Saturday, September 3, 2011

How does Dickens use a character name to reflect their personalities or position in life?

Another example is Joe and Mrs. Joe.  His sister doesn't have her own name, and Pip never seems close with her in the language he uses.  Of course, she doesn't encourage this by beating him and forcing him to do chores, etc.  There is no love lost there between them.  So, she is to her brother nothing much more than "Joe's wife".  Joe is more of a loving and understanding figure to him than his own sister is.

Plus, Joe is the blacksmith.  I am reminded of the saying, "A regular Joe."  Joe, the character, fits this.  He is common, uneducated, but has a huge heart.  He is loving, understanding, and is able to teach Pip about life and relationships even though Joe himself does not know how to read, write, or other academic endeavors.

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