Defining Magwitch in Great Expectations

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Defining Magwitch in Great Expectations

Great Expectations was written in the era of Queen Victoria;

ironically a time of great progress and prosperity. Sadly, this was

not the case for all. Education benefited the rich. As a result, there

was a huge gap between the rich and the poor. The justice system was

harsh, favouring the rich, two hundred men and women were put before

the judge to be sentenced to death every week. It is clear that

Dickens reflects on the society of the time, and shows the unjust,

class divided society Magwitch was a part of and the need to reform a

legal system which treated this man so unjustly.

Knowing Magwitch grew up in this brutal society, it isn't surprising

that our initial impressions are built around the fact he is a

bloodthirsty villain and not very trustworthy. Initially though, he's

a coward, threatening Pip "keep still or I'll cut your throat" which

gives us the impression that he is an aggressive individual who is

willing to pick on a harmless child. His animal characteristics prove

that he wasn't brought up very well and that he can't have been

treated very well over the years, "he glared and growled" which likens

him to a dog. He resorts to cruelty by saying another convict is

hiding with him and then he threatens to kill Pip, "I'll cut your

throat". When Magwitch is first described as a man "who had been

soaked in water, and smothered in mood," we feel a little sympathy

towards him because he is obviously in poor health.

Although Magwitch is portrayed as an unpleasant man throughout the

text, there is a hint of kindness in his cold character and our

feelings about him begin to change. U...

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much more of a gentleman and he became far more understanding of Joe

and his origins. This is hardly the behaviour of a criminal.

It is obvious to everyone that Magwitch is in fact a victim of

society. Dickens intended us to have pity on Magwitch and to grow to

feel sorry for him. If he had had a decent childhood, then he might

have had a chance in life. He had a purpose in life, he just didn't

fulfil it. He is a criminal because as an orphan he had to steal to

survive and with no education jobs were unavailable so a life of crime

became a necessity. However, he has a strong sense of loyalty, justice

and compassion. If society had cared there is no doubt that he would

have succeeded. It is when Magwitch is placed alongside Compeyson that

the reality becomes clear. Magwitch is the victim, Compeyson the

criminal.

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