The Star Essay, Research Paper

In Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, light is used symbolically through the example of Estella. Miss Havisham brings Estella up in the darkness, consequently sheltering her from the true

meaning of life. By Miss Havisham’s orders, the house

in which Estella lives is lit only by artificial light. Estella constantly lives a false life by never

knowing the true significance of her words and actions. Her confinement to the darkness affects Pip, the one person who truly loves her. Estella represents his

unreachable star, a light in the darkness that he faithfully reaches for. The sun, earth’s star, is

our source of life. In this way, Estella acts as Pip’s

continual source of inspiration. He strives to become

a gentleman for her, so he can spend the rest of his

life by her side. Pip’s life was unfulfilled until “her light came along the dark passage like a star.”

This light, in the darkness of her surroundings, will light the way for Pip and always guide him back to

Estella. The light that Estella represents is

significant to this remarkable work, Great

Expectations.