Symbols of 'Great Expectations'

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that 'Great Expectations' contains specific symbols to represent the themes of the novel. The writer points out that these themes include: the importance of money to happiness, the importance of money to the quality of a person, the influence of the past on the present, the administration of justice and the definition of true love which could be romantic or filial. The writer shows how Dickens conveys these themes through his continued used of certain symbols in the novel. The writer concludes that Dickens artfully draws the symbols of clothing, prisons and the blacksmith's forge through the novel and intertwines them to validate the themes that he wanted his readers to take from this work.

From the Paper:

"Just as Miss Havisham dresses the part of the bride, Pip when he comes into money feels that he must dress the part of the gentleman so he goes to the tailor, Mr. Trabb. Pip finds Mr. Trabb over his breakfast and the tailor sees no reason to get up for a commoner like Pip. As soon as Mr. Trabb finds out that Pip's station in life has been elevated, he becomes subservient and fawns over Pip while showing him a variety of fabrics. Dickens uses this scene to illustrate how people will change their attitude due to money. Pip sees himself as important as does Mr. Trabb now that he has money."
"Pip's extravagance in clothing continues during the next several years when he is in London, and it adds significantly to his debt. He is very materialistic as a young man. He is also critical of others who do not dress as well. When Joe comes to see him, Pip feels uncomfortable due to Joe's country manners and rough appearance."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dickens, Charles. Great Expectations. New York: Penguin Classics, 2002.

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