Influences that Shape Pip's Character in Great Expectations

Influences that Shape Pip's Character in Great Expectations

‘Great Expectations’ tells the story of a young boy named Pip. It

shows us how his life is drastically turned around at the early age of

seven, following the accidental meeting of the convict Magwich. There

are many different events ranging from his meeting the convict, and

Miss Havisham, his falling in love with Estella and his fortunate

gaining of an unknown benefactor, which enables Pip to achieve more

promising things in life. These events all play a huge part in how Pip

is to turn out. And this cocktail of events greatly influences moulds

and shapes the person he is and is to become. There are also some much

less obvious ways that help shape him, such as his upbringing and the

way he is treated by adults around him. And the quality of his

education. The story shows how Pip gradually learns more about the

world and society he lives in and how he desperately wants to change,

and the way he is shaped and nurtured into the extraordinary character

he is. These are just a few of the things that influence Pip into

changing and becoming and gentleman.

Pips character is greatly influenced by the way he is brought up and

the way he is treated by adults. Adults tended often look down on Pip,

as it was the norm in those days and he was taught to except it. It

tells us how he was used to being miss treated by adults. He is often

told he should not speak unless spoken to, “Drat that boy… what a

questioner he is. Ask no questions and ill tell you no lies.” The idea

of children should only speak when spoken to, or children should be

seen and not heard, can be seen clearly here and it...

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...ella is obsessive and self-destructive. He may feel

depressed at the fact that he could never realistically have Estella,

until his fortunate circumstances in later life. In addition, that

sets the context for the story. However, the irony of this is that his

expectations once realised don’t win him Estella who is never intended

for him anyway, and he us unaware of this and he carries on thinking

that if he changes that Estella would be his.

Pip is extremely lucky to gain a benefactor. And it was only by chance

that he met the convict on the moors and if he hadn’t his life would

have been incredibly different. It is the main factor that influences

Pip’s character. Although it is not the only factor, it is the main

one and makes the greatest difference, and has the greatest effect on

the person he is and is to become.