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Great Expectations Society and Class Quotes Page 2
Citations follow this format: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
- Pip
- >
So, leaving word with the shopman on what day I was wanted at Miss Havisham's again, I set off on the four-mile walk to our forge; pondering, as I went along, on all I had seen, and deeply revolving that I was a common labouring-boy; that my hands were coarse; that my boots were thick; that I had fallen into a despicable habit of calling knaves Jacks; that I was much more ignorant than I had considered myself last night, and generally that I was in a low-lived bad way. (1.8.105)
It seems like there are times when Pip doubts Miss Havisham’s or Estella’s judgment. But he never seems to think that his world might be better or nobler than theirs. He instantly thinks that the way of life at Satis House is better than his way of life. What’s crazier is that the world of Satis House is one of decay and weird ladies, and Pip still thinks it’s worth striving for.
- Pip
- >
Whatever I acquired, I tried to impart to Joe. This statement sounds so well, that I cannot in my conscience let it pass unexplained. I wanted to make Joe less ignorant and common, that he might be worthier of my society and less open to Estella's reproach. (1.15.2)
Pip feels like gentlemanly behavior is something that can be caught, like a cold. He is so caught up in the appearance of things. Pip values the knowledge that Miss Havisham and Estella have over the knowledge that Joe has, even though he has rarely had a thoughtful conversation with Estella. His relationship to Estella seems completely dependent upon externalities.
"Abroad," said Miss Havisham; "educating for a lady; far out of reach; prettier than ever; admired by all who see her. Do you feel that you have lost her?" (1.15.69)
The concept of high society in this novel is often likened to heights and to the sky. But when Pip ascends the social ladder, he doesn’t seem to find very much.
