What are some motifs in Great Expectations by Charles Dickens?
Sparknotes http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/greatex/ is good for finding symbols and motifs in various books. One of the motifs they talk about is doubles of one person’s actions, behavior or characteristics mirroring another person’s in the story. I like that one. For instance, there are two convicts; they are definite opposites, however. See chapter 42 when Magwitch is telling Pip about the convict who is his enemy: “Well!” he said, “I was, and got convicted. As to took up on suspicion, that was twice or three times in the four or five year that it lasted; but evidence was wanting. At last, me and Compeyson was both committed for felony – on a charge of putting stolen notes in circulation – and there was other charges behind. Compeyson says to me, ‘Separate defences, no communication,’ and that was all. And I was so miserable poor, that I sold all the clothes I had, except what hung on my back, afore I could get Jaggers
