Great Expectations tells the story of Pip’s search for happiness as he grows into adulthood. He may have been happy with his modest origins if he hadn’t met Miss Havisham. Estella’s “contempt” over Pip’s “coarse appearance” cast a dark shadow on his menial existence. Pip was rapidly overwhelmed by this darkness; it incited in him aspirations towards a brighter, more “uncommon,””gentlemanly” existence. This paper explores Pip’s quest to attain this status, as well as how he eventually finds happiness.
Pip’s innocence is the starting point of the novel, but after his parents die and he meets an escaped convent, Pip embarks on a journey that will lead to adulthood. This first incident is what sets the tone for the novel.
Pip’s first trip to the Satis House, ironically called Satis House, leaves him disillusioned. Pip’s heart is broken by the insult he received from the seductive, shrewd Estella. This incident has a profound impact on Pip. Pip soon begins to believe that being a man is synonymous with happiness after his meeting with Estella. At the same time, he realizes that his present situation makes it difficult for him to be a gentleman.
Pip’s desire to become an aristocrat, although unlikely, isn’t unfounded. The Victorians’ early years saw a rise in the middle class. This led to the blurring social lines. By trading in merchants, the less-sophisticated were able to compete with Victorian “gentlemen,” who had previously been defined by their wealth and possessions. Pip defined gentility as having a high level of education. Beyond that, however, it was unclear. Dickens also leaves readers with ambiguous writing; he lets them speculate on how Victorian gentlemen are perceived.
Pip gains a quick understanding of society’s view on what a gentleman is. It would be easy to respect his will to succeed in this endeavor if it weren’t for the unsound motives he had. He only wants to gain Estella’s admiration and respect. He believes confidence, self-assured superiority, certain mannerisms, thorough education, and a sense of confidence define a man. Pip does no realize that sophistication and intelligence are not synonymous.
Pip never confirms his belief that moving to a lower-class job would elevate him, but laments that he is not in a better position. Joe, who he considers to be his “true-friend”, is the reason he feels dissatisfied. Joe tries to console Pip, comparing his education with a young prince’s. Pip doesn’t listen.
Pip has his sights set on becoming a man when the opportunity arises. Pip’s life begins to change when Miss Havisham tells him that she has “expectations”. He is excited that his future will lead him towards Estella and the gentlemanly life. Because he’s convinced that Miss Havisham wants to use him to meet Estella, he leaves the forge without much hesitation. Pip’s disdain for “commoners” and coarsers is now firmly ingrained, as he assumes a bright future. He sees his own improvement, even though he hasn’t improved himself yet. Biddy tries to curb his growing arrogance, but he displays it to her: “You’re envious and grudging, Biddy.” You’re unhappy with my new fortune (181). Pip is being unfit in his egoism. This only draws attention to Pip’s lack of experience.
Pip’s departure from Gad’shill at the beginning of the book is an example of him losing his innocence. Pip’s insincerity is revealed during the second act of Great Expectations. Pip, who is still adjusting to his new role, feels compelled to play the part even though he may not succeed. He is self-conscious as he contemplates Trabb’s youngster upon return to Gad’s Hill.
Pip now feels it’s beneath him to acknowledge a boy his age (and formerly, of similar status). Pip is a condescending, snobbish shell. Pip’s dissatisfaction with his new status was obvious to Mr. Trabb’s boy, who took every opportunity to humiliate him after the insult. Pip admits to being hurt and aggravated by the boy despite his outward indifference.
Pip is no longer optimistic and his desire to become a gentleman has been shattered. Pip is no longer concerned about his physical appearance after his benefactor returns and reveals himself. He also realizes that the title “gentleman’ is just a name. Estella has begun courting Bently drummerle, who would theoretically embody Pip’s assertions if Estella accepted him. Pip is disillusioned by the notion of a gentleman after he tries to determine what makes Drummle one.
Great Expectations is often interpreted as the story of a failure. Pip never achieves his original goal to become a gentleman. Pip discovers the happiness that comes with being an honest, good man – no matter what that means. He comes to realize that happiness isn’t reserved for gentlemen.
