As the American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said: “Being yourself, in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest accomplishment. » In other words, pressure and temptation lurk everywhere and create a self-image that everyone feels obligated to have and that people should not be afraid to be themselves for the sake of other people's opinions . Charles Dickens conveys this message primarily through his protagonist, Pip, in his classic Great Expectations. Before Pip gained wealth and confidence, he was constantly trying to impress the beautiful but arrogant Estella. His expectations only fueled the burning desire to please him, as well as his radical change in attitude. Estella, the side effects of wealth, and a loyal family like Joe have all helped Pip realize that others can help him form his opinions, but he possesses the ability to act for himself. Throughout Great Expectations, Charles Dickens implies that to achieve true happiness, people must remain true to their character regardless of negative influences. In Great Expectations, Pip became elegant and educated for Estella, which was successful, but failed to win Estella's heart. Pip begins to feel self-conscious about their shared beginnings and his family to impress him, even though he knows that Estella has no feelings for him. Estella often tests his resilience through her verbal and mental abuse, particularly when “her eyes mocked him with malice” (101). Pip obviously feels that Estella is not a compassionate person, but he is still attracted to her. He wanted to earn her respect by raising himself to his own level by any means possible, even using an innocent friend like Biddy for his own selfish purposes. Pip decides "this is the best step I can take to become [himself] uncommon... middle of paper... Kens great expectations." He now realizes that no one, not even Estella and Joe, can set standards for who he should be. Another important lesson Pip learns is the effect money should have on his life. Wealth should not affect or change who one is in any way. Even in a Victorian society, wealth is only a means to acquire concrete goods and character is what really matters. Pip's many disappointments show that others can influence his character, but he makes the final choice that reflects his true self in the world. The reader must now feel that straying from one's true nature can only lead to unhappiness and confusion. In Great Expectations, Pip overcomes the ultimate challenge of ignoring the world's values ​​in life and emerging as one of God's unique individuals. Works Cited Great Expectations by Charles Dickens