preview

Influences that Shape Pip's Character in Great Expectations Essay

Decent Essays

Influences that Shape Pip's Character in Great Expectations

‘Great Expectations’ tells the story of a young boy named Pip. It shows us how his life is drastically turned around at the early age of seven, following the accidental meeting of the convict Magwich. There are many different events ranging from his meeting the convict, and Miss Havisham, his falling in love with Estella and his fortunate gaining of an unknown benefactor, which enables Pip to achieve more promising things in life. These events all play a huge part in how Pip is to turn out. And this cocktail of events greatly influences moulds and shapes the person he is and is to become. There are also some much less obvious ways that …show more content…

Mrs Joe is often scaring Pip in saying that, “People are put in the hulks because the murder, and because they rob and forge, and do all sorts of bad; and they always start by asking questions” it means that Pip when he does speak is often very weary of the reaction, and the consequences of it. It also leads him to pose his questions more politely and carefully, “Mrs Joe…I should like to know- if you wouldn’t much mind- where the firing comes from?” it shows how scared he is of how people, Mrs Joe in particular, are going to react.

In addition, children are constantly being tested and watched by adults to see if they slip up any way. This leads Pip to be very careful of his actions and very self-conscious of himself. For example, when he stole from the pantry for the convict he is always worried and conscience of what he has done, “I got up and went down stairs; every board along the way, and every crack in every board, calling after me, Stop thief! And get up Mrs Joe!” He is also often present when adults made rude remarks about children and how horrible and bad they are. Mr Wopsle compares children to pigs saying, “The gluttony of swine is put before us, as an example to the young. In addition, Mr Hubble refers to them as “Naturally wicious” this just goes to show that Pip is aware of the hatred towards children and does

Get Access