How Does Pip Change Throughout The Novel

As one progresses from childhood to adolescence, and from adolescence to adulthood, that individual tends to experience a change within their lives, and thus adapt accordingly. Throughout the course of the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, in which the events within occur in England during the 19th Century, the life of the main character, Pip, is thoroughly followed. Starting within his childhood, and ending during his adulthood, Pip experiences numerous unique occurrences and happenings, in which he both gains and loses possession of a fortune. As a result, within the book, Pip undergoes three discrete stages; an innocent and poor child, a rich and ungrateful young man, and a successful and content gentleman. The beginning of the story introduces Pip as a child, who is content with the common standards of his life. Growing up, he holds the belief that “when [he] should at last roll up [his] shirt-sleeves and go into the forge, [as] Joe’s ‘prentice, [he] should be distinguished and happy” (Dickens 83). As he grows up knowing Joe to be

However, in spite of his loss, Pip is able to live “happily with Herbert and his wife, and [lives] frugally, and [pays his] debts, and [maintains] a constant correspondence with Biddy and Joe” (Dickens, 377). With Magwitch gradually fading from his life, Pip begins to change, in which he becomes considerate of others, starting with Magwitch. Afterwards, Pip seeks out Joe, whom he apologizes to and expresses his gratitude towards, in which Joe accepts both. Having once been corrupted by riches and wealth, Pip chooses to be content with the job in which he was offered by Herbert, in which he is satisfied with, as he earns his own salary. Being neither poor, nor rich, Pip considers himself as a successful person, with sufficient amounts of money and happiness in his