Ralph Waldo Emerson said," Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be." In Charles Dickens' novel Great Expectations, the reader follows Pip through his struggle with his own expectations of himself and what he thinks is expected of him by the society around him. In Pip's overwhelming desire to meet the expectations of his unknown benefactor and become a gentleman, he is driven only by the goal of gaining the love of Estella. He disregards the love of Joe in search of his unattainable love for Estella, learning too late how quickly life passes you by.
             Phillip Pirrip, or Pip as he is affectionately known, was orphaned as a small child and left to be raised by his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery and her husband. Joe, a blacksmith was more Pip's friend than a father figure. Mrs. Joe Gargery never let either of them forget how difficult it was for her to raise Pip up "by hand" and serve as Joe's wife. Joe and Pip found solace in their friendship and were able to live happily despite Mrs. Gargery's temper and fondness of striking with "the tickler", a switch she used to beat both her husband and her brother.
             While visiting the local cemetery, where his parents are buried beside the children they have lost, Pip discovers an escaped convict. The convict convinces Pip to return the following day with food and a file to remove the shackle from the prisoner's leg or it will cost Pip his life. Pip returns home, in fear of his fate. Not only has the convict threatened the child's life, but also his sister will be angry that he is late for dinner. The young man returns the next day, having stolen everything the prisoner requested from his sister and her husband. Seeing that the prisoner is grateful for his food and supplies, Pip returns home for dinner.
             " I do not recall that I felt any tenderness of conscience in reference to Mrs. Joe, when the fears of being found out wa...