Pip's Unrequited Love In Charles Dickens Great Expectations

Life bases itself on the thoughts we believe, the choices we make and the people we surround ourselves with. In Charles Dickens’ novel, Great Expectations, Pip, a young boy starts his childhood under the care of his abusive sister and her obedient, yet kind husband, Joe. Pip comes from a common household, but has always been satisfied with his normal life. However, that all changes when Pip finds himself stealing food for a convict and falling for Estella, the adopted daughter of a wealthy woman. From his unrequited love and act of thievery, he strays of the path of his humble beginnings to a wealthy and sophisticated life in London provided by a secret benefactor. As years pass by, Pip learns that his desire for Estella has made his life progressed to where it is now, even if his heart has endured great pain. Estella is only one of many people …show more content…
Pip travels to great lengths physically and mentally in hopes of being deemed acceptable for Estella’s affection. Though in the end, Pip realizes what he and Estella can never go farther than a platonic relationship, she has greatly influenced his life. When Pip confronts Estella with his feelings for her, Estella tells him that he would soon forget her, in which he refutes, “out of my thoughts! You are part of my existence, part of myself...part of my character..done me far more good than harm,..(Dickens 386).” The people in our life are like the playing pieces on a chessboard; some hold lesser value like the pawns and some hold more significant roles such as the king and queen. It takes one certain piece to to move a certain way for the whole game to change, and that represents the ripple effect created by Estella and Pip’s encounter on Pip’s journey to adulthood. One moment, one person, that's all it takes for one’s eyes to open, one’s life to begin and one to take control over his