Great Expectations, a renowned Bildungsroman novel written by one of the greatest novelist of the Victorian Era, Charles Dickens, is a narrative surrounding the life of the orphan, Philip Pirrip (nickname Pip), who is hand-raised by a hot-tempered sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery. Beginning with a scene of Pip visiting his deceased parents and siblings in the graveyard, the novel creates tension by depicting a hungry and lame convict who threatens to kill Pip if he doesn’t bring back tools and food. This scene provides insights on the harshness and the realities of poverty in Victorian England; with the man’s intimidation and the fear of getting caught in the Hulks in penalty of robbing, Pip begins his stage of moral development. Throughout the novel, two prominent characters, Joe Gargery, Pip’s brother-in-law, and Pumblechook, Joe’s uncle, emerge as distinct individuals with contrasting backgrounds, personalities, and influences on the life of the protagonist, Pip. With Joe depicted as a kind, selfless, and naive character who positively influences and supports Pip in his growth. Pumblechook, conversely, is characterized as pompous and self-serving, negatively affecting Pip’s moral development. These two characters serve as important figures in shaping Pip’s values, decisions, and ultimately his journey towards maturity.
Although Mr. Pumblechook is Joe Gargery’s uncle and they come from the same family, these characters have very dissimilar backgrounds. Joe, a humble back smith, comes from modest beginnings. His life is defined by simplicity and hard work. Being married to Pip’s sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery, he lives a contented life despite lacking formal education or social status. His character shines through his genuine nature and compassionate heart. For instance, his marriage to Pip’s sister exemplifies his commitment to family and community; his love to Pip is blended in the likeliness of a father, brother, and a friend. On the other hand, Mr. Pumblechook’s background is intertwined with aspirations of upward mobility. As the local seedsman, he constantly seeks associating with those of higher social standing. He hails from a more affluent background and is involved in trade, exuding self-importance and social climbing. He tells Mrs. Joe—as she is known—how heroic she is to have raised Pip, exemplifying how he flatters people to gain favor and advance his own status. Ultimately, Pumblechook’s aspirations align with the values of social ambition and material success prevalent in Victorian society, reflecting his opportunistic nature.
The stark contrast between Joe and Mr. Pumblechook extends to their personalities and characteristics. Joe is known for his unwavering loyalty, kindness, and selflessness. When Joe was first introduced in the novel, he is portrayed as “mild, good-natured, sweet-tempered, easy-going, foolish, dear fellow.” (Dickens, 2) Joe possesses a genuine and gentle nature, prioritizing others’ well-being over personal gain. Through his behaviors, we can easily discover both his physical strength and his gentle, patient, and emotional side. Joe is a character with a strong sense of identity, he knows who he is and he has no desire to pretend to be who he isn’t. Joe’s kindness is illustrated in his intervention of Pip’s upbringing.
"But I did mind you, Pip," he returned, with tender simplicity. "
When I offered to your sister to keep company, and to be asked in
church at such times as she was willing and ready to come to the
forge, I said to her, 'And bring the poor little child. God bless the
poor little child,' I said to your sister, 'there's room for him at
the forge!'" (Dickens, 7)
This exemplifies Joe’s genuine and caring nature, as he shows care and concern for Pip though he is not his child. Conversely, Mr. Pumblechook is characterized by ostentatiousness, opportunism, and superficiality. He often displays condescension and insincerity, driven by the desire for social advancement and recognition. Portrayed by pompous and self-serving, or even the most indelible description of him “with a mouth like a fish,” Mr. Pumblechook is a man who values appearances and social status over genuine relationships and compassion. His personality reflects the shallow values of the society in which he operates, starkly contrasting with Joe’s selflessness and kind nature.
The contrasting influences of Joe and Mr. Pumblechook on Pip illustrates the profound impact of their characters on the protagonist’s development. Joe Gargery serves as a positive, stabilizing force in Pip’s life, as he provides unconditional love, support, and guidance in Pip’s growth. He encourages Pip to embrace kindness, empathy, and the value of goodness over wealth or status. Throughout Pip’s growth, Joe not only acts as a role of brother, but also father and friend. He teaches him moral values and helps shape his character in a positive way. For instance, when Pip confesses that he actually made up stories about what went on at Miss Havisham’s, and that he does not want to be “common” anymore.
"…lies is lies. Howsoever they come, they didn't ought to come,
and they come from the father of lies, and work round to the
same. Don't you tell no more of ‘em, Pip. That ain't the way to get
out of being common, old chap…If you can't get to be uncommon
through going straight, you'll never get to do it through going
crooked." (Dickens, 9)
Joe rebuked Pip after his confession, saying how he cannot be uncommon by telling lies, showing his integrity and belief in the value of moral character, serving as a reminder to Pip of the importance of staying truthful to oneself and others. In contrast, Pumblechook’s influence on Pip is largely negative. His impact is characterized by condescension, shallowness, and a focus on external affairs. Pumblechook represents the societal pressures and expectations that drive Pip to aspire to higher social status, even leading to him feeling ashamed of Joe when he was measuring up to Estella’s lofty standards. He nudges Pip toward a mindset of social climbing and materialistic pursuits, highlighting the negative impact of superficial influences of Pip’s growth.
Written by the father of the Victorian Era, Great Expectations is a novel that explores the complexities of personal growth. The portrayal of the two diverse characters Joe and Mr. Pumblechook serves as a powerful contrast in terms of background, personalities, and influence on Pip. Joe’s unwavering kindness and moral integrity stand in stark relief against Pumblechook’s opportunism and superficiality. Joe is a character poor in materialistic wealth, but rich in forbearance, forgiveness, and selflessness. He has great self confidence and never pretends to be who he isn’t and always teaches Pip to become one who has moral probity. Pumblechook is one who’s never satisfied with himself, and always desires for a higher social status. He utilizes Pip and everyone around him as tools to climb up, marked by his selfishness and ostentatiousness. The presence of these characters highlights the impact of social integrity, social class,and genuine human relation in shaping one’s life. Through the stark contrast emsbodied by Joe and Mr. Pumblechook, Dickens emphasizes the importance of authenticity and morality in a society surrounded by others who are driven by materialistic pursuits.
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