11. Great Expectations

"'Pip, dear old chap, life is made of ever so many partings... Divisions among such must come, and must be met as they come" (223).

Through these words that Charles Dickens embeds within his novel, Great Expectations, it leads the reader thinking of his or her own life and how the wise words that Joe says to Pip is actually quite true and holds a lot of meaning. The message is clear to Pip that even if the lifestyle changes of an individual, it does not mean that the person has to change with it. Joe felt as though he had to change in order to be in the company of Pip, when in fact he realized that he should not have to change, and if he did, then it should be a goodbye for now. Joe did not feel comfortable being something he is not, and that is a powerful theme that plays throughout Charles Dickens' novel.