Wrapping Up Great Expecations

Throughout all three stages of the novel, one main message has been communicated. This message is that friends and family are more important than money and a high social status. This message is portrayed in Pip's life as he acquires his expectations and becomes a gentleman in London. When he first meets Estella and Miss Havisham, he becomes ashamed of who he is and what his life is. He becomes dissatisfied with everything he has and even the people he loves. He longs to be of a higher social status and have more money. But when he does receive this, he finds that it doesn't provide the happiness he desired. His endless supply of cash not only makes him unhappy, but it separates him from those who love him, like Joe and Biddy. Pip finally does learn this lesson in stage three when he sees that his relationships are more important than his social standing. He and Joe become friends again and he even becomes friends with Estella. He is reunited with his old self and it brings a satisfying conclusion to the novel. This lesson is what the reader wants Pip to understand from the beginning of his expectations and he finally does.