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Theme Of Social Class In Great Expectations

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Great Expectations by Charles Dickens explores multiple themes, however one of the most vital to both the story and the protagonist, Pip, is that of social class. It is central to the novel because it is what the novel is based around. What advantages being a part of an upper class society has compared to the little opportunities that those in lower social classes have. Hence, Pip wants to become a wealthy gentleman and escape his current social class.However, at the start of the novel Pip was entirely oblivious to what a social class was and it was only after he was introduced to Estella that he was awakened to the truth and harshness of how superficicial the world was and ended up falling for it and dreamed of becoming a gentleman Pip ends up getting his dream of being a gentleman come true by being funded by an unknown donor. However, while he is learning what it is like to be a wealthy gentleman, he also learn a lot more about the lifestyle than just mannerisms and way of speech.

Social Class’ role is to show where the barriers are for people of separate classes. “‘Abroad,’ said Miss Havisham; ‘educating for a lady; far out of reach; prettier than ever; admired by all who see her. Do you feel that you have lost her?” (Dickens 205). It symbolizes the difference in life patterns and opportunities and it was also what determined the level of education that the person had gotten. Joe, for example, had no education because he just a blacksmith and of the lower class.

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