A seed’s growth depends on its persistence for it to reach its fullest potential; stars require precise circumstances in order to truly shine. The true power for these worthwhile results comes from within, but extraneous factors always have the ability to alter the outcome and even impede progress – the concept is analogous to humans. The consistency of human nature allows literature from what seems like long ago, such as the dramatic Shakespeare and the satirical Twain, to be applied to current lifestyles. Charles Dickens, though, may be regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. He is one of the many illustrious authors whose works are empathetic towards those living in the 21st century. Especially in his novel Great Expectations, it is apparent how he develops individuals through their behavior. Pip and Estella, two of the main characters of the book, both struggle between the differences of living by their own means or with leverage from others. Their primary issues are caused by influences greater than themselves and it soon becomes evident that once these are removed, the two conduct themselves quite contrarily. In Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, the characters of Pip and Estella both demonstrate how forces external from a person can lead that individual to act in a manner different from how they would under autonomous circumstances.
Pip gains the means to become a gentleman, after it being his dream for years, through his secret benefactor; however,