A Character Sketch Of Joe Gargery :: essays research papers

A Character Sketch of Joe Gargery     Joe Gargery might non be the smartest or wisest of Dickens characters,but he is definitely one of the kindest and more or less humane. Although Miss Havishamgets much attention for being different, I think that you go out soon be convincedthat Joe, however simple he may be, is definitely a unique character. It is myopinion that Dickens made an effort to raise the readers respect for Joe by thesharp contrast between him and his wife. Three qualities belonging to Joe argonhis affectionate nature, pride, and his perseverance.     When Joe asks Mrs. Gargery to marry him, he especially insists that shebring her young orphaned brother, Pip, to live with them. Joe never reminds Pipof this fact, except when telling Pip how much he thinks of him. Mrs. Gargery,on the other hand, is constantly reminding Pip to be thankful of her "raisinghim by hand". At one point, Pip decides he will educate Joe to read. Although Joehas no real aspiration for this, he humors Pip and lets the boy instruct him.As mentioned before, Mrs. Gargery is a very cruel person. One would thinkliving with her would grounds even a saint to kill. Even so, Joe never says aharsh word about his wife and treats her with the utmost respect. Pipsdecision to go to London has a greater impact than most readers think. Not onlywas Joe losing a set of hands around the forge, but he was also saying farewellto a boy who must have been like a son to him. Joe knew that once Pip leftthey would never have the same relationship. It was clear to Joe that this wasPips dream, so not once did he question the decision Pip had made.     When Pip is asked to come to Miss Havishams and "play", Mrs. Gargeryand Pumblechook are driven crazy wondering what gift she will give Pip for hisservice. Joe, on the other hand, pays no attention to their high hopes. Hispride is also evident when he turns down the money Jagge rs offers him for Pipsindentures. It is not that Joe couldnt physical exertion the money, after all he is losingPips help in the forge and his wife is bedridden.     Joe proves to be a man of great perseverance. He manages to run asmithy, be married to a wife with a temper that makes a rabid dog seem tame, and