After I finished reading the novel, I looked back and reread the first couple of pages, paying attention to small details. In doing so, I came across the passage in which Pip reveals the location of the marshlands in which he lives. Nothing seemed too far out of the ordinary until I read a footnote that stated that Pip's home was in the lowlands east of London. At that, I perked up. Pip is east of London. In the Old Testament story of Cain and Abel, after murdering his brother, Cain is exiled to the Land of Nod, which is east of Eden. Cain settles in a land that is east of where he should be, east of where he was designed to be. Also found in the Old Testament is the story of Jonah. Jonah is sent by God to go to Nineveh, but instead, Jonah refuses and charters a ship bound for Tarshish. Tarshish, many historians believe, is located hundreds of miles east of Nineveh, again, we find a man east of where he should be. In Great Expectations, Pip believes that he needs to be in London instead of the marshlands east of London. He feels that he should be in and was designed for London, but instead, he finds himself east of it. Any thoughts on this subject?
1 comment:
Initially, I thought your comparison between Jonah and Pip was a little far-fetched. However, after thinking about it, there are quite a few similarities. Going along with what you have already mentioned, Pip and Jonah both have their longings out of selfish desires. Pip wants to better himself as a gentlemen and advance in society, whereas Jonah longs to not only stay safe, but avoids Ninevah because of selfish prejudices against the Ninevites. Also, both endure struggles while avoiding their true callings. It takes momentous situations, however, to fully grasp their attention and make them turn back. For Pip, it is losing Magwitch and becoming seriously ill to realize his mistakes. For Jonah, it is being swallowed by a whale and living inside of it for three days. After this, both turned back to their real purpose. Because of this comparison, the argument can also be made that Joe and Jesus are alike as well, as made in other blogs.
I like this subject, I honestly never would have noticed the similarities myself. Kudos to you! :)
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