How Does Pip Change Throughout The Novel

Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, takes place in London during the late-eighteenth century. It is about a boy named Pip who faces many challenges throughout the course of his life. As he grows older, he learns to face these difficult challenges. Throughout Great Expectations, Pip’s morals change as he grows to understand the difference between right and wrong, through his past mistakes. As a child, Pip never had anyone to guide him, but he attempts to improve himself on his own. For example, Pip said, “I never saw my mother or my father or the five little brothers that preceded me (1).” Growing up without parents is the reason Pip never knew the difference between right and wrong. As a child, he needed someone to punish him for his mistakes, and reward him for doing right. In addition, Pip received a piece of wisdom from Joe that encouraged him. Receiving this piece of wisdom showed Pip that even though he did not come from the best family, he can still become the man he wants to be. Pip is beginning to learn what it feels like to do good on his own for once. Even with the problems he faced as a child, Pip finally realized that he can change on his own.

To illustrate, Pop told Wimmick, “I want my own fortune to reflect upon Herbert (192).” Pip buying Herbert’s way into a business showed that he does no only think about himself anymore, but others as well. Pip realized he did something good, and he was proud of himself for it. Also, Pip knew he did a nice thing when he found out Miss Havisham left Matthew Pocket money in her will. Knowing he did a good deed made him happy on the inside. Doing that allowed Pip to see that people can really change. Pip becoming a gentleman was the best thing that happened to him because it showed him that kindness does come out of someone’s