The Lies of Pip

Once Pip returns home from Miss Havisham's house, Mrs. Joe, Joe, and Mr. Pumblechook are all eager to know what happened at the Satis House and what Pip did. However, Pip is deeply ashamed of how he was treated there and puts the blame on himself for being of such a low social class and being insulted. In addition, he feels that Mrs. Joe and Pumblechook will both be disappointed if he tells them what really happened because they had great expectations of him to do well and get Miss Havisham to like him. So, Pip lies about what they did and makes up stories of playing with flags and swords instead of telling them what really happened. Suprisingly, Pumblechook backs Pip up on some of the parts of his story. This is a huge event in the novel as this marks the first time that Pip shows his morals diminishing due to society. Also, it shows the first time that Pip has ever been unsatisfied with his life and wants more. Up until this point in his life, although it may have not been the best life, Pip was happy with it, and did not realize that there was much more than what he had. Now, because of his interaction with a higher class, he wants what he cannot get in both Estella and being of a higher social class. This want and desire causes Pip to be ashamed of what he is and as a result he lies and his morals are weakened by society. Pip still shows somewhat high ethics as he instantly feels guilty about what he did and tells Joe what really happened, but this marks the beginning in a steep downward spiral until Pip has been completely corrupted by society.