Great Expectations: Pip

A detailed Summary of Great Expectations: Pip


In the novel, Great Expectations, the character of Pip matures significantly over the course of the story. Pip begins as a very nafÆve and innocent boy, he develops into a snobbish and disdainful young man, and, finally, matures into a sensible man. Pip's development is affected by many factors, including his place in society, his family, a love interest, and a wealthy benefactor. As he matures, Pip develops an understanding of what is truly important in life and realizes what he nearly lost due to his snobbery.

In the beginning of the novel, Pip displays the nafÆvity and innocence associated with childhood. He is trusting and believes what people say unquestioningly. He also has a vivid imagination, which often causes him to worry about worst-case scenarios, regardless of the evidence against these scenarios ever becoming reality. Pip listens to what people say about him and accepts what is said as the truth. After his first visit to Miss. Havisham's, Pip returns home with a lowered opinion of himself:

. . . that I was a common labouring-boy; that my hands were coarse; that my boots were thick; that I had fallen into the despicable habit of calling knaves jacks; that I was much more ignorant than I had considered m


Not with pleasure, though I was bound to him by so many ties; no; with considerable disturbance, some mortification, and a keen sense of incongruity. If I could have kept him away by paying money, I certainly would have paid money.

Over the course of the novel, Pip develops from a nafÆve young boy to a mature man. Pip's maturity is gained through many experiences which have a profound effect on his development. He does not always react well to these situations, but he eventually learns from them all. Sometimes people manage to see beyond the surface of a situation and understand its meaning instantly, and other times they must wait a while before discovering the truth. Pip had to wait for the truth to appear, but he was able to see it, and realized his mistakes in time to learn from them, and to alter the course of his life for the better. Pip matured as all people do, through trial and error, by making mistakes, and through experience, although his journey is rough at times, he manages to come through it changed for the better, and with a respect and understanding of life.

Pip's disdain for his past is caused, in part, by his belief that money and possessions are of the utmost importance in life. He cannot see that these things will not bring him happiness, and so evalu

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Approximate Word count = 870
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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