Re: Tale of 2 cities and Great Expectations
Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Wed, 13 May 1998 11:57:21 -0100
My dear Mr Macdonald,
Pip treats Joe badly, is appalled by Magwitch, and becomes an idle snob. He
is burned, he becomes ill, and he is almost killed by Orlick. After that he
humbly asks Joe's forgiveness. Estella is trained to break men's hearts,
and does, not least Pip's. She marries Bentley Drummle with the intention
of tormenting him, but is beaten and abused by him. Only then does she ask
Pip's forgiveness. Mrs Joe is a termagant, and treats Pip cruelly. She is
beaten and disabled by Orlick. Her last words are, "Pip . . . forgive."
Magwitch is "warmint," a perpetrator of dreadful crimes. He is mortally
injured in his last conflict with Compeyson, after which he becomes gentle,
and loving towards Pip, not merely possessive. As he lies dying, Pip prays,
"Lord be merciful to him, a sinner." I could have mentioned Miss Havisham
too. She is perverted by her wrongs, and seeks to make men suffer. She
cruelly deceives Pip. But she is burned, and afterwards becomes remorseful,
asking Pip if one day he might write beneath her name, "I forgive her."
Faithfully yours,
Charle Dickens
____________________________________________________________________________
________
>Thank you for your ideas.
>I am confused with what you mean by saying that Pip. Estella, Mrs. Joe, and
>Magwitch are redeemed by scourging, and by asking for forgiveness.
>Please help me understand this.
>
>Thank you
>
>Alex Macodnald
>
>
======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author