Sunday, September 18, 2016

In Great Expectations, how are different aspects of Pip's personality revealed by his telling of his story and by his participation in the story itself?

In Great Expectations, Pip reveals several aspects of his character; through telling his story in an honest, simple manner, he reveals the complexities and nuances of his character, which gives readers a fuller picture of who Pip is as a person. Pip certainly is caring and provides great empathy to people, such as how Pip extends a friendship to Magwitch, even after the man threatened him as a child.
Pip's selfishness is also revealed, however, when he becomes the recipient of a large fortune and immediately leaves home and his dear friend Joe to live as a wealthy man in London, partially in hopes of gaining the affection of his love, Estella. Rather than share in his newfound wealth with Joe, Pip readily abandons his friend.
However, after finding out that Magwitch was, in fact, the benefactor of Pip's inheritance, he realizes how his behavior has been so harmful and readily leaves for home to try to repair his broken friendships. Through this, the readers can see how Pip is open to growth and change and self-reflection. This also signals to the readers that Pip is ultimately a kind human being.

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