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.