Pip’S Expectations
Pip’s Expectations
In the case of uncertainty, expectations are considered the most likely to happen. Charles Dickens, author of Great Expectation, portrays the main theme which is the theme of expectations. Dickens illustrates this theme through the character of Pip, by exploring the idea of ambition and self-improvement. The idea of expectations is the psychological mechanism that encourages Pip's development, as he is full of ambition and has Great Expectations about his future. Pip's expectations in the novel are through three forms: social, moral and educational. Examining the character of Pip and his three forms of expectations, as well as major characters, it can be seen that the theme of expectations is clearly illustrated through the characters in the novel.
Pip desires moral self-improvement. He is extremely hard on himself when he acts immorally and feels powerful guilt that spurs him to act better in the future. When he leaves for London, for instance, he torments himself about having behaved so wretchedly toward Joe and Biddy. In chapter nineteen, he plans to raise Joe to a "higher sphere" (175) and dreams of bestowing "a gallon of condescension" (173) on the village as a whole. These ideas appear benevolent, but Pip considers them because they would make him look good. On discovering the true identity of his benefactor, Pip immediately feels his own status has been diminished. If this secret comes out Pip will look bad, regardless of how much money he has. Pip feels "the guilty coarse and common thing it was, to be on secret terms of conspiracy with convicts" (107-108)
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and he is repulsed by Magwitch's affection: "for anything I knew, his hand might be stained with blood" (339). This is ironic, as it is the rough and uncouth Magwitch who has paid for Pip's refinement and fastidiousness. Pip assumes that becoming rich has made him a better man, and that he deserves to be admired for it. Pumblechook's obsequious repetition of...
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