"He was motivated by an enormous fear of giving way or visibly failing to live up to his standards and responsibilities" (Mitchell 271). This quote refers to the attitude of gentlemen in the Victorian Era. During this time the greatest ambition that flooded the minds of most men and women was to be a member of high class. The dream of being part of the gentry clouded their thoughts and led to change in the upper class. For example, in the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, the young character Pip dreams of being a gentleman, but it does not bring him as much happiness and fortune as he had hoped. The gentleman followed a simple code by being wealthy and polite. The upper class was made up of those who strove to be recognized as the most influential and prosperous people in society. In Dickens' novel, Pip's character reflects the desire and difficulty to live up to the expectations of a "gentleman" and struggle through class differences in the Victorian Era.
             The need to be at the top of the class structure was a dominant priority especially for the average man. One reason that Pip wanted to be a gentleman was because he wanted the respect of Estella, who was beautiful, rich, and powerful. It was a widespread desire to be elite, no matter what the cost. Happiness and morals were not as celebrated as rank. Pip realized this and therefore wanted to be recognized as a member of the upper class. "'Biddy,' says I, after binding her to secrecy, 'I want to be a gentleman.' 'Oh, I wouldn't, if I was you!' she returned. 'I don't think it would answer'" (Dickens 98). Biddy tried to explain to Pip that his expectations would not turn out like he wanted them to. Since the genteel were praised and admired, naturally one wanted to be the person the attention was pointed towards. Pip did not want to be common. He wanted to be ref...