Using insight into historaical, social and cultural context write an Essay

Using insight into historaical, social and cultural context write an regarding the expectations of pip in Charles Dickens 'Great expectaions - Essay Example He develops unrealistic expectations which lead him to develop undesirable traits. However, the resulting disappointments turn him more mature and responsible. In the beginning, Pip is so vulnerable crying â€Å""Oh! Dont cut my throat, sir, O pray.....† (p.3) when the convict Magwitch catches him in the churchyard. His situation is so desperate as he stands looking at the graves of seven members of his family; being an orphan, without family and friends, he stands alone in the world. In such a position, Pip longs to improve himself setting expectations. He admires Joe, the blacksmith and has "a new sensation of feeling conscious that I was looking up to Joe in my heart" (p.4). However, his admiration soon turns into indifference as he starts develop unrealistic expectations. Some of his expectations are educational, moral and social. The change starts coming upon him on his meeting Mrs. Havisham and Estella. Pip, who has admired Joe and the working class life, starts noticing the difference between classes. He thinks regretfully, â€Å"I was a common labouring-boy; that my hands were coarse; that my boots were thick; and generally that I was in a low-lived bad way" (p. 27). He loves Estella and yearns to marry her; however, he faces the truth that he is poor, ignorant and realises the difference between moral and immoral behaviour. He is idealistic which causes him to have a very narrow view of the world. So, he sometimes acts rude to people who actually care for him. He goes by the face value, which leads to disappointments. When Mr. Jaggers tells Pip about the great expectations that they have placed on him, he thinks that Miss Havisham is going to spend her fortune and expects that Mrs. Havisham is his benefactor, but when he realises the truth that he had been so long supported by a convict, he is unable to take it. However, later he comes to learn the human qualities of