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Expectations And Greed

Decent Essays

Greed is a compelling force, a force that drives one to make drastic changes for better or worse. Greed can transform a person into a monster, but it can also teach one valuable lessons. In the short story “The Shoemaker and the Devil” by Anton Chekhov and Great Expectations by Charles Dickens greeds effects are exposed through the main characters. Although there are major character development differences, a greed for money and the feeling of otherness are both very prevalent themes in these stories. A common theme in Great Expectations and “The Shoemaker and the Devil” is a greed for wealth and higher social class. Both characters believe these are the only things that can bring happiness. Pip, the main character from Great Expectations believes, …show more content…

Pip learns from his life experiences, growing both emotionally and intellectually, while Fyodor, besides learning that money does not make life better, remains a static character. Pip states that “‘...it was clear that Biddy was immeasurably better than Estella, and that the plain honest working life to which I was born, had nothing in it to be ashamed of, but offered me sufficient means of self-respect and happiness’” (Dickens 148).Pip is learning to value things besides wealth and social status-such as simplicity and familiarity-which is an important step in his maturing process. Alongside with learning these valuable lessons, Pip attempts to mend his relationships. One of the people he tries to reconcile with is Joe, who says to Pip: “‘Which dear old Pip, old chap,’ said Joe, ‘you and me was ever friends. And when you're well enough to go out for a ride—what larks!’" (Dickens 497). Pip has made amends with Joe, he has gotten Joe to forgive him and take care of him. This is the kind of relationship that can only come from two people who care about each other, which didn’t seem to be the case between Pip and Joe until Pip matured. On the other hand, Fyodor is an unchanged man. In the beginning he is resentful and jealous of the rich, as shown here: “‘What is the reason, kindly tell me, that customers enjoy themselves while I am forced to sit and work for them? Because

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