Characterization in "Great Expectations".
In the book Great Expectations, Charles Dickens uses many forms of characterization to reveal his characters. He uses these methods on a female named Estella. Charles Dickens uses direct, and indirect characterization. By using theses methods he proves that Estella is a beautiful, cruel, and that she conducts herself without emotion.
Estella is a beautiful woman, and she captures the eye of Pip right from the start. Charles Dickens shows proof of Estella's beauty through Pip. When Ms. Havisham asks Pip what he thinks of Estella ,he says "I think she is very pretty." (pg. 692).Pip is surprised to see that Estella can be so beautiful ,and still be so cruel. Her beauty captures Pip, and makes him think that he loves her.
Estella has a great deal of cruelty , especially to Pip. The author proves this trough indirect characterization when Estella says, "You little coarse monster, what do you think of me now?" . She says this this right after she slaps him on the face .(pg.698). The author uses direct characterization when he shows how Pip describes the way that Estella speaks in a "taunting manner". (pg698)Estella only has this cruelty because she has been reared by Ms. Havisham to have revenge on the entire male sex. But she seems to struggle with it.
Estella also has a conduct with very little emotion. Estella , with her alternating cruelty and kindness confuses Pip. One minute she is nice, as shown in the scene where she says, "You may kiss me if you like." (pg.702).She continues to do this and leaves Pip in love with her.She continually warns Pip as if she does not want to hurt him. But this does not stop Pip. Ms. Havisham raises her to be like this ,as she has been doing since Estella was three years old.
Dickens show all throughout the book that Estella is a cruel and beautiful woman, but the cruelty is not the true Estella.
