Why is magwitch an important character

It's no surprise to anyone that he ends up dying in jail. But what happens in between—well, that is a little surprising. Because he makes a fortune—and he gives it all to the little boy who brought him food years ago on the marsh.

Let's get this out of the way. Magwitch is gross. He's dirty, sloppy, and rude, eating "in a ravenous way that was very disagreeable, and all his actions were uncouth, noisy, and greedy" He's missing some teeth, and even in the clothes of a "prosperous farmer" he looks like a "Prisoner, Felon, Bondsman" But—and bear with us—we have to admire him.

He teaches himself to read and write, and, unlike any other wealthy character in the book, he's a self-made man. He gets rich through hard work and "living rough" and probably a little bit of good luck, too. However, he is a true man and accepts that risk knowingly, never playing the victim.

He wants to see Pip, will pay with his life if he has to, and is at peace with that. He loves Pip with a simple heart, and, having had a chance to return to the basic tenderness that was always within him, dies with dignity and peace. Previous Joe Gargery.

Next Mrs. Removing book from your Reading List will also remove any bookmarked pages associated with this title. The collection of actions, conversation and thoughts all create a very terrible and unpleasant persona of Magwitch, Dickens is presenting him as an unfavorable character in an attempt to influence the reader. The descriptions of Magwitch before his conversation with Pip presents modified ideas, which do not correlate with the ideas I have already explained; some statements are more sympathetic towards him.

The further depiction of Magwitch suggests that he has suffered extensively. This vivid description is like a burst of thoughts and the short sentence points have beat effect giving more emphasis. The illustration conveys a possibly metaphorical effect intended to mock and disagree slightly with the harsh treatment of convicts in Britain at the time the book was written.

This hinted idea gives an edge to Magwitch, which although may at first go unnoticed by audiences, later becomes a significant point. This narration continues to press ideas to the reader of an unlikable character. The way Dickens uses this child-beating figure represents the dreadful persona of Magwitch. It is mainly because of fear that Pip does this, which again supports Dickens first presentations of Magwitch.

When Pip confronts Magwitch, Magwitch rapidly eats the food Pip has brought. The speech has less tension with Pip and Magwitch seeming to be less nervous and anxious to talk to each other. After this meeting we see that Magwitch reverts to the evil convict role again. This section shows that there is a possibility of readers changing their of changing view of Magwitch, even though he is a convict.

It is supported by the way Pip had a slight change of heart during their last meeting. A group soldier, Joe, Mr. Wopsle and Pip find Magwitch fighting with another convict in an attempt to prevent him from escaping. The soldiers want to recapture the escaped convicts. When confronted by the soldiers Magwitch explains that the convict he was with was trying to escape and that he kept him from doing so.

Although not very significant it presents the idea that the Magwitch is not given any chances by the justice system and is considered forever a convict. The conflict with the other convict suggests that Magwitch is a murderer, again raising suspicions and opinions that he is still a very savage person. This is actually not true because Pip brought him the things. Here Dickens is presenting Magwitch as protective towards Pip and that he appreciates what he did for him.

However, as the story progresses Pip begins to change into a copacetic gentleman. Magwitch tries to find a way to tell Pip how much he loves him, Pip is an inspiration to him after he so kindly helped him 16 years ago. However, Pip only shows prejudice and repugnance towards Magwitch. Pip recognizes he should feel love for him. His heart tells him to love Magwitch but his head tells him to show abhorrence.

Magwitch only feels happiness in this short space of his life, Pip realizes what freedom is to him and acknowledges that he has risked everything for a short period with Pip. When they are suspicious of the fact they are being watched and followed Magwitch is so content he doesn't even care one bit.

Pip calling Magwitch by his real name shows sincerity. In addition, it is at the heart of the book mainly for the reason that. Get Access. Good Essays. Read More. Satisfactory Essays. Thematic Analysis Of Great Expectations.