Ways in Which Characters are Corrupted by Money

Compeyson’s actions also ruin Pip’s life. Everyone tries to put down the other as much as possible so maybe, then, they will receive his or her portion of Miss Havisham’s fortune. Miss Havisham replies, “Matthew will come and see me at last, when I am laid on that table” (79). Because Compeyson uses Magwitch to steal money, Magwitch goes to jail. He buys extravagant things and spends money as if it had no end. While visiting Miss Havisham on her birthday, Sarah Pocket says, “Dear Miss Havisham, how well you look!” (77) and Miss Havisham replies, “I do not…I am yellow skin and bone” (77). Because Pip only cares about his newly inherited money, he severely weakens his relationships with his true friends and wastes a lot of his life pretending to be something he is not. Her relatives wait for Miss Havisham to die as if when it happens it will be some great thing because out of her death, comes their money. Although Miss Havisham looks sickly, Sarah still tells her she looks well so maybe she will have a chance at winning Miss Havisham’s favor and money. Out of Compeyson’s lust for money, he ruins four lives. He lets money take over his life, and does not worry whom he hurts along the way. Therefore, Miss Havisham trains Estella to do the same to men. Camilla makes Matthew Pocket look bad by saying, “There’s Matthew…Never mixing with any natural ties, never coming here to see how Miss Havisham is” (78).

All of these characters let money rule their lives and in doing this, they hurt the people who love them.