Great Expectations

            Characteristics of characters in the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens .
            
             In the beginning, and almost throughout the novel the Pip is guilty conscious and ashamed. Shame is a feeling brought on by circumstances beyond the control of the person. For example, Pip feels ashamed over how common and coarse he and Joe are (Page 57). He regrets Joe being a blacksmith and not being educated. Guilt, on the other hand, is a feeling brought on by one's actions. An example of this is after Pip beats the pale young gentlemen (Page 87). The attack upon Mrs. Joe also brings guilt to Pip. The weapon used against Mrs. Joe was an ironed leg-chain. Pip's guilt comes from his believing that he supplied the weapon. Orlick puts blame on Pip, as well." I was at first disposed to believe that I must have had some hand in the attack upon my sister.I was a more legitimate object of suspicion than anyone else." Although Pip was in no way responsible for his sister's attack, he is filled with guilt. .
             Pip was a young boy riddled with intense feelings of shame and guilt. As a result of this, he undergoes a change in character. Pip is encountered with an opportunity to leave behind his life of being a common labouring boy and on his way to become a gentleman. Pip is quite pleased with these circumstances because he feels that he will then be accepted by the upper class and, therefore, be able to win Estella over. However, these circumstances bring about a negative change when Pip starts to see himself above others. He becomes a person with characteristics he used to detest. He always hated Mr. Pumblechook's superficial ways, and now Pip has adopted them. An example of Pip being superficial is when Joe comes to visit and Pip dreads his arrival only because he is embarrassed by him. .
             Pip was a young boy riddled with intense feelings of shame and guilt. As a result of this, he undergoes a change in character. Pip is encountered with an opportunity to leave behind his life of being a common labouring boy and on his way to become a gentleman.