Essay on Great Expectations Theme Analysis - 1256 Words

Since it was first published over 150 years ago, Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations has come to be known as a timeless and remarkably moving work of literature. It is considered to be one of Dickens’ most recognizable works, and is celebrated for its meaningful, universally-believed themes. In order for this novel to be properly understood, a thoughtful analysis of its major themes must be given. Socio-Economic Status and Hierarchy The ones who seem to be most affected by society’s beliefs about class and social order are Pip, his family, and his friends, who would definitely fall under the â€Å"lower† part of the socio-economic ladder. Throughout the novel, the â€Å"lower† characters have a heightened and even a bit unhealthy obsession with†¦show more content†¦Family The theme of family is shown mainly through Pip’s relationship with his brother-in-law, Joe Gargery. In the beginning of the novel, Pip makes it obvious that he dislikes his sister, and takes more of a liking to her husband Joe because Pip is able to sympathize with him (Dickens 40). Joe becomes his confidant, a fact that becomes apparent when Pip comes home to face a harsh interrogation by Mrs. Joe and Uncle Pumblechook after his first visit to Miss Havisham’s. Pip lies to the both of them about his experience, but feels guilty about doing the same to Joe and confesses his wrongdoing. Joe shows understanding towards Pip, and instead of sternly rebuking him for lying, he simply but seriously Pip about the dangers of lying, saying â€Å"if you can’t get to be oncommon (uncommon) through going straight, you’ll never get to do it through going crooked† (Dickens 100). While Pip’s relationship with Joe is being tested by his desire to gain a highe r social standing, Pip shows significant guilt over his mistreatment of Joe ( Dickens 296), proving that deep down, Pip never loses his deep love for Joe. It can be safely assumed that the point that Dickens wants to make through Pip and Joe’s relationship is that family is not necessarily determined by biological connections, but by who a person is closest to and feels most comfortable sharing their life with through the best and worst times. The importanceShow MoreRelatedCritical Analysis Of Great Expectations1449 Words   |  6 Pagesfrom a work of fiction is, however, dependant on who is reading it at the time. In the case of Great Expectations there are a number of themes running through the text including betterment through education, what it is to be a gentleman, respectability and crime, parental /family ties, and industry and idleness. Many of the original readers of the work were not concerned with analysing these various themes, and how Dickens put the work together. Rather, it was enjoyed as a populist piece of fictionRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Twelfth Night1155 Words   |  5 Pagesrules that define their place in society. They often try to meet expectations that society has made for them based on gender and social status. William Shakespeare reinforces these ideas in his play Twelfth Night, which introduces many meaningful messages about situations that still occur in society today. He clearly develops important themes worthy of analysis. A few of these strong themes are about stereotypes and society’s expectations and rules, which he proves to be irrelevant most of the time.Read MoreBirth Trauma: in the Eye of the Beholder Critique1393 Words   |  6 Pageslabor, the results of this study can be used as a foundation for evidence- based practice. 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