The Mists

In Great Expectations, the mists are a significant symbol throughout Pip’s adventures. Their dark, mysterious characteristics symbolize changes Pip will experience, often becoming almost another character in itself. As a young boy, when Pip goes out to give his convict food, the mists were so thick they “seemed…like a phantom” to him, weighing down his already guilty conscience (Dickens 17). When Pip was with the convict, later known to be Magwitch, he sees another escaped convict that “the mist had shrouded”, foreshadowing an importance to this other convict. The mists also symbolize a change in Pip’s life when he is leaving home, headed for his life as a wealthy gentleman. The mists “had all solemnly risen”, demonstrating his new direction in life, leaving behind his past (Dickens 177). After Pip experiences many trials, including losing a dear friend, Magwitch, and losing all his fortunes, Pip returns to his humble beginnings. While meeting with Estella, they decide to be friends; and with the mists rising around them, in “all the broad expanse of tranquil light they showed” Pip sees “no shadow of another parting from her” (Dickens 539). The mists symbolize a positive, certain ending to Pip’s life with Estella, leaving them forever friends and united in companionship, which is what Pip has always wanted.

What other symbols do you notice in the novel?