While Pip's relationship and view of Joe's friendship
does, indeed, undergo changes as Pip's values alter, from Joe's perspective, there is
absolutely no alteration in feelings or attitude toward Pip. Even while Pip is a child,
Joe has respect for Pip, complimenting him on being an "oncommon scholar." He protects
and cares for Pip at every turn. When Pip bemoans being "common" and having coarse
hands and boots, Joe explains that Pip is not at all common in his heart. Then, when
Pip is embarrassed by Joe on his London visit and neglects to visit when he is near the
forge, Joe's love is constant. Rushing to aid the burned Pip, who expresses his
guilt--"Tell me of my ingratitude"--this friend
replies,
"Which dear old Pip, old chap,...you and me was
ever friends. And when you're well enough to go out for a ride--what
larks!"
Constant in his
friendship for Pip, Joe's words of love echo like a refrain through the entirety of
Great Expectations by Charles
Dickens.
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