The Character of Joe Gargery in Great Expectations

The Character of Joe Gargery in Great Expectations

The protagonist's brother-in-law, Joe Gargery, in the novel Great Expectations, written by Charles Dickens, is prominently humane, especially compared to the other characters. Although Pip is the psychological center of the book, Joe is the moral center. Pip struggles to be good; Joe merely is obedient by nature without apprehending it. Although Joe is not prosperous or knowledgeable, he still offers what he does know and have, to Pip. Joe provides a perfect example of however one conducts oneself in life; one's good nature always asserts itself at the end. With Joe's humane intellect, he is like a father to Pip- giving him guidance, informing him what is respectable and what is erroneous- it is his humanity that makes him incredibly generous and forgiving.

However, generosity and forgivingness are just two of Joes's many traits that contribute to his humanity; these characteristics show up numerous times in the novel. One of the best examples of the many humane acts of Joe is illustrated by his reaction to when some food was taken from his house by a convict, on page 41, chapter 9: "'God knows you're welcome to it- so far as it was ever mine. We don't know what you have done, but we wouldn't have you starved to death for it, poor miserable fellow- creature.'" Although Joe is exceedingly indigent, he not only acknowledges the convict's apology for pinching, but he insists that the convict is welcome to it- regardless of the number of sins or whatever type of misdeeds he has committed. Even the richest people would be infuriated if someone stole their food- let alone a convict. Although Joe i...

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...ow of changes that he was going through. Although Joe is not a "gentleman," he still understands the important things in life; Joe represents conscience, affection, loyalty, and simple good nature. Although he is uneducated and unrefined, he consistently acts for the benefit of those he loves and suffers in silence in spite of however Pip treats him.

One character in the novel that lives a very serene life because of his great ability to forgive is Joe Gargery. Joe Gargery's prominent characteristic in the novel Great Expectations is his humanity. It is humanity that makes him incredibly forgiving and understanding; even in the worst conditions- whether being neglected by someone he loved or being robbed- he keeps everything in control and seeks the best in every situation. His compassion makes him exceedingly munificent and magnanimous.