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.
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