One of the main motifs that were found in The Importance of Being Earnest was the concept of comparing and contrasting characters and settings. At the beginning of the second stage, Pip moves from his small town that he grew up in to the big, bustling city of London. His first impressions are of the prison, and Mr. Jagger's run down office. He immediately feels uncomfortable and out of place as he says, "This was horrible, and gave me a sickening idea of London..." (164). Overall he is deeply disappointed in what he had such high hopes for. He was expecting a city full of high class people and gentlemanly behavior, but that is not what he received.
I believe that this change in setting shows the difference between the two settings and what the consequences are of "becoming a gentleman". This also shows the underlying theme of the upper class. The upper class people may not be what Pip expects. For example, Mr. Jaggers is well off when it comes of money, but his attitude is mean, stubborn, and sometimes ignorant. Comparing him to Herbert (not as well off, but has a laid back, carefree, and nice persona) shows that does not have the best overall personality, even though he is of the upper class. As Pip moves closer and closer to becoming a gentleman, he seems to be growing more and more selfish and egotistic. Only thinking of himself and not of the family he has left behind. He is also not feeling as guilty about things he does that he knows is wrong. Pip is trying to fit the mold of being a gentleman, even if it means leaving his old personality behind.
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