Pip's Flaws

Pip in Great Expectations, written by Charles Dickens, is one of the most diverse characters one could read about. With each person he comes in contact with, his appealing personality shows. The experiences that come before him change and shape his character. Throughout the story, Pip proves himself to be ambitious and haughty, yet kind as he begins to understand that his mind was poisoned. Undoubtedly, Pip is a character who wants to do and see a lot; his ambitiousness is shown in many ways. He is enthusiastic enough to go after Estella, a woman who hardly accepts any man, let alone someone of lower ranks in society. This causes him to strive to become a well-educated “gentleman”, one who is higher in society. However, becoming a “gentleman” was not an easy task for Pip, especially since his background did not make it any less difficult to acquire education. He always sought for ways to improve himself. One can see Pip’s profound determination as he works hard to succeed as a high-class man, both socially and righteously.

This trait was shown when he was pursuing to become and “gentleman” and when he became one, for his thoughts on society changed and became prejudiced. Even though he had a close relationship with Joe, he began to look down on him, knowing that Joe was of a lower-class. He was not proud of his childhood background either and never wanted to acknowledge it; it was pure embarrassment to him. Ever since he made his goal to be with Estella, he transformed from a simple-minded person to one who was not satisfied with what he had; he wanted more, and was never really content. However, events took a turn on Pip, and he soon realizes that he was being conceited and was wrong to think of society the way he thought of it before. His unfriendly heart transformed into a sympathetic