Introduction
Lloyd Jones’s novel “Mister Pip” is a gripping story set on Bougainville Island, where a civil war is taking place as the backdrop to the main story. The narrator of this story is Matilda, who remembers her school days when Mr. Watts was her teacher. One of the essential motifs and symbols for the novel is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens.
“Mister Pip” not only has an allusion to the Dickens novel in the title, but the image of the book is also present in the story, often causing disputes, reflections, and discussions between the characters. Therefore, this paper analyzes the symbolism of Dickens’ Great Expectations in Lloyd’s novel, as well as the influence of this motif on the structure of the narrative of “Mister Pip.”
The Motif of Great Expectations
The image of Dickens’ novel Great Expectations is essential for the plot development and the characters’ personal growth throughout the story. This motif first appears in Mr. Watts’ class when the teacher suggests reading “the greatest novel by the greatest English writer of the nineteenth century, Charles Dickens” (Lloyd, 2007, p. 18). In the book’s first chapter, Matilda strongly connects with the main character, Dickens, and represents him as her real friend. The presence of “Great Expectations” as a recurring motif in the novel is essential. As Matilda and her community embrace this story, it becomes more than just a book; it becomes a lifeline, a source of inspiration, and a catalyst for personal growth.
The “Great Expectations” motif catalyzes the novel, provoking the plot’s development and the main characters. Initially, the islanders, especially Matilda’s mother, Dolores, resist Mr. Watts and his teachings on romance. For example, when Matilda becomes too engrossed in a book, Dolores takes the book away from her, which causes the girl to be disappointed. Matilda states, “It is hard to put into words my feelings of betrayal at that moment” because she expected support from her mother but received the opposite (Lloyd, 2007, p. 93). As they immerse themselves in history, their views change, and they begin to see the world and themselves differently. “Great Expectations” arouses curiosity, encourages introspection, and encourages characters to question their lives and aspirations. It kindles a desire for something more, something beyond their immediate reality.
Moreover, the events in the novel take place against the backdrop of an ongoing civil war. Still, Great Expectations helps to distract from what is happening and transform their reality into something new. As the characters get carried away with the novel, they are transported to another time and place, far removed from the violence and hardships they face. Reading becomes an act of release, allowing them to momentarily transcend their circumstances and find solace in the world of imagination. It culminates in an episode in which the redskins are convinced that Pip is a natural person and a rebel hiding on an island (Lloyd, 2007). This results in houses being destroyed and burned by soldiers looking for Pip.
“Great Expectations” is often at the center of controversy among the island’s inhabitants. People blame Mr. Watts and the book for their troubles, which leads to a new plot twist. Dickens’ novel is both a stumbling block and a unifying element for the island’s inhabitants. While the adults argue, Mr. Watts’ class decides to restore the destroyed book by assembling it from the elements they can remember (Lloyd, 2007). This shared interaction with literature creates a sense of unity and solidarity between the characters, promoting empathy and understanding.
Motif’s Symbolism
Dickens’ novel has much symbolism in the story, and the characters of Lloyd, including Matilda and Mr. Watts, can be compared to Dickens’ protagonist just as Pip goes through his journey of self-discovery and social expectations in Dickens’ novel, the characters in “Mister Pip” experience a similar search for identity and empowerment. The “Great Expectations” motif in “Mister Pip” symbolizes literature’s hope, resilience, and transformative power. The novel’s characters, living in a war-torn and isolated community, find solace and inspiration in Pip’s story.
The image of “Great Expectations” personifies a glimmer of optimism and faith in the possibility of a bright future, even under challenging circumstances. It symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and the ability to imagine a better life beyond the hardships they face. When children read Great Expectations in class, they can take their minds off the war around them. Therefore, the novel symbolizes the peace and stability that people need in difficult moments. It is noteworthy that once the class finishes reading Great Expectations, the civil war ceases to be just a background but comes directly into the lives of the island’s inhabitants, bringing destruction.
Moreover, “Great Expectations” is a general collective image of literature and its positive influence on a person. Great books can create a new reality for readers, evoke sincere emotions, and contribute to personal development. Through the image of “Great Expectations,” the characters of “Mister Pip” grow and transform. Through involvement in the novel, they gain strength, empathy, and a sense of self. The power of literature to shape lives and open up new possibilities is emphasized throughout the story by “Great Expectations.”
Motif Influence on the Structure of the Narrative
“Great Expectations” significantly impacted Lloyd’s novel’s organization and the plot’s development. First, the narrative in “Mister Pip” follows the form of a Dickensian novel, where the hero tells a story that happened to them some time ago. Second, “Great Expectations” is a plot-creating element of the novel. This image appears at essential moments in the story, reinforcing its symbolic weight and deepening its impact on characters and readers.
The recurring presence of Great Expectations ties together various storylines, character arcs, and themes to create a cohesive narrative. It provides a common thread that connects the characters’ experiences and highlights the importance of literature in their lives. Moreover, “Great Expectations” are the main reason for the main plot twists in the novel, including changes in the relationship between the characters, the degree of distance of the war from the characters’ lives, and their reflections leading to personal growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Great Expectations significantly influenced both the creation of Mr. Pip and its plot. As one of the vital plot-creating motifs in Lloyd’s novel, it performs many functions in developing the plot and characters. Moreover, the deep symbolism of this motif makes it possible to understand better the characters seeking calm and peace during the ongoing war. The book symbolizes hope, and Lloyd’s characters have as high expectations for the future as Dickens’. “Great Expectations” is the central element of the narrative that pulls all the “Mister Pip” events together into a single story.
Reference
Jones, L. (2007). Mister Pip. John Murray.