d remained a relentless worker
who was content with being a blacksmith, even though his income was probably minuscule. As a
young child, Joe related to Pip's lack of childhood wealth by not being very opulent, and Joe had
endured emotional pain because of his alcoholic and abusive father. Joe learned through his
childhood experiences that money could not have been the solution to his father's problems or his
lack of education because more money would have probably been accompanied by excessive
abuse and increased drunkenness of his father. Therefore, Joe was simply grateful that he had a
customary trade as a blacksmith, a family, and a comfortable lifestyle. As Joe said to Mr. Jaggers
about him receiving money after Pip's departure, "Pip is that hearty welcome...to go free with his
services, to honor and fortun', as no words can tell him. But if you think as money can make
compensation to me for the loss of the little child..." (pg. 132). In this excerpt, it was clear that
though Joe was saddened by Pip's future to move to London, he accepted the reality that it was a
great opportunity for Pip to mature into a young adult. Joe realized that Pip would be able to have
a wealthy upbringing, which would be in Pip's best interest. He felt that the offered money was a
bribe to permit Pip to go to London without his consent , but Joe showed Mr. Jaggers that he was
allowing Pip to move for his own well-being, and would not accept money to ease the anguish.
Pip valued money as the substance that entitled one to become a gentleman. Pip believed that
money was a subsidit in his life for contentment, which would leave others to believe he was
superior. Pip felt that if he could obtain vast amounts of money, as he did from his benefactor, his
hardships would be solved and he could begin to live a prosperous life. Pip found out that his
...