To what extent one's environment and life experiences shape the individual is an often debated topic that can be pursued to many different levels. I agree with the statement that the most powerful idea presented by Dickens in his novel Great Expectations is that the individual is shaped by the worlds they live in and the experiences they have. However, I must add that these worlds and experiences consist of other people, and it is this interaction with different characters that plays an important role in the shaping of the individual. I believe Dickens displays each character's personal strength and integrity by revealing how much they allow themselves to be changed by their surroundings. Dickens conveys this shaping of the individual through the main character, Pip, and the different worlds he lives in, the experiences and interaction with other characters he has. Additionally, other characters are shown to have been shaped by their past experiences and the people involved in their lives. Both Miss Ha

"Home had never been a pleasant place to me. But Joe had sanctified it and I had believed in it... In a single year this had all changed. Now it was all coarse and common, and I would not have Miss Havisham or Estalla see it on any account." Chp. 14, pg. 106-107.

The moment of realisation, that he had wasted his life on chasing the unattainable managed to surface some of the fundamental Christian values that Joe had taught him as a child. Here Pip feels for the convict, acknowledges that Magwitch has risked his life to bring him the news and Pip knows that he is forever in debt for the good benefits Magwitch broght upon him. This one experience, brought about by one individual, is enough to reassert Pips integrity and resurface the values he had for so long forgotten. For the final time Pip is changed by the people in his life and the experiences he has. He takes charge of his life, tries to help Magwitch, finds it in himself to forgive Miss Havisham and returns home to offer his sincere apologies to Joe and Biddy. It is at this moment Pip becomes not the gentleman he once strove to be, but a true gentleman, one who gives of himself to the aid of others.

The reference to the candle is a re-occurring one in Great Expectations and is symbolic of a sense of belonging and common goodness. The fact that Pip is refused a candle indicates to him that he is not really wanted by Mrs Joe. This causes Pip to look for more in his life because he doesn't want to end up like Joe, controlled by his tyrant sister. Pip even admits that if it was not for Joe, he would have run away a long time ago.

The shaping of Pip's character begins during his childhood years under the loving care and companionship of his brother-in-law Joe Gargery, and the strict rule of his sister Mrs. Joe. Dickens completely disassociates the world of Joe from the world of Mrs Joe, each having an adverse effect on the young child, Pip. The home is the world of Mrs. Joe, where Pip is 'raised by hand'. Home life was not a pleasant environment with Mrs. Joe constantly 'on the rampage' chasing after Pip with a stick of cane nicknamed 'Tickler'. For the majority of his childhood, Pip was constantly subjected to an array of verbal and sometimes physical abuse, that was quite common in bringing up a child during Dickensian times. However the endless reminders that he was a burden upon his sister and should be thankful that she has wasted her time on him, caused Pip to believe that he was not wanted. Dickens indicates this through Pip as he goes to bed one night:

The flame is again used to signify how Pip is drawn to changing and how he is shaped. As Estella leads him through the corridor, candle in hand, Pip views her as a shining star that draws him closer into believing that he wants to be a gentleman, in the hope of gaining Estella's respect. These experiences shape Pip into an unsatisfied, arrogant and ingrateful person, characteristics that are evident in Estella. The change is truly noted when Pip returns home from Satis house, when he converses with Biddy. On one occasion he is taken by surprise that she can be as intelligent as he considering her position. Another time he asks Biddy if she wouldn't mind correcting Joe and teaching him how to act in the presence of 'good' company. This arrogance towards those now lower than him, is natural behavior according to Pip, and it is obvious that Miss Havisha

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Approximate Word count = 2290
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)