Appearances vs. Reality: Dickens has several characters
that promote the theme that appearances are not necessarily a reflection of one's
character. Take Magwitch, for example. He is a dirty, unkempt, uncouth criminal,
right? Well, he ends up being Pip's benefactor, and someone who was greatly moved by
one act of kindness from a small boy. He also had suffered great tragedy in his life,
and ended up being the father of the beautiful, elegant and well-established Estella.
All of these things could not be predicted by his character. Dickens teaches that we
should not judge someone on appearances, but rather on their actions. Magwitch's
actions show a man seeking redemption, and offering
kindess.
The dignity of labor can best be seen through the
character of Joe. He is an unassuming man without too much intelligence or grace, but
he's a hard worker, and provides a good and solid living for his family. As Pip rejects
Joe, leaves the forge, and pursues more "worthy" company and tasks, he is utterly
miserable. It isn't until Pip acknowledges the dignity of working with one's hands to
earn a living, and Joe's goodness as a man that he finds happiness. Constrast Joe's
happiness and station in life to Pip's, after his money--Pip has nothing to do. He just
reads books, spends money frivolously, and has no dignity because he does not labor. At
the end of the novel he finally puts his talents to use in business, and finds peace.
Dickens is asserting that working is a dignified path to happiness, peace and good
character.
The value of friendship is a theme that runs
throughout the novel. Pip's best friends are Joe and Biddy; when he rejects them, he is
unhappy. He finds another friend in Herbert Jr., who accepts him for who he is, and Pip
finds great comfort in that friendship. Dickens has a theme of friendship as being a
key to happiness, and that friendship should be free of judgment and
criticism.
I hope that those thoughts helped; good
luck!
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