"The communication [ at the start of Great Expectations to young Philip Pirrup, better known as Pip, is that he has ]...Great Expectations"(154). The principal characters new found hopes for the future in Charles Dicken's nineteenth century novel revolves around his encounters with the London lawyer Jaggers. Ultimately, Jaggers will serve to bind together Pip's relationships with such characters as Estella, his infatuation; Miss Havisham, Estella's guardian; Joe, Pip's loyal friend; and Abel Magwitch, his Benefactor. The story explores the ramifications of Pip's chance encounter with a convict and the changes that will take place as a result of his future opportunities. Throughout Pip's exploitation's he undergoes a transformation from a sensitive young boy to a highly egotistical young man who eventually returns to being a kind and caring individual.
In the first part of the novel, pip exhibits his sensitivity to others through a number of encounters. For example, when Pip and Joe accompany the detachment of soldiers on the marsh to recapture the convicts, pip utters his true feelings to Joe. "I treasonably whispered to Joe, 'I hope Joe we shan't find them'" (41). Although in fear of encountering the convict a second time, Pip's reluctance to see him captured comes from the heart. Furthermore, Pip's kindness rises to the surface with his concern for Joe relative to his own running away. "It was not because (he) was faithful but because Joe was faithful, that (he) never ran away and went from sailor to soldier"(121). Pip does not wish to run away for he does not wish to hurt Joe. Ultimately, Pips good nature surfaces through his encounter with Herbert Pocket at Miss Havisham's. Having knocked down young Herbert several times he states, "He seemed so brave and innocent that although I have not proposed the contest, I felt b
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