Great Expectations- Everything Is Not as It Seems

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Great Expectations-Everything Is Not as It Seems Evidence is a key factor in fully understanding the true nature of relationships. In the novel Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, Pip, the main character, receives some advice from Mr. Jaggers, “ ‘Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There’s no better rule’ ”(334). Mr. Jaggers’ statement reinforces the theme of the novel, everything isn’t always what it appears to be, once Pip reveals the identity of Estella’s true parents and finds out who his true benefactor is. Pip uses evidence rather than physical appearances to determine the mysterious relationship between Molly, Magwitch, and Estella. Pip learns in Stage Three that Molly and Magwitch are the true parents of Estella. Pip, comments that Molly bears some resemblance to Estella, “I thought how one link of association had helped that identification in the theatre and how such a link, wanting before, had been riveted for me now, when I had passed by a chance swift from Estella’s name to the fingers with their knitting action, and attentive eyes. And I felt absolutely certain that this woman was Estella’s mother”(393). At this point Pip begins to think that Molly and Estella could be related. Pip bothered by the similarity in looks adheres to Mr. Jaggers advice and decides to find evidence to prove his theory true. Pip has a conversation with Herbert about Estella and Molly’s past. While Pip gathers evidence about Estella’s real parents from Herbert, he finds out that Estella’s father is Magwitch, when Herbert says to him, “ ‘This acquitted young woman [Molly] and Provis [Magwitch] had a little child, a little child whome Provis was exceedingly fond of’ ”(408). After Pip’s talk with Herbert, he is certain of Estella’s true parentage. Later in the novel, Pip decides to go to Mr. Jaggers with his findings. Mr. Jaggers admits to knowing about

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