As the novel, Great Expectations progresses, the relationship between Pip and Magwitch gradually increases in complexity and meaning. The human aspects of compassion and forgiveness are emphasized in this connection through Dickens’ character development. Pip’s advancement through coming-of-age and cumulative development as a person also allows for development of his relationships with others. His sentiments for the convict range from fear to disgust, from admiration to pity. The way Pip feels about Magwitch often emulates own compassion and feelings for others at different points in time throughout the novel.
The tone of fear and uneasiness set by Pip’s relationship with Magwitch in the first few chapters embodies his overall personality …show more content…
This reaction reflects Pip’s sense of status as a gentleman at this time in the novel. “‘Think of him! Look at him!’ An involuntary shudder passed over us,” said Pip when reasoning with Herbert about the practicality of Magwitch’s visit (Dickens, 756). Pip is so focused on his goal of being a gentleman that he cuts off practically all people, which aligns with the disgust for the convict from Pip initially when it is discovered he is Pip’s benefactor. This is a time in Pip’s life in which he greatly depends on his material possessions and inheritance, and the interference of Magwitch is detrimental to his previous plans and motivation. Pip’s stubbornness and inability to have empathy for others is something that accompanied Pip’s status. “He laid his hand on my shoulder. I shuddered at the thought that for anything I knew, his hand might be stained with blood,” (Dickens, 748). Before even knowing the convict’s past, Pip is somewhat unable to move past the idea of Magwitch being a criminal. There was no way for Pip to see beyond what was on the very surface of all those around …show more content…
With the progression of the plot, Magwitch must continually move from one accommodation to the next. “‘I don’t like to leave you here,’ I said to Provis, ‘Though I cannot doubt your being safer here than near me,’” (Dickens, 764). As Pip learns Magwitch’s stories and spends more time with him, he becomes closer with the convict and more attached to his wellbeing. Pip also realizes how much of a risk Magwitch took to be with him in London. “I thought with dread that it was flowing towards Magwitch and any black mark on its surface might be his pursuers going swiftly, silently, and surely to take him,” (Dickens, 764). Pip grows increasingly more worried and caring for Magwitch, along with other characters, towards the end of the book. His empathy grows into full dedication in the safety and prosperity of Magwitch. The connection between Pip and Magwitch develops and grows more complex, mirroring the way Pip grows as a character. The nature of their relationship often sets the tone for the plot and the state of Pip’s other relationships. The progression from fear, to disgust, to empathy and respect reinforces the intent of each character’s actions and the events in the story. This development of Pip’s character, as well as the development of Pip and Magwitch’s relationship, reflects the overarching theme of the novel, the human desire for support
The tone of fear and uneasiness set by Pip’s relationship with Magwitch in the first few chapters embodies his overall personality …show more content…
This reaction reflects Pip’s sense of status as a gentleman at this time in the novel. “‘Think of him! Look at him!’ An involuntary shudder passed over us,” said Pip when reasoning with Herbert about the practicality of Magwitch’s visit (Dickens, 756). Pip is so focused on his goal of being a gentleman that he cuts off practically all people, which aligns with the disgust for the convict from Pip initially when it is discovered he is Pip’s benefactor. This is a time in Pip’s life in which he greatly depends on his material possessions and inheritance, and the interference of Magwitch is detrimental to his previous plans and motivation. Pip’s stubbornness and inability to have empathy for others is something that accompanied Pip’s status. “He laid his hand on my shoulder. I shuddered at the thought that for anything I knew, his hand might be stained with blood,” (Dickens, 748). Before even knowing the convict’s past, Pip is somewhat unable to move past the idea of Magwitch being a criminal. There was no way for Pip to see beyond what was on the very surface of all those around …show more content…
With the progression of the plot, Magwitch must continually move from one accommodation to the next. “‘I don’t like to leave you here,’ I said to Provis, ‘Though I cannot doubt your being safer here than near me,’” (Dickens, 764). As Pip learns Magwitch’s stories and spends more time with him, he becomes closer with the convict and more attached to his wellbeing. Pip also realizes how much of a risk Magwitch took to be with him in London. “I thought with dread that it was flowing towards Magwitch and any black mark on its surface might be his pursuers going swiftly, silently, and surely to take him,” (Dickens, 764). Pip grows increasingly more worried and caring for Magwitch, along with other characters, towards the end of the book. His empathy grows into full dedication in the safety and prosperity of Magwitch. The connection between Pip and Magwitch develops and grows more complex, mirroring the way Pip grows as a character. The nature of their relationship often sets the tone for the plot and the state of Pip’s other relationships. The progression from fear, to disgust, to empathy and respect reinforces the intent of each character’s actions and the events in the story. This development of Pip’s character, as well as the development of Pip and Magwitch’s relationship, reflects the overarching theme of the novel, the human desire for support