The novel Great Expectations is often used to showcase Dicken’s use of symbols not only for the great number that can be identified throughout the novel but also becauee of how effective these numerous symbols are in conveying a deeper meaning that may not be visible at first sight. Charles Dickens uses three types of symbols within his story Great Expectations: Objects such as a rotting bridal cake or the mists on the marshes, people such as Joe Gargery and Bentley Drummie, and things that one cannot grasp such as the weather and shadows, these symbols give the story a very particular appeal that is very difficult to achieve for it makes the reader think, it involves the reader for he/she has to interpret all of the symbols in the context
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In the book “Great Expectations,” Dickens uses people as symbols to achieve the previously mentioned objectives. Among the characters that Dickens uses as symbols we can see Joe Gargery and Bentley Drummie who both help us not only understand the book better in the context of the storyline but also gain a deeper understanding into what the author was actually trying to convey and express. In the case of Bentley Drummie, he serves as a perfect symbol of wealth;however, he is also rude to everyone that he regards as less than him. This paradox helps us understand and helps the author convey that there is no connection between wealth and morals for Bentley was extremely wealthy and yet lacked values. On the other hand, Charles Dickens uses Joe Gargery as a symbol for goodness and charity which is extremely admirable considering that he lives in an environment full of treachery and frivolity. This action of remaining pure in the midst of such impurities is used by the author not only to portray the aforementioned situation but also to show a contrasting view and/or example of the Bentley Drummie scenario in which he is corrupted by wealth and power. In essence, the author uses these two characters to enhance wealth and purity/goodness which are two essential symbols/aspects within the
In the book “Great Expectations,” Dickens uses people as symbols to achieve the previously mentioned objectives. Among the characters that Dickens uses as symbols we can see Joe Gargery and Bentley Drummie who both help us not only understand the book better in the context of the storyline but also gain a deeper understanding into what the author was actually trying to convey and express. In the case of Bentley Drummie, he serves as a perfect symbol of wealth;however, he is also rude to everyone that he regards as less than him. This paradox helps us understand and helps the author convey that there is no connection between wealth and morals for Bentley was extremely wealthy and yet lacked values. On the other hand, Charles Dickens uses Joe Gargery as a symbol for goodness and charity which is extremely admirable considering that he lives in an environment full of treachery and frivolity. This action of remaining pure in the midst of such impurities is used by the author not only to portray the aforementioned situation but also to show a contrasting view and/or example of the Bentley Drummie scenario in which he is corrupted by wealth and power. In essence, the author uses these two characters to enhance wealth and purity/goodness which are two essential symbols/aspects within the