I fell behind in my reading, so this is definately a later post than I intended.
I love the colorful language that Dickens uses in the novel. It helps to create an image of the characters and making them more realistic to the reader. I found myself going over passages again and again, just to try and correctly interpret the meanings behind the conversation. I poured over the phrase "raised by hand" with a lot of humor in mind. The play on words was absolutely perfectly played.
My favorite character in this novel in Joe. He is such a pure soul who has wonderfully good intentions for his wife and their charge. When Pip first works for Joe, Joe reiterates that his wife is a good woman. Pip won't repeat the phrase back to Joe, he just sits quietly. The comic of that scene sets the scene for Joe's future. After the "accident" with the wife, Joe continues to support her needs and, the reader assumes, stays faithful to her until her death. When Joe ends up with the nice, sweet girl the reader is satisfied that Joe got his just rewards.
I agree with you that Joe was one of my favorites as well. His dedication to Pip is genuine. He loves his wife even if she is a little difficult to live with. Joe is a loving man who I believe is at least satisfied with his life. I'm glad that in the end he finds someone who is caring, is willing to take care of him for a change and that he can have a real relationship with. I believe that Joe really does care about Pip and only wants the best for him.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree that Joe was my favorite, as well. He was so blissfully ignorant, and just an all around glass is half-full kind of guy. He didn't wallow in a worthless marriage or cry about his lack of education. He was who he was and he didn't try to be anyone else. It's like karma....good things come to those who deserve it and Joe definately deserved it.
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