Pip's Profession of Love

Pip's Profession of Love

~Blog Post #4~

Topic A

8 May 2015

By: Brian Arata

Dickens has clearly let his readers know that Pip loves Estella. Everyone, including Estella, knows this; however, Pip has never told her before. Finally, in chapter 44 of Great Expectations, Pip tells Estella "I know. I have no hope that I shall ever call you mine Estella... Still, I love you. I gab loved you ever since I first saw you in this (Satis) house" (383). This profession of love by Pip shows the full development of the relationship between him and Estella. In this quote, Pip talks about the beginning of their relationship. At first, it is a struggle for him. He doesn't know how to read, he isn't educated at all, and he lives in the slums of his hometown Kent. He has no manners, and he is certainly not fit to be with Estella, yet, he still falls in love with her. From the very beginning of their relationship at the Satis house, Pip changes dramatically. He obviously comes upon an unexpected fortune, which completely turns his life around. He is sent to London to be educated and learn how to be a part of society. While he is in London, he has one encounter with Estella, marking a midpoint in their relationship. At this point, Pip has clearly changed from the last time Estella saw him. He now has manners, money, a job, and an education. Pip feels that he is finally ready to be a proper suitor for Estella; however, Estella does not feel the same way. Even though Pip has made significant progress, Estella is still clearly not ready to date him, and she tells him this. Even though Pip is discouraged, he does not give up. This leads to this quote, the final step in the relationship. Pip comes full-circle and professes his love for Estella. He is confident with his new manners an education, and he thinks that he can get her now. Estella does not feel the same way. She never wanted to date Pip, and now she lets him know that. Although this is a tough part of Pip’s relationship with Estella, the relationship is a symbol of Pip’s change throughout the entire novel.