Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, tells of a young child, Pip, and his revelation from childhood to adulthood. Pip, due to many unfortunate incidents, painfully learns from his mistakes. He lives in a very harsh environment; after his parents died he began to live with his sister. His sister is strict and has great respect in their small town. He is given a great opportunity to become what he is always dreamt about, becoming a gentleman. Before beginning his gentleman journey he falls in love with the most beautiful women he has ever met, Estella. Pip undergoes maturation and self-discovery from the beginning of the story to the end. He learns more about himself and forgives everyone including himself.
Dickens gradually guides us step by step through Pip's life. Pip learns about others and himself. In one case he realizes that he loves Estella with all of his heart. She was a part of him no matter where he goes. "Out of my thoughts! You are part of my existence, part of myself. You have been in every line I have ever read, since I first came here the rough common boy whose poor heart you wounded even then." Pip discovers as he gradually plunges into dept that he is incapable of handling money. Despite this he decides not to ask Provis, his true benefactor who had lived a criminal life, for money after Pip learned of Provis" lifestyle and past.
All through the story, others take advantage of and mistreat Pip because of his innocence. Due to his kind heart Pip forgives them no matter what pain results from their action. When Pip first finds out that he is going to be a gentleman, Miss Havisham begins to lead him on to the conclusion that she was Pip's benefactor. On top of leading him on to be his benefactor Miss Havisham, old selfish women, later admits that she is the reason that he fell in love with Estella. Pip, being the gentleman reassures that he would have fallen in love with her anyways.