Written in 1860, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a fascinating book and can be considered to be one of Dickens's greatest works. Dickens is known for his great writing style which incorporates lots of detail and frameworks of different reoccurring themes. Many themes can be noticed in the book Great Expectations however, one that stands out the most is the theme of love. It can be said that Great Expectations is a treatise on love which one recognizes through the different characters in the book. The theme of love reoccurs throughout the novel and is represented differently through Joe who represents love, Estella who represents lovelessness and Mrs. Havisham who represents selfishness.
Joe is the only completely good hearted and sympathetic character in the book. He is forgiving, kind, understanding, and most of all loving. He loves Pip especially more than anything. Joe is the example of what love is in the book. Dickens makes Joe the representation of goodness in the novel. When Pip leaves for London to become a gentlemen he doesn't return very often and is snobbish towards Joe. Pip believes that Joe is common and this makes Pip feel uncomfortable around him. Joe's poor manners seem to embarrass Pip when Joe comes to visit him in London. It is an awkward situation and Joe feels out of place. "life is made of ever so many partings welded together Diwisions among such must come, and must be met as they come. If there's been any fault at all to-day, its mine. You and me is not two figures to be together in London Im wrong in these clothes" (pg 224). Pip's snobbish attitude toward Joe is undeserved by Joe. He makes it clear that he feels out of place in the clothes he is wearing and implies that Pip is more then he will ever become. Joe still expresses his love for Pip though and shows that he will always feel love for Pip. After Pip treats Joe so badly he feels extremely guilty and doesn't know what to do.
