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In this extract, Joe says goodbye to Pip after visiting him in London - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 3
In this extract, Joe says goodbye to Pip after visiting him in London. 'But you are not going now, Joe?' 'Yes I am,' said Joe. 'But you are coming back to dinner... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In this extract, Joe says goodbye to Pip after visiting him in London - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
how Dickens presents Joe in this extract
Answer
In this extract, Charles Dickens presents Joe as a deeply caring and loyal character. He demonstrates his kindness through a touching farewell to Pip, acknowledging the nature of their relationship. Joe communicates with sincerity and humility, referring to Pip affectionately as 'dear old chap' and expressing his profound understanding of their circumstances.
Joe's reflection on life's various roles, comparing people to craftsmen, highlights his perspective on social class and personal identity. His discomfort in formal attire suggests his authenticity and humility, reinforcing his character as more than just a blacksmith. Instead, he represents the integrity and moral compass that contrasts with the societal expectations placed on them.
Furthermore, Joe’s emotional struggle is evident as he tries to articulate his feelings about leaving Pip. He admits to his faults, owning his identity as a working man while also expressing his inner dignity. This duality underscores his tragic nobility, revealing how he embodies a true, if understated, moral strength.
Step 2
how far Dickens presents Joe as a good role model to Pip in the novel as a whole
Answer
Throughout 'Great Expectations,' Dickens positions Joe as one of the most significant role models in Pip's life. His unwavering kindness and loyalty serve as a counterbalance to the more morally ambiguous influences Pip encounters. Joe's selflessness is vividly illustrated in moments like when he protects Pip from a beating, showing his willingness to put Pip's well-being above his own.
Additionally, Joe's generosity, such as paying off Pip's debts despite Pip's disrepancy, emphasizes his moral integrity. This act of kindness is emblematic of his character, which is consistently portrayed as embodying selflessness and compassion, attributes that Pip gradually learns to appreciate.
However, Pip's journey and social aspirations lead him to initially distance himself from Joe. This tension illustrates the societal pressures that complicate relationships, yet it is Joe’s genuine nature that ultimately guides Pip toward recognizing the true values of loyalty, honesty, and humility. Dickens ultimately portrays Joe as a beacon of goodness, representing the idea that true worth lies not in social status, but in character.