This I feel makes the reader feel a degree of sympathy toward him.
Throughout “Great Expectations” Dickens employs many devices to create a sympathetic reaction. The device that is used most often is that of vulnerability. All characters in “Great Expexctations” can be seen as vulnerable. This technique that is used by Dickens, I believe is very effective. Dickens does use other methods to create sympathy but it is the idea of an unprotected, defenceless character that is most common as well as being most effective.
