Dickens Life Reflected In The Character Of Pip - 945 Words

Both Miss Havisham and Magwitch are two key characters who shape Pip’s life and dreams. Pip himself is a young boy whose story reflects that of Charles Dickens, the author. When Dickens was twelve his father was imprisoned for debt, much like Magwitch- the father-figure in Pip’s life who was also a convict. Dickens was then sent to work at a boot-blacking factory where his mother forced him to work even after his father was released. Similarly, neither Mrs Joe nor Miss Havisham (the mother-figures) treated Pip well. Later, Dickens fell in love with Maria Beadnell but she rejected him- she is reflected in Estella who cruelly rejected Pip for much time. In 1875, the forty-five year old Dickens fell in love with eighteen year old Ellen Ternan†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬ËœWitch’ is also a part of his name which caused him to be eyed with apprehension; witchcraft being a major sin and feared in the churches of the time. Dickens created a feeling of hostility b y the reader towards the character in the beginning just by using his name. The fact that he is first introduced in the graveyard is also a link with death. Later he walks among the brambles and nettles ‘as if he was eluding the hands of the dead people†¦pull him in.’ This makes it sound as though he rightfully belongs there or as if he is a member of the living dead. In actuality, this quote may be indicating the severity of his physical condition- further inducing pity on him from the reader. However, it may also remind the reader that he is a convict with a price on his life. Pip imagines he is a pirate come to life from the gibbet and is walking back to hook himself up again. This again reinforces the idea he is of the living dead and is another link to death. The reader by the end of the chapter is torn between pity for the convict and a sense of foreboding. Dickens creates an unexpected twist when the character turns out to be decent, honest and even likeable . The impression is given that he purposely defeated the superstitions and the ideas imposed on people by the church and may be evidence that Dickens disapproved of the power the church and social class had over people. He may have even induced the idea of social reform in many, being a popular author, throughShow MoreRelated Effectiveness of the Opening Chapter to Great Expectations Essay1084 Words   |  5 PagesCharles Dickens ?Great Expectations? was written during the 19th century, published in weekly installments in a magazine. The novel is based around Pip, the opportunities he is presented with and the difficulties he has to face. In the first chapter we are introduced to Pip, and Magwitch, an escaped convict. The theme of crime and punishment immediately draws us in. Dickens uses a number of techniques to ensure the readers continuing interest, such as pathetic fallacy, metaphor, themes, symbolismRead MoreCharles Dickens Great Expectations And Oliver Twist1057 Words   |   5 Pagesembrace strangers as family. Charitable strangers can also teach children to act with benevolence and give them an honorable role model to follow. These acts of kindness can drastically change the character of the poor child. In Charles Dickens’ two novels, Great Expectations and Oliver Twist, Dickens challenges the conventional idea of parentage and suggests that through generosity anyone can become a guardian and have a major impact on the emerging identity of children. Therefore, people shouldRead MoreMagwitch Character Analysis1683 Words   |  7 Pagesmouth!† Nervously, he responded, â€Å"Pip. 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