In Charles Dickens’ classic novel, “Great Expectations,” the protagonist, Pip, undergoes a transformative journey from a humble blacksmith’s apprentice to a gentleman of great expectations. Throughout the novel, Pip’s thoughts and experiences are reflected through his poignant and thought-provoking quotes. These quotes not only reveal Pip’s inner struggles, but also provide insights into the themes of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of social status. In this article, we have compiled a collection of great expectations quotes by Pip that will inspire and resonate with readers.
Read these Great Expectations quotes Pip
“I was always treated as if I had insisted on being born in opposition to the dictates of reason, religion, and morality, and against the dissuading arguments of my best friends.”
“It is a most miserable thing to feel ashamed of home. There may be black ingratitude in the thing, and the punishment may be retributive and well-deserved; but that it is a miserable thing, I can testify.”
“What I had never seen before, was the saddened, softened light of the once proud eyes; what I had never felt before, was the friendly touch of the once insensible hand.”
“I had been shut up in these rooms for a day or two, and had not gone out into the streets yet, when I saw that the young gentleman was getting up in a black gown and a white neckerchief, and was going out.”
“I had never parted from him before, and what with my feelings and what with soapsuds, I could at first see no stars from the chaise-cart. But they twinkled out one by one, without throwing any light on the questions why on earth I was going to play at Miss Havisham’s, and what on earth I was expected to play at.”
“I had never thought of being ashamed of my hands before; but I began to consider them a very indifferent pair. Her contempt for me was so strong, that it became infectious, and I caught it.”
“She reserved it for me to restore the desolate house, admit the sunshine into the dark rooms, set the clocks a-going and the cold hearths a-blazing, tear down the cobwebs, destroy the vermin—in short, do all the shining deeds of the young Knight of romance, and marry the Princess.”
“I tried to determine whether I felt any scruple in referencing to Joe in any way, and whether it was possible to avoid doing so, and still to answer his inquiries truly. I resolved to mention a test I had applied to myself when he was last here, and which had seemed to me to be a strong one.”
“I was always treated as if I had insisted on being born in opposition to the dictates of reason, religion, and morality, and against the dissuading arguments of my best friends.”
“I had thought of going down to the village and getting some, to put them into a basket, which I could bring no other way, but I had time to think of it.”
“I had known, from the time when I could speak, that my sister, in her capricious and violent coercion, was unjust to me.”
“I would not have gone back to Joe now, I would not have gone back to Biddy now, for any consideration; simply, I suppose, because my sense of my own worthless conduct to them was greater than every consideration.”
“I think Joe must have wondered what I had done to the house to bring the down upon me, and why I had never had the courage to tell him of my loss. But I could scarcely think of that, then.”
“I was not at all remorseful for having unwittingly set those other branches of the Pocket family to the poor arts they practised, because such littlenesses were their natural bent, and would have been evoked by anybody else, if I had left them slumbering.”
“I had no aversion to the idea of being shot at, for the first time in my life. It held several reasons for being the best thing to do in the circumstances, and I wished I had begun it.”
“I had a ridiculous fancy that he must be with a tall hat on, in a round room, like a concert-room, and so surrounded by music-stands and beer-glasses, that he shouldn’t be able to see me, and I might play at him. I had quite a large collection of my “own particular plays” that I had worked at through a series of years.”
“I had heard of Miss Havisham up town—everybody for miles around, had heard of Miss Havisham up town—as an immensely rich and grim lady who lived in a large and dismal house barricaded against robbers, and who led a life of seclusion.”
“I was not at all remorseful for having unwittingly set those other branches of the Pocket family to the poor arts they practised, because such littlenesses were their natural bent, and would have been evoked by anybody else, if I had left them slumbering.”
“I had no aversion to the idea of being shot at, for the first time in my life. It held several reasons for being the best thing to do in the circumstances, and I wished I had begun it.”
“I had a ridiculous fancy that he must be with a tall hat on, in a round room, like a concert-room, and so surrounded by music-stands and beer-glasses, that he shouldn’t be able to see me, and I might play at him. I had quite a large collection of my “own particular plays” that I had worked at through a series of years.”
These great expectations quotes by Pip provide a glimpse into the complex and emotional journey that he embarks upon. From the challenges of social expectations to the conflicts within his own conscience, Pip’s quotes capture the essence of his character and the themes explored in the novel. Whether you are a fan of Dickens’ work or simply seeking inspiration, these quotes are sure to resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact.
