Character Themes in Dickens' "Great Expectations"
Character Themes in Dickens' "Great Expectations"
In this book, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, we are exposed to various types of affections. We encounter obsession, love and friendship. These three emotions are explored through the relations that develop between the main characters. The relationship between Pip, Estella, Joe and Mrs. Joe, changes as additional characters are introduced into the story.
One love relationship that Dickens tells us about is between Pip and Estella. Pip is obsessed by her and would do anything to please her. For instance Pip strives to become a gentleman when Estella tells him that she finds him to be common and dumb. Also Pip becomes very jealous when another man, especially Drummble, pursues her. Pips obsession is shown again when Estella wants to see him and he drops everything that he is doing to get to her as quickly as possible. He would do anything or go anywhere that Esttela told him too. In Great Expectations Pip has another relationship with another character named Joe.
Joe Gargery and Pip have a kinship of love and friendship. Joe is Pips brother-in-law, and is much older than Pip. When Pip was a young boy, he and Joe were the best of friends, and would always back each other up. Latter in the story Pip becomes embarrassed of Joe when he becomes a gentleman and he considers Joe to be a lowly blacksmith. As the story unfolds, Pip feels ashamed of the way he has treated Joe and tries to make up for his bad treatment of him. Joe also has an another relationship with a harsh character named Mrs. Joe, his wife.
Joe and Mrs. Joe, Pips sister, are married with no children of their own who took care of Pip when he was young. Mrs. Joe treats Joe badly, but no matter how much abuse he receives from her, he stills thinks of her as a fine figure of a woman. He shows his love for her by fighting any man who offends her. He fights one of his employees, Orlick, when he talks badly of Mrs. Joe. When Mrs. Joe is seriously injured by Oarlock, Joe takes care of her until her death. This demonstrates Joe's love and dedication for his wife.
In these three examples, Dickens shows obsession between Pip and Estella, friendship between Joe and Pip, and...