Great Expectations follows the moral development of Pip, from his troubled beginnings to his equally problematic adulthood. He emerges from his childhood, marked by years of condescension from his sister, his extended family, and also his romantic obsession, Estella, with the opportunity to become a gentleman. With his love for Estella at the forefront of his thoughts, Pip moves to London and attempts to improve his social status; in doing so, however, he distances himself from his roots, letting go of his healthy bonds with Joe and Biddy - two of his only childhood friends - in favor of relationships with elite narcissists, whose attitudes he tries to emulate. As years pass, Pip begins to realize that he, despite intense efforts, cannot assimilate
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During his time in London, Pip’s focus for winning over Estella blinds him to the effects and extent of his obsession, and his relationships with Joe and Biddy almost completely disintegrate because of it; by the end, when he learns that his aforementioned love interest still does not love him in spite of his efforts, he begins to recognize the strong implications that his actions had the latter two characters. This results in a shift in attitude for him, from ashamed, to appreciative of his background. It is during this time that Pip is in dire need of love, and Joe, for seemingly no reason other than his unconditional fondness, steps in, and his continued support in spite of foul treatment renders the former character completely humbled. When Pip finally returns and apologizes to both Joe and Biddy, he experiences, in essence, a rebirth of maturity; a new man, now with Estella in the back of his thoughts, he embarks on a journey of self-improvement, having learned to appreciate what he has instead of what he does not. Years later, he visits the Satis House one final time, and sees Estella. Now equally mature, she asks Pip for his friendship, and he says yes - yes to the same woman whose denial of a relationship years prior had almost led to his social and financial deterioration. As suggested here, Pip’s acceptance from his family also helped him to accept others, regardless of their current state or social background, and it is this change the marks the climax of his
During his time in London, Pip’s focus for winning over Estella blinds him to the effects and extent of his obsession, and his relationships with Joe and Biddy almost completely disintegrate because of it; by the end, when he learns that his aforementioned love interest still does not love him in spite of his efforts, he begins to recognize the strong implications that his actions had the latter two characters. This results in a shift in attitude for him, from ashamed, to appreciative of his background. It is during this time that Pip is in dire need of love, and Joe, for seemingly no reason other than his unconditional fondness, steps in, and his continued support in spite of foul treatment renders the former character completely humbled. When Pip finally returns and apologizes to both Joe and Biddy, he experiences, in essence, a rebirth of maturity; a new man, now with Estella in the back of his thoughts, he embarks on a journey of self-improvement, having learned to appreciate what he has instead of what he does not. Years later, he visits the Satis House one final time, and sees Estella. Now equally mature, she asks Pip for his friendship, and he says yes - yes to the same woman whose denial of a relationship years prior had almost led to his social and financial deterioration. As suggested here, Pip’s acceptance from his family also helped him to accept others, regardless of their current state or social background, and it is this change the marks the climax of his