rt and that she is the light in his life. Estella is the light at the end of the tunnel to Pip. The goal to have an intimate relationship with Estella is what gives him the drive to become a gentleman. Despite the troubles Pip endures, Dickens seems to let him achieve the great expectation of Estella at the end of the novel when Pip says, I took her hand in mine, andI saw no shadow of another parting from her (451). The fact that Pip is holding Estellas hand at the end of the novel indicates to the reader that Estella and Pip have joined in a lasting relationship.Dickens uses hand imagery to describe other important relationships in Pips life. Joe Gargery and Pip use a type of sign language in order to communicate in the presence of Mrs. Joe. Joe[]drew the back of his hand across his nose with a conciliatory air, when Mrs. Joe darted a look at him, and, when her eyes were withdrawn, secretly crossed his two forefingers, and exhibited them to me, as our token that Mrs. Joe was in a cross temper (19).Joe is constantly providing a safe haven for Pip using his hands. He gives Pip the ability to communicate without being physically punished, and he also protects and comforts Pip by holding his hand. Dickens uses hand imagery to show that Joe is a hard worker and a proud man. Joe tries to share his pride with Pip by telling him, You wont find half so much fault in me if you think of me in my forge dress, with my hammer in my hand, or even my pipe (209). The fact that Joe is comfortable with making a living using his hands illustrates that Joe is comfortable with his position in life. Biddy is frustrated with Pips inability to recognize Joe as a proud and successful person, and she tries to explain this to Pip before he leaves for London, having rubbed the leaf to pieces between her hands[she] said, Have you never considered that he may be proud? (139). Dickens uses Biddys hands to show that she is an active and emotionally charged...
