The Theme Of Lying In Great Expectations By Charles Dickens

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The Truth About Lying Elementary schools teach that honesty is the best policy, but that lesson rarely sticks with people throughout their lives. Many believe that honesty is not the way to go and that is the sad reality that many live with. This is not the life that Charles Dickens believes people should lead. In his satirical novel named Great Expectations, he tells a long story of lies, love, and loss. Through his work, Dickens teaches his audience that deceit will never lead to happiness. The truth will always overpower the means of deception. There is not much grace in series of events that follow the grand overthrow of lies. Wemmick, the law firm’s clerk, is a perfect example of someone who has a considerable amount …show more content…
Seeing the path ahead is an important part of complementing life. Joe, a common blacksmith, uses small, harmless lies to please others but even small lies can hurt the people around him. He had a good, stable, common life and never wanted anything. "[Joe] may be too proud to let any one take him out of a place that he is competent to fill, and fills well and with respect” (150). This goes to display how much happier he is when he is not suppressing a large part of his identity. One’s personality should be more important than the ability to fit in because conforming is a product of fear. No one should fear being different because being different is what makes people, Human. Being true to oneself is the key to acceptance and acceptance is the key to happiness. These lessons are put to the test when Joe attempts to reject these ideals on his trip to visit his brother-in-law in London. Pip was happy to see his old friend but is later forced to wonder “Why… a man scrape himself to that extent, before he could consider himself full dressed?” (221). Joe wants nothing more than to please his old friend, Pip. Nonetheless, attempting to fit in leads Joe to a further alienation of himself. The harder he tries to hide himself, the more it seems he does not belong. He is a social pariah and is aware but does not understand that everyone knows as well. Myopia causes weakness and can make effort and hard work topple in a matter of seconds. When secrets are bright enough, their hiding places will be found and the truth will shine

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