I made this picture because it represents the motif of doubles and duality. The major characters in the book all have an element of 2 personalities contained within. For example, Pip can be arrogant and irritating at one moment, then humble and thoughtful at another. Estella also has 2 different sides to her, the one controlled by Havisham and the one that is developing a free spirit. Sometimes these sides work in harmony, but more often than not, they are at odds with each other. Estella is constantly in conflict with the side that is controlled by Havisham, and resents the weight the shadow of her brings wherever she might be.

Great Expectations II

In the second stage of the novel, Pip moves to London with his newfound wealth. Like the title implies, he has great expectations of it. When he arrives, he is greeted by nothing but grimy streets and filthy people. For example, he is greeted by a man who offers to show him the legal system for a meager fee, but Pip opts to explore the public areas and sees disgusting sights including the execution area. On top of that, the people in London are divided by the class barrier. The higher class treats the lower class with contempt and disrespect because it is morally acceptable to do so.

Pip's expectations are indeed great, and his original vision of London was closer to a shining utopia than a dismal and grim city. London and its people don't live up to what Pip had in mind. He even expresses his distaste for the city on multiple occasions. All of this just goes to show that money and expectations don't go hand in hand. London is the center of civilization for that area with vast wealth, yet it is filled with squalor. Much like its citizens,  it contrasts wildly between absolute wealth and desolation and poverty. In fact, the city closely mirrors its inhabitants in more ways than one.

Pip Quote

Pip is most likely mentioning the events that come together and make you who you are. The first event or chain link can send you down a path that may differ wildly from the direction you want to go. You may not even realize the impact on your life until much later. Since Pip has the benefiet of hindsight, he can talk about these things objectively. Pip's attitude drastically changes in the later chapters because of a certain event that shaped who he is, just as much as any other. He starts to rebel against the class that he was born into, and dreams of a high class life. His character becomes more negative and judgemental. Not all of this is as simple as cause and effect. Pip is also going through adolescense and all the additude changes that come with. He is coming to terms with who he is as well as who he wants to be.

A long time ago, I stopped by a jewelry store with my dad and glanced their computer that controlled the mill. Of course it was shiny and powerful, and I knew as soon as I saw it that I wanted one like it. I started researching and sooner or later I was ready to get my computer. The next few years, I learmed more and more until I knew as much as I could. I built PCs for friends, did maintenace work, and even worked at a computer repair shop for a few days. Today, I consider myself an expert on computer hardware and it still is a passion of mine.