Great Expectations

Great Expectations Human nature is the psychological and social qualities that characterize humankind. Human nature separates humans from the rest of the animal kingdom. The underlining theme of human nature is evident in Great Expectation by Charles Dickens use of his characters. A main characteristic that Dickens displays is friendship. The friendship between Pip and Herbert is strong. Herbert was significant to Pip’s growth in social class and eventual to his revelation. “Friendship was one of the human characteristics Dickens enjoyed…by associating fellowship with good characters and deeds, he made it known that he admires friendship.” (MacAndrew 168) Herbert aided Pip when he first came to London and made the transition an easy one. Herbert helped filled in the blanks for Pip when he was lost. Herbert saved Pip’s life when Orlick tried to kill him. When Pip needed someone to turn to Herbert was always there. In return of Herbert’s friendship Pip also helped him. Pip used the money he was getting from Magwitch to finance Herbert dream of becoming a business owner. This was a true friendship that did not falter throughout the novel. Friendship is one of the few good characteristics that Dickens indicates throughout the novel. Dickens goes beyond the bond of friendship to the bond of love. Herbert was not the only person that assisted Pip. Joe was another component to Pip’s success. Joe had deeper feelings then friendship towards Pip. Joe loved Pip like they were brothers. Joe was a simple, honest, hardworking man. Joe was a model of the man everyone should try to be. Joe was there in the beginning for Pip when he was getting picked on by Tickler or being “brought up by hand” by Mrs. Joe. Although Pip turned his back against Joe he was there in the shadows. Joe as simple as he was knew that Pip was leaving him behind. “Not wishing to intrude I have departed fur you are well again dear Pip and will do better without.” (Dickens 439) Joe knew that he would

Bibliography: Areview of “Great Expectations,” in the Saturday Review. London, Vol. 12. No. 299, July 20, 1861, pp Cohen, William A.. Critical Insights: Great Expectations, 2010, p215-268, 54p. (Literary Criticism) Gold, Joseph. Charles Dickens: Radical Moralist. Minneapolis: U of Minnesota P, 1972. Kirk, Neville Levine, Caroline. Critical Insights: Great Expectations, 2010, p128-146, 19p. MacAndrew, Elizabeth