Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

Great Expectations Essay Home in today’s society can be described in many ways, but is ultimately expressed as more of a feeling of safety and love. Sonsyrea Tate claims You can leave home all you want, but home will never leave you. In essence, the feeling of home is a part of the character and who he/she will become. In Charles Dickens Great Expectations, Pip examines the true meaning of home and how the subjective opinion of home can reflect who a person becomes. He illustrates this idea using recurring appearances of home-like symbols, the way Pip’s definition of home changes throughout the novel, and how he shows Pip’s acquired feelings after moving into higher society. Throughout the novel Pip experiences many obstacles and in these are constant symbols that hint at a sense of â€Å"home† that Pip could be missing. When Pip is in a frustrating situation he looks to where everything first began which ends up being where he grew up- the mist over the marshes. This mist to Pip could be to most people as their home, kitchen, or even office where they feel most comfortable. He looks to the marshes for reassurance in what is right or wrong. He searches the marshes numerous times for what seems to be answers, â€Å"once again, this mists were rising as [Pip] walked away. If they disclosed [him], as [he] suspect[ed] they did, [he] should never come back (286). When people are confused or frightened, they usually run to where they feel safest and can reassure themselves with what they think is best. This place for many is home. Just as Mrs. Joe continuously reminds Pip of how he needs to be better, the marshes are a continuous reminder of where Pip should be. This could be shown to many as a feeling of homesickness, an emotion many can relate to. Whenever Pip has the moment to think, he ponders how he should reach out to Joe and his past reminding him again that he should be around those who love him. As Pip sits and ponders to himself he thinks â€Å"†¦and liable to be taken out of those rooms where [Pip] [sits] thinking, and hanged at the Old Bailey door, that [he] had deserted Joe† (324). Also when Pip returns home a few times he feels upset and guilty because he knows leaving was the wrong thing to do. At these times Pip tries to reconnect with the loved ones he deserted, such as Biddy and Joe, but over all his attempts still do not amount to the missing sense of home Pip has. All of these reminders; the marshes, repeating thoughts, and guilty feelings all represent to Pip of symbols that remind him of home. As Pip is growing into a young man, home is more of a place than an emotion. Pip never really feels completely welcome in the place where he is brought up. Mrs.  Joe’s constant and repeating reminder of how Pip is more of a burden to her is made known as she says I didn’t bring you up by hand to bagger peoples lives out. It would be a blame on to me, and not praise, if I had. , than a reward to her is evidence to Pip that to her he is somewhat worthless. (12) Pip doesn’t know of any other home besides the one with Mrs. Joe. Every person image of home has its differences, and the one Pip has at the moment isn’t a real pleasant one. Which in the long run could be a factor contributing to why Pip did not really know what home felt like to begin with. In the beginning of the novel, Pips definition of home is very unwelcoming and dark considering who he is surrounded by. Pip explains how Mrs. Joe is abusive to him My sister made a dive at me and fished me up by the hair saying nothing more than awful words and how her appearance isn’t comforting as he describes her as †¦with black hair and eyes, had such a prevailing redness of skin that I had sometimes used to wonder whether it was possible she washed herself with a nutmeg-grater instead of soap (10) (6). As Pip continues to grow and continuing with his move to London he never really has a permanent home, but more of multiple places he stays at for some time. Although, towards the end of the novel, the reader witnesses Joes forgiving and loving character shine through to Pip. Joe’s character seems to hint to Pip of what a good home could feel like without for some time Pip entirely catching on to these hints. Pip eventually becomes more conscious of the feeling of home and being welcome when the symbols and thoughts come to his conscience. Thus representing his dramatic change and realization he comes to, home isn’t characterized by the places one moves, but more by the feelings received from the people who make he/she feel most content and welcome. Since Pip encounters a large change in how he is placed in society, he begins to have mixed feelings towards the large alter. People are often blinded by the possessions they want instead of possessions that ultimately mean something in the long run. Pips upbringing was greatly influenced by the strive to be better and the shame of where his family was originally placed in social standing. The actions of his sister and guardian, Mrs. Joe, reminding Pip about how he is a burden and the actions of Mr. Pumblechook lying about being affiliated with higher class just to be recognized with more power because of his connections shine brightly to Pip making him think he is not good enough. Out of all of the people in Pips life it was his sister’s husband, Joe, who believes in Pip and allows Pip to eventually realize what home is supposed to be. Joe’s representation as the father figure to Pip allows Pip to feel welcome. Sometimes in society the feeling of home doesn’t have to be my parents or family, but can just be who makes or where you feel accepted. Pip feels safe around Joe but considering Pips upbringing telling him that he needs to be better embarrassment is shown by Pip more often than thankfulness for what Joe did for him. Pip goes throughout life with no actual real home connection, but just a coming across of places. When Joe goes to visit Pip in London, the feeling of embarrassment Pip receives by Joe’s presence is recognized greatly and Joe identifies this. Joe says to Pip, You and me is not two figures to be together in London, nor anywheres else but what is private†¦ Diwisions among such must come (223). Joe forgiving Pip almost instantly for his actions of wanting to not be affiliated with Joe any longer, remind Pip that he will always be there, no matter what the circumstances. Which dear old Pip, old chap, you and me was every friends. And when you’re well enough to go our for a ride-what larks! (486). After these encounters with Joe in London, Pip finally starts to realize the monster he has turned into. Pip realizes Joe is the one who makes him feel accepted and welcome and begins to feel guilty for his repulsive actions towards Joe. As he thinks to himself, I would not have gone back to Joe now, I would not have gone back to Biddy now, for any consideration: simply, I suppose, because my sense of my own worthless conduct to them was greater than every consideration. No wisdom on earth could have given me the comfort that I should have derived from their simplicity and fidelity; but I could never, never, never, undo what I had done† (324). At his turning point, Pip sees that beyond doubt what matters is being where you are accepted and acknowledged by ones who love you, not by where you stand in society. This realization is a parallel to what home represents. Pip realizes that with Joe is where he should be and where he feels most content with himself. This is the most significant recognition of the symbol of home Pip receives. Pip at this point begins to understand that home isn’t a place, but a feeling or intuition. While Pip encounters many obstacles throughout his life, he finds his true self in his realization of what the meaning of home truly is to him. The constant appearance of home, the realization of the true definition of home, and the feelings Pip faces when he changes from lower to higher class. All teach the lesson that home becomes a part of a person, even if it takes some time to figure out what home really means. All people perceive the symbol of home and the feelings connected with it differently. How many different perceptions of home could there be? Do people ever not have a sense of home? Pips ultimate lesson turns out to be that to him home is not just a place, but a feeling existing within ones mind and heart. Often times this lesson is a turning point in many lives.