However, Dickens also shows that there is another form of a gentleman, which has nothing in particular to do with wealth, but is all about being a gentleman in a good-hearted way. It is clear that, in personality, characters such as Joe, Herbert Pocket, and Abel Magwitch to some extent, are gentlemen. They are all kind men who are not gentlemen in worldly terms, nor wealthy terms, but are far more gentlemanly in behaviour than characters such as Bentley Drummle.
For example, when Magwitch is arrested on the marshes, he acts very nobly, in order to make sure that Pip does not get in trouble. However, perhaps a better illustration is that when Magwitch falsely admits to stealing the pork pie from the Gargeries, Joe replies, “God knows you’re welcome to it – so far as it was ever mine. We don’t know what you have done, but we wouldn’t have you starved to death for it, poor miserable fellow-creatur. – Would us, Pip?” This comment shows that Joe is a gentleman because he has morals. He ignores the fact that Magwitch stole the pie, but instead says that he would rather that than Magwitch starving to death. This simple generosity of Joe shows that he is a gentleman.
Another aspect that Dickens explores though is the case of Pip, and how he becomes a gentleman, and what happens to his personality as it happens. Pip starts as a young boy, who gets on very well with Joe, but as soon as he meets Estella, he becomes to become snobbish about Joe’s industry and social class. As Pip grows up, these views become more and more apparent, and it is evident that there is a complete change in the relationship between Pip and Joe when Joe comes to visit Pip in London. Therefore, Dickens illustrates that as Pip becomes more and more like a gentleman, he also becomes more snobbish, arrogant, ignorant, and generally, a less likeable person.
Dickens explores three different ways of being a gentleman. Firstly, the idea of being a gentleman in worldly terms, which is mainly to do with wealth, and education. Dickens challenges this view by showing that these people, such as Bentley Drummle, are not generally very nice people, and are often very snobbish towards people of a lower class then them.
Secondly, Dickens explores the idea of being a gentleman in character. This aspect has nothing to do with education, wealth, or social class, but is all about being a gentleman in your heart. Dickens show by this idea that, truthfully, wealth, and class, are in fact, far less important in life than being a kind, generous, and selfless person.
Thirdly, Dickens shows how becoming a gentleman affects personality and he shows how becoming a gentleman does easily affect a persons morals and personality. It is not until Magwitch reveals to Pip that he is his benefactor and that it has not been Miss Havisham that Pip realises what has become of him.
Therefore, I conclude that Dickens explores two different types of gentleman; in class, and in personality, and that they are very different. However, the more important one in life is to be a gentleman in personality.
