Christian Teachings

Question 1

Breifly outline Victorian ideas about religion. (1)

Answer 1

Was a largely Christian society at the time.

Question 2

How is the theme of Christian teachings shown through Pip?

Answer 2

1. “like a wicked Noah’s ark”
   - Biblical imagery of a ship that’s supposed to guide passengers to salvation, yet is instead leading criminals towards damnation and suffering.
2. “Wandering Jew”
   - here refers to Orlick, but in the Bible refers to Cain, who was condemned by God to wander the earth after murdering his brother Abel in order to atone for his sins. In the context of the book, Orlick is Cain and was released from work b/c of his violence towards Mrs Joe. Exposes Orlick as the epitome of sin and the alternate path (dark double) for Pip who also said that he “had no home anywhere”.
3. “I felt like one who was toiling home barefoot”
   - relates to the Christian Parable of the Prodigal Son” in which a boy receives his inheritance and leaves his home, wasting all his money in wild extravagance and becoming desperately poor before returning home in shame and being received by his father with open arms.

Question 3

How is the theme of Christian teachings shown through Joe?

Answer 3

1. “Joe had sanctified it”
   - professes his admiration of Joe as he puts him on the same pedestal as a saint that sanctifies and purifies his “coarse and common” home.
2. “Rustle of an angel’s wing”
   - depicts Joe as an “angel” which, Biblically, are thought to be messengers of God, therefore suggesting to the reader that Joe’s character conveys his own message of moral goodness as opposed to moral evil.