Great Expectations-Biddy's Environment Essay Example

Introduction In the novel “Great Expectations” we are introduced to Biddy, a young girl, who has knowledge beyond her years. She is an old soul, and this is evident throughout the novel. Biddy lives in the forge with her grandmother, and she spends her days behind the counter at her grandmother’s store. After the attack on Mrs. Joe, Biddy moves into the Gargery’s home. Biddy is affected by her surroundings and the people she encounters.
Micro and Meso Environment
Biddy is a strong example of one’s environment affecting one’s character and demeanor. Biddy is orphaned at a young age and “brought up by hand” by her grandmother surrounded by poverty, which has a great impact on her appearance (Dickens 43). She does not take pride in her appearance as “her hair always wanted brushing, her hands always wanted washing, and her shoes always wanted mending and pulling up at heel” (43). Having grown up impoverished, she cares more about her studies than her appearance, as she wants to become educated and accomplished so that she will not remain impoverished through her adult life. Those who live in the forge are there because they are impoverished and cannot afford more expensive housing. Her surroundings have a profound effect on her as she is in a ghetto surrounded by poor people. Aspiring to a higher social class does not matter to her, as she sees education as her way out, and remains humble about her upbringing. Living in the forge among all the poor people makes her that much more determined to aim higher, and she sees education as her means of getting out of the forge. She does not over think, and “[She] [is] not over-particular” (129). Because of her background, Biddy learns to focus on the important things, and her goals, and not to be distracted by unimportant things. Biddy is an intelligent girl who “whatever [Pip] knew, Biddy knew” (126) She also understands the significance of having patience, and being kind, goodhearted, and loyal, characteristics