The Prodigal Son in Great Expectations Essay - 2744 Words

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is an elaborate retelling of the Biblical parable of the prodigal son (Ryken 157). It follows the life of Pip as he rises through and falls from society. He begins his life as an orphaned boy in a blacksmith’s home to become a young gentleman of â€Å"great expectations†. Pip forsakes the love and care of his guardian, Joe Gargery, for advancement in society. Misfortunes befall him; he loses all his wealth and he is forced to return to his home. Pip is the prodigal son who ungratefully leaves his home and squanders all his wealth. Joe Gargery is the loving father who patiently forbears and lovingly welcomes his boy back. Pip’s redemption is revealed in the novel. Great Expectations is a bildungsroman; it is†¦show more content†¦Joe armed with wrath and â€Å"Tickler† (Dickens 7). Joe wishes that Pip would not have to bear the brunt of â€Å"Tickler†; he wishes that he could â€Å"‘take it allâ₠¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬  himself (Dickens 51). Joe takes a kindly, brotherly interest in Pip; he and Pip share a â€Å"good-natured companionship† (Dickens 9). When Pip refrains from eating his bread and butter, which he intends to save for the convict, Joe believes that Pip has lost his appetite. Joe becomes â€Å"uncomfortable† and does not â€Å"enjoy† his food (Dickens 9). Joe often encourages and motivates Pip. When Pip presents Joe with his first specimen of writing, Joe declares that Pip is a â€Å"‘scholar’† (Dickens 73). When Pip complains about his commonness, Joe says that Pip is â€Å"‘oncommon’†. He wisely observes that â€Å"‘you must be a common scholar afore you can be a oncommon one’† (Dickens 73). Joe’s kindness and generosity also extends beyond his family. When the convict confesses that he stole some food from the blacksmith, Joe says that he is â€Å"‘welcome to it’†; he would not want even a convict to be â€Å"‘starved to death’† (Dickens 40). However, when Pip pays his first visit to Satis House, his loyalties began to shift (Kappel 116). Like the prodigal son, Pip becomes discontent with his humble origin and longs for a life of prestige. After only one visit to Miss Havisham, Pip already begins to feel discontent and ashamed. Estella’s prideful and scornful attitude makes him feel inferior. Estella derogatorilyShow MoreRelatedThe Theme Of Compassion Mercy1898 Words   |  8 Pagesinterpretation of Jesus’ actions and parables, in comparison to the other Gospels in the New Testament of the bible. I explore these major themes in Luke’s Gospel, in relation to the parables of â€Å"The Prodigal Son† (Luke 15:11-32), â€Å"The Good Samaritan† (Luke 10:25-37) and the miracle story of the â€Å"Widow’s Son at Nain† (Luke 7:11-17). I develop the connection of the significance of the themes in the scriptures and in the lives of the Early Christians. 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