Pip-Character Analysis

Philip Pirrip is the main character of the classic book: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. The name "Pip" is well chosen based on what this character thinks, feels, and does. One definition of the name Pip is "a small seed of a fruit". If this is the definition that Dickens was going by, then he could of had meant that Pip starts out small protected under another's wing. In the novel, Joe looks out for Pip's best interest. For example, Joe has always let Pip know when Mrs. Joe was out on her "rampage". Someday Pip will become someone important and with a beautiful personality and lifestyle, possibly protecting someone of his own. A second feasible interpretation of Pip is "a young bird breaking out of a shell". Assuming that this may be Dickens's chosen terminology, Pip may be shy and "small" now but in the near future he will branch out and succeed and make a big difference. Finally, another practical explanation of Dickens's reasoning of naming the main character Pip could be "to defeat (an opponent)". If so, this could mean that Pip will win a silent battle between himself and another character such as Miss Havisham or Estella. I personally believe that Pip will "break out of his shell" and reach out to achieve personal success.