Topic: G
April 20, 2015
by Debra Dunham
In Great
Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pip’s suit, though only mentioned briefly,
provides a relatable explanation of his life. A suit is typically worn to
appear more respectable at formal occasions or even to wear in the presence of
the Lord at Mass. In a similar way, Pip’s life is seemingly all about
respecting his sister who brought him “up by the hand,” gave him food, a
shelter, and life, yet she barely acknowledged him as being her own (13). Both
the suit and his sister create unpleasant times in which Pip is restricted. While
his suit literally restricts the “free use” of his of his body, his sister constrains
almost every other aspect of his life (23). From not being able to have light as he goes
up to bead, to being constantly reminded of the humility of his sister raising
him after his parent’s deaths, Pip doesn’t know the luxuries life can bring.
A nice suit also brings attention to the person
wearing it and often offers a good impression that can be left on the
surrounding people. Pip’s suit, on the other hand, does not offer this. Other
people treat Pip as less than him simply because he is an orphan, and is viewed
as “a young offender,” (22). He has no privileges, such as receiving a portion
of the money he earns, that even indicates that Pip is taken care of, except
for the fact that he is even alive, by his supposed family. His restricted life
is well demonstrated by his restraining suit in such a way that even modern
readers have a more relatable idea of Pip’s life.
Debra, I think that this is a wonderful comparison between Pip's suit and his life. It is very true that Pip's life is very restricting because of his older sister. Which is very similar to a suit like you have said, but I believe that his life is not entirely like a suit. Usually suits are very neat and well kept. Suits are exactly what they appear to be, but that is not the case for Pip. During the Holiday dinner, Pip was very anxious. He was fearful that his crime of stealing would be revealed. When Uncle Pumblechook drinks the Brandy, he thinks, “Oh Heavens, it has come at last!” (28). Pip is dying on the inside, but on the outside he is composed and calmly eating dinner with his family. They are unaware of what he is truly feeling and unlike a suit, they cannot see what is really the truth.
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