Great Expectations Joe Gargery

Response to Essay Question Two Throughout Great Expectations we are introduced to many interesting and compelling characters. Some of the characters are quite charming and lovable while others are very vile and repulsive. Perhaps the best example of a positive and lovable character is Joe Gargery. Joe is a blacksmith and a sort of father to Pip, considering the death of both of Pip’s parents. Joe is a simple man who is content with living the life of a “commoner”. This contentment and true happiness that Joe holds creates a sort of parallel between him and the not so easily satisfied Pip. Joe is a true example of someone who is truly happy as he has learned to love himself and appreciate the things he does have and the people around him rather than wishing for more. Joe is shown very early on in Great Expectations to be a very caring and kind man. Joe tries to help Pip when his wife, Pip’s sister, is beating Pip with a stick. Joe also tells Magwitch that he was welcome to the brandy and pie he had eaten as he claimed he did not wish death upon Magwitch, regardless of his crime. Even when Pip doesn’t deserve Joe’s kindness and affection, Joe still treats him with all the love and respect in the world. Joe attempts to pay for Pip’s meal when they come together
Joe provides an excellent example of what a true gentleman is. A true gentleman isn’t someone who is rich and stuck up who parties. A true gentleman is someone who is courteous and respectful; a true gentleman has proper manners and is a sort of idol, someone to look up to. It is true that Joe lived a rather mediocre life in terms of possessions and he may not have had the best manners, however, he was still always respectful and kind and he was able to pay for a “gentlemen’s”, Pip, bills. Joe showed that a gentleman isn’t a rich snob rather a kind and caring man who assures that everyone around him is okay before he even thinks about