The Role of Biddy in Great Expectations [Essay Example] by GradesFixer
close
test_template

The Role of Biddy in Great Expectations

Human-Written
download print

About this sample

About this sample

close
Human-Written

Words: 879 |

Pages: 2|

5 min read

Updated: 16 January, 2025

Essay grade:
Good
arrow downward Read Review

Words: 879|Pages: 2|5 min read

Updated: 16 January, 2025

Essay grade:
Good
arrow downward Read Review

Biddy is introduced early in Great Expectations and is mentioned regularly throughout, though she is not one of the major characters. She does, however, serve as a constant reminder to Pip of what he is leaving behind and, as she is more of a peer of Pips because of her intellect and age, she allows Pip an opportunity to articulate his thoughts more candidly and thoroughly at key points in the story. Dickens uses Biddy as a vehicle for many points made throughout the book and she largely represents the opposite of Estella and Pip in different ways. Biddy has a very aware tone when she is talking with Pip as though she understands and accepts all that will and has transpired (depending on which point of the novel is being examined) with an air of fatalism. Biddy is the sensible contrast to Pip’s immature idealism that is brought about by his infatuation with Estella and the upper class in general. Pip represents a very Romantic standpoint throughout much of the novel (until he comes to his ultimately Victorian realizations) and Biddy represents the pragmatic Victorianism. Ultimately, Dickens would not have been able to make as poignant of a point at the end of the novel if he did not have a character like Biddy—one who Pip recognized as intelligent, pretty, moral, and loving—slip through Pip’s fingers.

Pip’s realization that being a part of the upper class had no inherent value finally came after many years of neglecting the people who cared about him. Though Pip was a naturally kind hearted individual he was driven by an intense infatuation that began at an early age and was nurtured by false presumptions and convenient and misleading circumstances throughout the novel. There is no lack of evidence of Pip’s good nature, he helps Herbert Pocket by secretly buying him into a business, he ends up seeing the good in Magwitch and tries to help him as much as he can, and he seems to love everyone who loves him, but his Romantic ideals prevent him from being good to the people who love him and cause him to fall into a lifestyle in which he is not productive and enjoys wanton excess. It is strange to watch him change thus from his modest and moral beginnings and Biddy is a constant symbol of how Pip could have turned out had he not been influenced by Miss Havisham and Estella at such a young age. Pip’s kindhearted nature would never have been distorted with foolish dreams and fruitless infatuations if he had never left the forge to play at Satis House. He would have been happy to grow up among Joe and Biddy as a blacksmith, but in his first meeting with Estella he was made to judge himself through his comparison to her. John Stuart Mill could have written this allegorical scene as Pip for the first time in his life begins to question his own worth and the worth of his class because he was for the first time presented with something different.

As Biddy and Pip come to know each other more as they get older Biddy is obviously Pip’s antithesis in many ways. She remains humble because she was never introduced to the upper class and never proposed any “great expectations.” She seems to have been in love with Pip before he goes off to London, though she accepts the fact that Pip does not love her with a stoic calm. On a more reasonable level than Pip’s infatuation will allow him to fully realize he knows that he loves Biddy in a very sincere and rational way. He recognizes her worth and her virtues and he compares them to Estella’s meanness and coldness. He knows that biddy is the better choice of the two, but she is also a choice he can not allow himself to make. Pip thinks this very thing to himself while talking with Biddy out on the marshes as she prophetically watches ships sail by them. Biddy, being wise, knows that Pip is lost to her and that their figurative ship has sailed. By having the comparison between Biddy and Estella available Dickens has his protagonist not simply make a bad choice, but make a bad choice in the face of a perfect choice. He chooses infatuation over what could have been a deep and sincere loving relationship with Biddy.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

Dickens uses Biddy to make Pip’s realizations upon his failure in and disillusionment of the upper class all the more powerful. Biddy is the salt in Pip’s wound, she is the ship that sailed from him. She plays a huge role in advancing the power of Dickens’ message against foolish idealistic dreams and impractical hopes. She is so admiringly simple and honest and pure while the high society that Pip chooses over her is so disappointing and, at times, cruel that when Pip realizes he has lost her and that he is not even worthy of her it amplifies the loneliness and sorrow experienced by the protagonist at the end of the novel. Biddy may not have taken up many pages in Great Expectations, but the story certainly would not have been the same without her.

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was graded by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
Essay’s grade:
Good
What’s grading
minus plus
Expert Review
The essay provides a thoughtful analysis of Biddy's role in Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," effectively highlighting her function as a foil to Pip and Estella. The writer adeptly explores the contrast between Biddy's pragmatic Victorianism and Pip's Romantic ideals, emphasizing how Biddy embodies the sensible path Pip could have taken. By illustrating Pip's internal struggle and eventual realization of the hollowness of upper-class values, the essay underscores Dickens' critique of social ambition. The discussion is well-structured and supported by textual evidence, demonstrating a clear understanding of the novel's themes. However, the analysis could benefit from a deeper examination of specific scenes that showcase Biddy's influence on Pip’s development. Additionally, while the essay captures Biddy's significance in advancing Dickens' message, it could offer more nuanced insights into her character beyond serving as a moral compass for Pip. Overall, this is an insightful piece that effectively captures Biddy's critical yet understated presence in "Great Expectations."
minus plus
What can be improved
While the essay presents a solid analysis of Biddy's role in "Great Expectations," there are several areas for improvement. Firstly, the argument would benefit from a more detailed examination of specific scenes that illustrate Biddy’s influence on Pip's character development. For instance, discussing their interactions during key moments—such as when Pip returns home after his time in London or during their conversations at the marshes—could provide richer insights into how Biddy shapes Pip's understanding of love and self-worth. Additionally, while the essay effectively contrasts Biddy’s pragmatism with Pip’s Romantic ideals, it could delve deeper into Biddy’s own character beyond her function as a foil. Exploring her aspirations, resilience, and emotional depth would add nuance to her portrayal and emphasize her significance within the narrative. Finally, incorporating direct quotations from the text could strengthen the argument and provide concrete support for the claims made about both Biddy and Pip. Overall, enhancing these aspects would elevate the analysis and offer a more comprehensive view of Dickens' themes through Biddy's critical yet understated presence in the novel.

Cite this Essay

The Role of Biddy in Great Expectations. (2018, May 28). GradesFixer. Retrieved February 17, 2025, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/biddys-role-in-great-expectations/
“The Role of Biddy in Great Expectations.” GradesFixer, 28 May 2018, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/biddys-role-in-great-expectations/
The Role of Biddy in Great Expectations. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/biddys-role-in-great-expectations/> [Accessed 17 Feb. 2025].
The Role of Biddy in Great Expectations [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2018 May 28 [cited 2025 Feb 17]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/biddys-role-in-great-expectations/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now