In the beginning
of the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pip and Joe share a
father-son relationship. Pip looks up to Joe and never wants to disappoint him.
He has a sense of “admiration” for Joe, and Pip knew that he looks up “to Joe
in [his] heart” (48). The two bond over their love-hate relationship with Mrs.
Joe, Pip’s older sister.
However, this all
changes when Pip meets Miss Havisham and is offered the opportunity to be a
lawyer’s apprentice. When Joe and Pip are invited to go to the Satis house, Pip
becomes self-conscious of his actions and is embarrassed that Joe will not
address Miss Havisham himself.
Their relationship
is slowly tearing apart and once Pip goes to London, it completely separates.
Biddy sends Pip a letter while he is in London explaining that Mr. Wopsle and
Joe are traveling to London and is wondering if perhaps Pip would like to meet
up Joe. After receiving the letter, Pip feels “some mortification” to the idea
of Joe’s dropping in (209). During his visit, Joe constantly calls Pip “Sir”
and explains to Pip that there is now a “diwision” between them (215).
Pip’s new
lifestyle is too luxurious for Joe to keep up with. The modifications in the
pair also demonstrate Pip’s new personality. The relationship of the two characters
changes drastically in just a few short characters from a close relationship to
a relationship that wants nothing to do with the other person. In the upcoming
chapters, it can be assumed that Mrs. Joe’s death will shape and define the
relationship further.
Elyse, you give some great insight and examples about how the relationship between Joe and Pip changes. I agree with your point that Mrs. Joe's death could bring them closer and reshape their relationship. When Pip goes back to Kent, I think he might realize what he's been missing while he's in London. It's possible that Pip will see how special and important Bitty and Joe are. Going back and seeing Joe and Bitty in his former home may make Pip realize how much they matter. The trip back to Kent also might make Pip realize that his life in London isn't all that great and that he's mistreating the people in his life that matter. On the other hand, Pip's relationship with Joe might not be effected at all by his sister's death. It's a possibility that going back could make him realize how much he loves his "new lifestyle". Pip returning to Kent could convince him that Joe and Bitty aren't important and he could completely eliminate them from his life. Either way, the relationships in Pip's life will be affected by the events the will occur after Mrs. Joe's death.
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