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Explore how Dickens presents the relationship between Joe and Pip in this extract - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explore how Dickens presents the relationship between Joe and Pip in this extract. Give examples from the extract to support your ideas. (b) In this extract, Joe s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explore how Dickens presents the relationship between Joe and Pip in this extract - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 2 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explore how Dickens presents the relationship between Joe and Pip in this extract.
Answer
In this passage from Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, Joe's relationship with Pip is illustrated through their interactions and dialogue. Joe's loyalty and care for Pip are evident even in a setting dominated by Miss Havisham's authority. He is presented as a supportive figure, sometimes overshadowed by Pip's aspirations and Miss Havisham's influence.
The language used indicates Joe's gentle nature, referring to their shared history and friendship, emphasizing the bond they have built despite class differences. Joe's manner of addressing Pip, along with the underlying respect he maintains throughout the conversation, highlights the depth of their relationship.
Moreover, Pip's internal conflict is suggested through the narrative voice, showcasing his complex feelings toward Joe as he navigates his newfound social aspirations while still feeling a deep-rooted connection to his past. This extract serves as a microcosm of their evolving relationship, reflecting both the loyalty Joe embodies and the ambivalence Pip experiences as he strives to reconcile his past with his future.
Step 2
Explain why friendship is important elsewhere in the novel.
Answer
Friendship plays a critical role in Great Expectations, impacting character development and thematic exploration. It signifies loyalty, morality, and social connections, influencing not only individual characters but also the larger narrative arc.
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Characters who are friends: The relationship between Pip and Joe is foundational. Joe's unwavering support highlights the significance of authentic friendship, as Pip grapples with the influence of wealth and social status on his identity. Similarly, Pip's friendship with Herbert Pocket reflects a journey of mutual growth and aspiration.
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How friendship is demonstrated: Throughout the novel, Dickens juxtaposes true friendship against superficial relationships. For instance, Pip's interactions with Estella showcase a longing for connection that is unreciprocated. In contrast, moments of camaraderie with Joe and Herbert serve to reinforce the moral compass that guides Pip’s transformation, ultimately suggesting that genuine friendships offer comfort and stability amidst turmoil.
In essence, friendship in Great Expectations serves as a lens through which Dickens critiques social dynamics while celebrating the enduring human connection.