Understanding Innocence
In literature, the theme of innocence is often portrayed as something pure and untouched by the complexities of the world. However, as characters journey through their stories, that innocence frequently gets corrupted or challenged in profound ways. In both Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” and George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” we see this theme play out through the lives of their main characters. Pip and Eliza Doolittle start off with a certain naivety, but their experiences force them to confront harsh realities that ultimately corrupt their innocence.
Pip’s Journey: A Loss of Innocence
Let’s first dive into “Great Expectations.” Pip begins his story as an orphan raised by his sister and her husband in a humble home. From the outset, he possesses an innocent perspective on life; he dreams of becoming a gentleman without fully understanding what that entails. His innocent admiration for wealth is shattered when he learns that his benefactor is not Miss Havisham but rather an unknown source. This revelation serves as a pivotal moment in Pip’s life.
Pip’s interactions with Estella further illustrate this loss of innocence. Initially, she seems like a figure who could elevate him socially and emotionally. However, Estella embodies the coldness of wealth—she is beautiful yet unfeeling—and she teaches Pip that love can be conditional and cruel. Through her treatment of him, Pip becomes increasingly aware of social hierarchies and class distinctions that were once invisible to him. As he grapples with these truths, we see his childhood dreams morph into disillusionment.
Eliza Doolittle: Transformation Through Language
On the other hand, Eliza Doolittle from “Pygmalion” also starts off with an innocent worldview—at least within her socioeconomic context. A flower girl with limited prospects, her initial aspirations are modest; she wants to improve her speech to secure a better job at Covent Garden. The introduction of Professor Henry Higgins offers her hope for transformation.
However, unlike Pip’s financial ascent fueled by mysterious generosity, Eliza’s journey revolves around language as both a tool for empowerment and a potential trap. As she learns how to speak ‘properly,’ Eliza gains confidence but also becomes acutely aware of class prejudice and societal expectations imposed on her by others. This awareness leads to inner turmoil; while she’s gaining social status through linguistic refinement, she’s simultaneously losing touch with her roots—her identity becomes fragmented between who she was and who society wants her to be.
The Role of Society in Corruption
A common thread between Pip and Eliza is how society influences their respective losses of innocence. In “Great Expectations,” Dickens highlights Victorian class struggles—the desire for upward mobility can come at a cost to one’s moral compass and personal relationships. For example, when Pip rejects Joe out of embarrassment about his humble background after he comes into wealth, we see how social aspirations can lead to alienation from those we love.
Similarly, Shaw critiques societal norms in “Pygmalion.” While Higgins views Eliza merely as an experiment—a project to refine—he underestimates the emotional toll it takes on her psyche when faced with societal rejection despite her newfound status. The moment she realizes that being ‘refined’ does not equate to being accepted reveals just how brutal societal structures can be on individual identity.
The Ironic Twist: Redemption or Further Corruption?
The end results for both characters present interesting contrasts as well as parallels in terms of redemption versus further corruption following their transformations. By the conclusion of “Great Expectations,” Pip has matured significantly but remains haunted by his past decisions regarding those he loved most dearly like Joe and Biddy; he’s aware now more than ever that wealth doesn’t guarantee happiness or moral integrity.
In contrast, Eliza finds herself asserting independence at the end of “Pygmalion.” She rejects Higgins’ view that she owes him anything for transforming her life through language—a significant assertion against patriarchal authority—but still grapples with questions about self-worth outside societal validation.
Conclusion: A Dual Perspective on Innocence Lost
Ultimately, both “Great Expectations” and “Pygmalion” serve poignant reminders about how fragile our innocence can be when confronted by society’s demands or economic pressures. Through Kip’s financial desires leading him astray from his true values versus Eliza’s struggle against classism despite acquiring language skills—they underscore life’s complexities surrounding identity formation amidst shifting social dynamics.
This exploration into corruption reveals not just losses but also moments where each character learns invaluable lessons along their journeys—from acceptance to resilience—which ultimately shape them into stronger individuals despite suffering from reality checks throughout their lives.
- Dickens C., Great Expectations
- Shaw G.B., Pygmalion
- Litz C.S., The Cambridge Companion To Charles Dickens
- Mackay R.A., Shaw’s Pygmalion: A Critical Study
- Carter J., Class Distinctions in English Literature
