In Class Essay

In Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, the main character, Pip, goes through dynamic changes throughout the novel. When, Pip arrives in London to become a gentleman, his moral and psychological traits develop through his cultural and physical surroundings.

While, Pip stays in London to become a gentleman, the culture of Victorian England sucks him in, only to change his life. Dickens uses formal diction when describing the culture in Victorian England which helps contribute to the change in Pip's moral traits. Mr. Jaggers as well as Victorian England corrupts Pip and makes him develop some cynical, moral traits. On the other hand, back home Joe provides Pip with a good influence because of his non-sadistic, moral traits. Overall, the culture from Pip's childhood and Victorian England coincide in helping develop Pip as a character.

Pip's physical surroundings are the main factor in developing his moral and psychological traits because of characters like Magwitch, Estella, Joe, Mr. Jaggers, and Ms. Havisham. The characterization of the previously listed characters help the author develop good and bad influences for Pip which help contribute to the development of his moral and psychological traits. Estella is a bad influence for Pip because she is a tease to him and his journey to become a gentleman is mainly to impress Estella and himself so he could prove that he is worthy enough for her. Joe is probably the only positive influence that Pip experiences in his life because he is the only one who truly cares for Pip and wants the best for him. Overall, Pip's physical surroundings greatly contribute to his psychological and moral traits.

When, Pip arrives in London to become a gentleman, his moral and psychological traits develop through his cultural and physical surroundings. The culture of Victorian England and his childhood are the main contributors to his moral traits. Pip's physical surroundings are the main factor in developing his moral and psychological traits because the characters in the novel play a huge role in Pip's decisions throughout the novel. Overall, the author's diction and characterization greatly contribute to the development of Pip's psychological and moral traits.