How are Pip and Mrs. Pocket alike? This question might seem peculiar at first glance, as Charles Dickens’ characters, Pip from “Great Expectations” and Mrs. Pocket from “David Copperfield,” seem to be worlds apart in terms of their personalities and backgrounds. However, upon closer examination, we can find several similarities that link these two seemingly dissimilar characters together.
In the first place, both Pip and Mrs. Pocket are characters who are deeply influenced by their environments. Pip, coming from a poor background, aspires to rise in society and improve his station in life. Similarly, Mrs. Pocket, who is wealthy and comes from a prestigious family, is constantly striving to maintain her status and ensure that her family remains well-respected. This desire to preserve and improve their social status is a driving force in both characters’ lives.
Moreover, both Pip and Mrs. Pocket are characterized by their strong sense of loyalty and devotion. Pip is fiercely loyal to Joe Gargery, his adoptive brother, and Joe reciprocates this loyalty, even when Pip becomes a gentleman. Similarly, Mrs. Pocket is devoted to her son, David Copperfield, and is willing to go to great lengths to ensure his happiness and success. This loyalty is a central aspect of both characters’ relationships with those they care about.
Another similarity between Pip and Mrs. Pocket is their complex relationships with their parents. Pip’s father is abusive and alcoholic, which contributes to his desire to escape his home and family. Mrs. Pocket, on the other hand, is estranged from her own family due to her husband’s actions. Both characters are shaped by their difficult relationships with their parents, which in turn influences their own behavior and choices.
Lastly, both Pip and Mrs. Pocket are characters who undergo significant personal growth throughout the course of the novels. Pip’s transformation from a naive and ambitious boy to a mature and compassionate man is a central theme of “Great Expectations.” Similarly, Mrs. Pocket’s journey from a proud and sometimes cold woman to a more compassionate and understanding mother is a key element of “David Copperfield.” This growth and self-discovery are common threads that connect these two characters.
In conclusion, while Pip and Mrs. Pocket may seem to be very different characters, they share several similarities that highlight their shared human experiences. Their desire for social status, loyalty, complex relationships with their parents, and personal growth are all elements that make them alike. These connections serve to enrich the tapestry of Dickens’ literary world and remind us that, despite our differences, we are all bound by the common threads of our humanity.
