Example of a Great Expectations Analysis
How Is the Theme of Guilt Presented in the Novel “Great Expectations”?
“The Great Expectations” compiled by Charles Dickens is considered to be always a classic novel consisting of various levels that may be interpreted on several aspects. The following paper focuses on the theme of guilt which starts to be evident from the beginning of the novel till the last chapter.
Pip, the main character of the book, begins his life in sort of guilty environment. In the initial chapter, the writer describes the grim relationships prevailed in his family. Judging by Pip’s sister attitude towards him, Pip must have felt guilty about every thing he did, even for his living. Once throughout a dinner, the boy kept asking avalanche of questions thus making his sister angry to such an extent that she said individuals were put in the prison for their evil actions, but that which was interesting they “always began by asking questions” (Dickens 19). After saying that to a child, she literally made him think that there is absolutely no way out and his destiny was already known. Consequently, growing up such environment absolutely had a substantial impact on his development.
Other characters of the novel also subscribe to Pip’s feelings of guilt. To illustrate, Pip once helped the escaped convict by stealing a file and food. He knew that stealing was viewed as a crime but nevertheless did it. Next Pip felt terrible guilt and his more or less calm life changed into fear of being discovered. The name of the convict was Magwitch, which is crucial because that he appears in Pip’s life not only once. Formerly a convict, Magwitch was a vital character for making Pip the gentleman. Even though, that Pip could not determine the reasons for such profound support, that he knew Magwitch, “his 2nd father, ” was a good man with kind heart, although committed crime (Dickens 453). Considering this from still another angle, Pip is young and innocent, if not account for all the attempts to make him guilty, however, many critics genuinely believe that Pip was happy in his mind's eye when the assault on his sister had happened although he failed to take part in it (Trotter 10). For Pip, it was a kind of revenge for the reproaches that he experienced all through his childhood. Largely as a result of her bad temper Pip’s home was never “a very pleasant place” to him (Dickens 150). Furthermore, Pip underwent a significant transformation after he'd become a gentleman. It is specially evident if to consider the way in which his relationships with Joe changed. All through his younger years, Pip was prepared to become a blacksmith just like Joe. But after climbing the social ladder, he grew to become ashamed he was once a blacksmith boy. Additionally, Pip was ashamed of Joe largely because that he didn’t have any education.
Furthermore, the setting of the novel plays a part in the atmosphere of guilt. Pip’s house was located near the marshes with the view on prison-ships. The word “prison” is instantly associated with sin and guilt. In addition to this, even yet in London where Pip moved to start a fresh life packed with great expectations, he cannot forget his past and escape from prison looming behind. If so, it was Newgate Prison, where Jaggers used to are a lawyer. At this time, it should be mentioned that not merely Pip is associated with the guilt. Other characters in the novel undergo such destiny as well. To exemplify, Miss Havisham felt guilty due to her unfair treatment of Estella, her adopted daughter. Despite her initial try to protect Estella from regrettable destiny, the lady occurred in misery. Estella said concerning the cruelty of Miss Havisham “horribly cruel, to torture me through all these years with a vain hope and an idle pursuit, if she had reflected on the gravity of what she did. But I think she did not” (Dickenson 510). But it was too late when she realized she chose a wrong way of raising Estella.
Taking all points into account, it may be concluded that Dickens touches upon issues that remain relevant in these times. The childhood shapes the kid`s mind-set and influences a lot the way in which a child would develop. In the event of Pip, mcdougal shows that feeling of guilt the boy got used to considering that the first years is present throughout the whole his life. Furthermore, Dickens warns the readers to be conscious while choosing a circle of friends or close people. To be honest, Pip after becoming a gentleman attempted to drop the connection with Joe, a person with lower status, but previously honored by him. By the Pip`s example, the parallel to our times might be drawn, as people often attempt to act the exact same and often abandon those who treat them well for those who don’t.
Works Cited
Dickens, Charles. Great Expectations. Nyc, NY, Overlook Press, 2008.
Trotter, David. Penguin Classics Introduction To Great Expectations By Charles Dickens (Penguin Classics). [Place Of Publication Not Identified], Penguin, 2003.
